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.
Economic Development News
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Hires Chief Financial Officer
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) in Akwesasne, N.Y., has hired Heather Henry as the tribal government’s new Chief Financial Officer.
Poarch Band of Creek Indians enterprise turns M&A focus to expiring 8(a) contractors
Tribally owned Poarch Creek Indians Federal Services understands the value proposition in buying strong-performing companies with existing federal contracts. Throughout its history, the enterprise of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians has started several companies to seize opportunities in the federal contracting sector, as well as made three acquisitions, including a deal this month for Fortis Industries Inc., a Huntsville, Ala.-based, veteran-owned facilities support provider.
Four Native American projects awarded for rural water infrastructure
Four projects serving Native American tribes will receive a collective $7.3 million in funding under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal Grants program. Among the awardees, the Houlton Water Company in Maine received $1.08 million to replace two lift stations in the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians community within the city of Houlton.
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe awarded grant to revive aquaculture business
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe plans to leverage a new federal grant to revive its First Light Farms aquaculture business, which fell on hard times at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tribal Nation recently received word that it would receive $1.1 million in grant funding from the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration.
DOE to Announce Funding Opportunity to Power Unelectrified Tribal Buildings
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (Office of Indian Energy) recently issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to release a $15 million Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) this summer to support powering unelectrified tribal buildings.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Program
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is extending the deadline for Tribal governments to initiate
and submit their complete SSBCI Capital Program application to September 1, 2022, at
11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) and the deadline to submit an application for the SSBCI Technical
Assistance (TA) Grant Program to September 1, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Native American Communities Continue to Face Barriers to Opportunity that Stifle Economic Mobility
Native American communities face significant and unique barriers to accessing economic opportunities. The Joint Economic Committee analyzed available data and trends affecting the Native American community, finding the following: Native Americans face barriers to accessing quality education and jobs, reducing economic mobility and leading to disparities in labor participation...
Wabanaki Cultural Tourism Initiative Receives Funding for Native Tourism Infrastructure
The Wabanaki Cultural Tourism Initiative received a $374,000 boost to its efforts aimed at bolstering Native tourism in Maine. The funds included $224,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and $150,000 from the Maine Office of Tourism, which the initiative will use to create a robust inter-tribal experiential tourism industry that both draws visitors year-round and preserves Wabanaki culture by 2030.
