HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that $320,000 of grant funding has been allocated to 26 Native American businesses in Montana. The funding is through Commerce’s Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program.
“Indian Equity Fund grants can be used to support a variety of business-related activities, such as the purchase of new equipment or the development of a new product line or expanding Native American businesses in Montana,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio.
IEF awards for individual businesses can be up to $14,000 with a minimum dollar-to-dollar cash or in-kind match.
The following businesses will receive IEF grant funding:
In 2025, SSW Beadwork received $10,000 in IEF grant funding, which enabled the business to grow beyond its online presence by opening a storefront location in Havre.
“The Indian Equity Fund played a critical role in expanding my business from a home-based operation into a fully established storefront in downtown Havre. This investment provided the capital to purchase displays and fixtures, strengthen inventory and build the foundation for long-term growth,” said Selena Sandman, SSW Beadwork owner. “Because of this support, I’ve been able to create a space that not only showcases my wearable art but also features and supports other Native artists and small businesses.”
Eligible applicants for IEF grant funding include enrolled members of the eight federally recognized tribes in Montana. Each year, a total of $320,000 of IEF Program funding is available for Native American businesses in Montana.
The IEF is one of four financial assistance programs under Commerce’s Office of Indian Country Economic Development. Other funding opportunities include the Native American Business Advisors, Tribal Tourism and Native American Collateral Support grant programs.
For more information about the IEF Grant Program, visit commerce.mt.gov
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that $320,000 of grant funding has been allocated to 26 Native American businesses in Montana. The funding is through Commerce’s Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program.
“Indian Equity Fund grants can be used to support a variety of business-related activities, such as the purchase of new equipment or the development of a new product line or expanding Native American businesses in Montana,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio.
IEF awards for individual businesses can be up to $14,000 with a minimum dollar-to-dollar cash or in-kind match.
The following businesses will receive IEF grant funding:
In 2025, SSW Beadwork received $10,000 in IEF grant funding, which enabled the business to grow beyond its online presence by opening a storefront location in Havre.
“The Indian Equity Fund played a critical role in expanding my business from a home-based operation into a fully established storefront in downtown Havre. This investment provided the capital to purchase displays and fixtures, strengthen inventory and build the foundation for long-term growth,” said Selena Sandman, SSW Beadwork owner. “Because of this support, I’ve been able to create a space that not only showcases my wearable art but also features and supports other Native artists and small businesses.”
Eligible applicants for IEF grant funding include enrolled members of the eight federally recognized tribes in Montana. Each year, a total of $320,000 of IEF Program funding is available for Native American businesses in Montana.
The IEF is one of four financial assistance programs under Commerce’s Office of Indian Country Economic Development. Other funding opportunities include the Native American Business Advisors, Tribal Tourism and Native American Collateral Support grant programs.
For more information about the IEF Grant Program, visit commerce.mt.gov.
Sign up to receive our free daily recap of local news, sports, and obituaries. (*=required field)