Strategic Planning and Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Learn more about strategic planning and how CEDS activities impact economic development.
Introduction
Created in 2016 through the adoption of the USET Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), the USET Office of Economic Development assists member Tribal Nations with the growth of economic and community development efforts. USET staff supports the work of healthy and vibrant Tribal economies through training and technical assistance opportunities, resource brokering, and research and data appraisals.
The USET Office of Economic Development understands that growing Tribal businesses means more people with jobs, new revenue sources for Tribal Nations, a more vibrant and resilient Tribal economy, and strengthening Tribal sovereignty.
Tribal Enterprise Directory
Tribal Enterprise Directory
See USET’s official Tribal Enterprise Directory.
Chris Thompson Economic Development Professional Excellence Award
Chris Thompson Economic Development Professional Excellence Award
The USET Board of Directors created this award in 2019 in recognition and appreciation of Tribal professionals and their innovation, dedication and contributions to economic development success in USET member Tribal Nation communities while promoting USET’s mission and statement of unity. Chris Thompson, past USET E...
Resources and Library
Resources and Library
Explore a list of resource organizations, partners, documents, and reports on Economic Development in Indian Country.
Latest Economic Development News
Connecticut leads by example with progress on tribal sovereignty and justice
Article by Chairman Rodney Butler, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
This year, the State of Connecticut took important steps forward in its relationship with Tribal Nations — not through symbolism, but through action. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) extends our appreciation to the Connecticut General Assembly and Gov. Ned Lamont for enacting three critical measures — HB 7287, HB 7288, and Public Act 25-59 — that strengthen tribal sovereignty, economic equity, and cultural recognition.
The U.S. Forest Service and American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association Select Recipients for FY 24 NATIVE Act Grants
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, has made its selection for the awardees of the USDA Forest Service/AIANTA NATIVE Act Grants for FY24. Six project proposals will receive NATIVE Act funding support to aid their efforts to enhance cultural tourism and recreation for the advancement of Native American communities.
Insights from a decade of economic research in Indian Country
As the Center for Indian Country Development marks its tenth anniversary, research and data findings show the distinctiveness and contributions of Native economies
Indigenous leadership: driving change through culture, sovereignty and economic growth
Indigenous leaders from the United States, Canada, and Australia recently gathered in Perth to discuss global issues such as protecting cultural heritage, asserting sovereignty, and driving economic growth. A central theme emerged - Indigenous leadership is not only essential for their communities but for creating a better world.
Roots of Resilience: Celebrating Native Women in Agriculture
Communities should support agriculture businesses as they are essential to national rebuilding and advancement, driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainability. By investing in local agriculture, we ensure a resilient and self-sufficient future that benefits both our communities and our broader economy. Read how Native women are leading this charge.
Native Communities Are Powering America's Economic Future
Native-owned businesses aren’t just preserving cultural heritage—they’re fueling economic growth nationwide. With over 300,000 jobs supported by Native enterprises, these businesses generate $36.7 billion annually in economic output, according to the Small Business Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency.
Supporting Entrepreneurs During National Entrepreneur Week
Native people have been entrepreneurs since time immemorial. Since 2016, National Entrepreneurship Week (#NatlEshipWeek) is a congressionally chartered week dedicated to empowering entrepreneurship across the United States and brings together a network of partners to educate, engage, and build equitable access to America’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Shop Small, Give Big: Holiday Gifting Guide for Supporting Native Businesses
Gift giving is an important part of indigenous culture. For many Tribal people, giving gifts is a way to strengthen relationships and show care for one another. In the past, before money was introduced by colonialism, Tribal Nations would trade goods and services instead of using dollars. While gift giving is still meaningful today, the traditional ways of giving have changed in our modern, capitalist world.
