Native Business Center

05/20/2026

🚨 Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses! 🚨

The [Hello Alice Allstate Main Street Grants Program](https://helloalice.com/grants/allstate-main-street-grants-program/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR6371leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUcnpiWjJmU2tOczg3eHZsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvu2rxilTzxK1fkR-go-aDAAcoNHkCh9gI3iXqEI5H2FsYAQRu5x37hTf2dM_aem_zzkf99ZMEaVWy0zdc8Pyyg&utm_source=chatgpt.com) is now open!

This opportunity could provide funding support for eligible small businesses looking to strengthen operations, grow, and invest back into their communities.

If you are a small business owner — especially entrepreneurs in underserved or rural communities — this may be worth exploring.

Need help preparing for funding opportunities? Reach out to your local technical assistance provider for support with applications, business planning, and lender readiness.

https://helloalice.com/grants/allstate-main-street-grants-program/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR6qnJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF0UlZsbVZQb2hmcnBQWUVtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn3o28loZp323qunRa1LD5mnSOKMV5SLgV_12aQUXMG3LywmfySb-V5LVpyQ_aem_kWTsEAeMtkgNf9J5jiAZwQ

05/20/2026

Big news for small businesses looking to grow!

The SBA is increasing access to capital for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Beginning July 4th, borrowers can access up to $10 million in combined funding through SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs — doubling the previous limit.

More access to capital can mean:
✔️ Business expansion
✔️ Equipment purchases
✔️ Job creation
✔️ Real estate and facility investments
✔️ Increased economic opportunity in our communities

This is an important opportunity for growing small businesses that are ready to scale and invest in their future.

Learn more through your local SBA lender or technical assistance provider.

SBA's latest rule change allows businesses to combine 7(a) and 504 loan limits. It takes effect July 4.

05/19/2026

Interested in doing business with the federal government? Join this free webinar to learn about federal contracting certifications and how they can help open doors for your business. Topics may include certifications for small, disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and HUBZone businesses.📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM PDT
💻 Online Event Hosted by the SBA

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wednesday-webinar-federal-contracting-certifications-tickets-1982466113512?aff=oddtdtcreator

Wednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle District

05/19/2026

Wildfires and natural disasters can impact businesses with little warning. Join this important training focused on helping small businesses prepare, protect assets, and build resilience before disaster strikes. Learn practical steps for emergency planning, recovery resources, and ways to strengthen your business continuity plan.

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM PDT

Hosted by the SBA Seattle District Office.
you can use this link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/disaster-preparedness-for-small-business-wildfires-tickets-1983636699767?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Being prepared today can help protect your business tomorrow. 🔥💼

Protect Your Business Against Future Disasters

05/12/2026

The Native Edge Institute scheduled for May 14 in Worley, ID has been postponed until further notice.

We will share updated information as soon as a new date is confirmed. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

05/12/2026

Looking to start, grow, or expand your business in a rural community? The USDA Rural Development Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
may be a powerful funding opportunity for small businesses, Tribes, nonprofits, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs across rural Washington and Indian Country. 🌱💼

This program helps businesses access financing through local lenders for:
✔️ Purchasing land, buildings, or equipment
✔️ Working capital & business expansion
✔️ Refinancing debt to improve cash flow
✔️ Modernization & infrastructure improvements
✔️ Job creation in rural communities

Eligible applicants may include:
• Small businesses
• Tribal enterprises
• Nonprofits & cooperatives
• Manufacturing, retail, service, food, tourism, and more

Businesses must generally be located in eligible rural areas (typically communities under 50,000 population). Applications are accepted year-round through participating lenders.

USDA recently increased the loan guarantee percentage for FY2026 projects, helping improve lender confidence and expand access to capital for rural businesses.

This could be a strong opportunity for Native-owned businesses and entrepreneurs looking to scale operations, purchase equipment, launch facilities, or strengthen long-term sustainability.

Learn more about the program here:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/business-and-industry-guaranteed-loan?utm_source=chatgpt.com

This program offers loan guarantees to lenders for their loans to rural businesses.

05/06/2026

📣 Reminder — WA BizFair is Happening Tomorrow in Spokane!

05/04/2026

🌲 Opportunity for outdoor entrepreneurs!

The 2026 Embark Program is now accepting applications. This program supports entrepreneurs of color who are building innovative outdoor brands.

Participants receive mentorship, a $5,000 grant, and access to a strong network of founders and industry-specific training.

If you’ve been looking for support to grow your business in the outdoor space, this is worth checking out.

🔗 Learn more: www.rei.com/path-ahead/embark

🗓 Apply by June 7 at 11:59 PM PST

Embark is a virtual, three-month program designed to fuel new and aspiring entrepreneurs from under-represented identities.

04/29/2026

📣 Calling all Native entrepreneurs & small business owners!

Looking to start or grow your business? Don’t miss WA BizFair—one of Washington State’s largest and longest-running small business resource events!

✨ Why attend?
✔️ It’s FREE and open to everyone
✔️ Connect with state, federal, and local business resources
✔️ Get one-on-one technical assistance
✔️ Learn through expert-led workshops on funding, licensing, marketing & more
✔️ Explore real opportunities to fund and grow your business

This is a no-pressure, no-sales environment designed to help you connect, learn, and grow your business journey. ()

🔗 Learn more & register: https://www.bizfair.wa.gov/site/alias__bizfair/1662/WA-BizFair.aspx

04/28/2026

🌿 Are You Lender Ready? 💼

Native Business Center is sharing an opportunity to help you prepare for your next funding step.

Securing capital can be a challenge—but being prepared makes all the difference. This session will walk you through what lenders look for and how to strengthen your funding request.

You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Organize your financials
✔️ Understand lender expectations
✔️ Build a stronger loan application
✔️ Position your business for growth

This is a great resource for Native entrepreneurs at any stage.

👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/are-you-lender-ready-prepare-for-your-funding-request-tickets-1987705577891?aff=oddtdtcreator

Learn how to prepare for a small business loan