Accepting Business Nominations for $20,000 Grant Award

Through generous sponsorships, Oweesta is offering two Native Small Business Awards recognizing small businesses and owners. Nimiipuu Fund is seeking applicants to submit a proposal for one of our local entrepreneurs for an opportunity to be awarded a $20,000 grant. This grant is competitive as it competes with other Native CDFIs in the United States. 

The grant awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance of local business owners and their outstanding business ingenuity, contributions to cultural preservation, and community impact. It is through the successes and prosperity of Native small businesses that Native Nations can realize their self-determination. Join us in honoring local entrepreneurs by nominating a small business that exemplifies these qualities. Two awardees will be invited to speak at the closing ceremony and receive a $20,000 award. Submissions are by nomination only and a selection committee of partners will review nominations.

Eligibility Requirements:

Operating for 2 years minimum.

Native-owned and/or at least 50% of the employees are Native American, Alaska Native, and/or Native Hawaiian.

Business exemplifies one or more of the following values: cultural preservation, business ingenuity, community impact, and /or perseverance through COVID-19 pandemic.

Business must have attended a Nimiipuu Fund workshop, received technical assistance, or current/previous business loan recipient with Nimiipuu Fund.