PURPOSE
The Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant assists startup or expanding Native American businesses in Montana. This money can be used for a variety of activities, such as the purchase of new equipment or the development of a new product line. A total of $320,000 is available to fund Native American businesses in Montana.
Download the IEF Cashflow Spreadsheet.
GRANT APPLICATION PERIOD
July 1 through Sept. 30, 2026.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
The funds are available to enrolled members of the eight federally recognized tribes in Montana. All applications must include documentation of tribal enrollment in the form of a Certified Indian Blood Form or Tribal ID. An application will be considered incomplete without this information.
GRANT AMOUNT
Awards for individual businesses can be up to $40,000, with a minimum dollar-to-dollar cash or in-kind match, and must be firmly committed and documented in the application.