H.R. 7396 — Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act

This section establishes the Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to foster working relationships with Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations by targeting SBA entrepreneurial development, contracting, and capital access programs to support small businesses owned by tribal or Native Hawaiian members and to promote economic development in Indian country (i.e., lands within the boundaries of an Indian reservation under federal or tribal jurisdiction, dependent Indian communities, or Alaska Native villages, as defined in 18 USC 1151). The office, headed by an Assistant Administrator appointed by the SBA Administrator with relevant expertise, must (1) provide assistance and financial support (e.g., grants, contracts) to tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or qualified nonprofits for training, counseling, and program access; (2) formulate and promote policies addressing Native American business needs; (3) collaborate with SBA offices and other federal agencies; (4) facilitate tribal consultations; and (5) recommend office budgets. The Assistant Administrator must submit annual reports to Congress on office effectiveness—including clients served in tribal communities, consultations conducted, and trainings held in Indian country—through the section's termination seven years after enactment.