Representative Eli Crane's (R-AZ) Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act has unanimously passed by the House Committee on Small Business, a development he celebrated this week.
In a statement, Rep. Crane expressed that Native American entrepreneurs seeking to start and run a business on a reservation are bogged down in complex property rights, taxation, regulation, and loan paperwork that hinder Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance. In response to these concerns, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act reduces red tape by codifying the Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) within the SBA under the Small Business Act, thereby expanding its outreach to Tribal business owners.
Rep. Crane had previously introduced the bill in the 118th Congress (2024-2025) with Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS), which passed the House but died in the Senate. The bill has been reintroduced with additional cosponsors, Representatives Jake Ellzey (R-TX) and Kelly Morrison (D-MN).
"While Tribal entrepreneurs should have the ability to access SBA's programs just like anyone else, these communities don't currently experience adequate outreach," the Arizona congressman said in a press release. "It's essential that they receive specialized expertise to assist them in navigating the unique complexities of running a business on a reservation."
Crane further emphasized that "as the representative for more than half of Arizona's Tribes, I'm honored to co-lead this vital bill, which would serve Tribal citizens of AZ-02 well."
The Arizona congressman has frequently introduced and sponsored legislation advancing Native American interests, including his January introduction of the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act with Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
This agreement authorizes $1.039 billion in funds to construct the Cragin-Verde Pipeline and the Yavapai-Apache Drinking Water System and affirms the Yavapai-Apache Nation's right to 4,610 acre-feet of water per year.
