During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on enhancing support for Native American entrepreneurship and the ongoing operations of the Small Business Administration (SBA). A key focus was the SBA's efforts to address concerns from Native-owned businesses regarding the certification process. The SBA confirmed that a new streamlined certification platform will include a specific pathway for entity-owned small businesses, ensuring that these entities can be processed efficiently within the system.

The meeting also highlighted the SBA's decision to extend the moratorium on the bona fide place of business requirement for 8(a) programs, a move that has provided flexibility for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This extension has been particularly beneficial for Native entrepreneurs, allowing them to concentrate on their services without the burden of capital-intensive real estate requirements. Representatives expressed interest in the possibility of legislation to permanently rescind this requirement, indicating a desire for long-term support for small businesses.

Additionally, the meeting featured a contentious exchange regarding the SBA's involvement in voter registration efforts. Concerns were raised about the agency's activities related to voter registration, with representatives questioning the necessity of a memorandum of understanding with states if the SBA's role was merely to provide a link on its website. The SBA administrator defended the agency's actions, asserting that their primary focus remains on supporting small businesses through capital and counseling rather than voter registration.

Overall, the meeting underscored the SBA's commitment to improving services for Native-owned businesses while navigating the complexities of its broader responsibilities.