Office of 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.

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Climate United launches $30M grant program for tribal clean energy development

Climate United aims to lower barriers to renewable energy projects with a new $30 million grant program for Tribal Nations. The organization’s NEXT program will offer grants up to $300,000 per recipient, targeting Native-led or Native-supporting renewable energy projects.

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.

AIANTA Partners with National Tour Association to Amplify Indigenous Destinations in the U.S.

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the National Tour Association (NTA) have announced a reciprocal cooperation agreement to build awareness of destinations across U.S. Native Nations and their travel products among NTA’s community of travel professionals.

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.

The U.S. Forest Service and American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association Select Recipients for FY 24 NATIVE Act Grants

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

Access archived economic development information