Montana Tribal Businesses: Up to $14,000 Available Through Indian Equity Fund Grant Program

If you are an enrolled member of one of Montana's eight federally recognized tribes and own a business, there is money available for you right now. The Montana Department of Commerce's Indian Equity Fund (IEF) Small Business Grant Program awards up to $14,000 per business each year — and the state has just announced 26 businesses that received funding in the latest round.

What Is This Program?

The IEF is a grant program designed to support Native American-owned businesses across Montana. Grants can be used for a wide range of business needs, including:

• Purchasing new equipment
• Developing a new product line
• Expanding operations
• Improving facilities
• Marketing and branding investments

How Much Can You Get?

Individual awards go up to $14,000, with a required dollar-to-dollar cash or in-kind match from the applicant. The total annual pool is $320,000 distributed among eligible businesses statewide.

Who Got Funded in 2026?

The latest round funded 26 businesses across Montana, including:

• Bamn Junk Removal and Moving (Billings) — $14,000 for trailer upgrades and tools
• Evening Star Outdoor Adventures (Browning) — $14,000 for rental boats and booking infrastructure
• KayCo BBQ (Browning) — $14,000 for smoker, food trailer, and catering expansion
• Warrior Trail Jewelry & Gifts (Lame Deer) — $14,000 for inventory, displays, and branding
• Water People Tours (Ronan) — $13,000 for boat equipment, safety gear, and marketing tools
• And 21 more businesses in communities across the state

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, you must be an enrolled member of one of the eight federally recognized tribes in Montana. The IEF is one of four financial assistance programs under Commerce's Office of Indian Country Economic Development. Other programs available to eligible applicants include:

• Native American Business Advisors
• Tribal Tourism grants
• Native American Collateral Support grants

How to Apply

Visit the Montana Department of Commerce's official page for full details and application instructions:

commerce.mt.gov — Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant

Real Impact

A previous IEF recipient, Selena Sandman of SSW Beadwork in Havre, used her $10,000 grant to expand from a home-based operation to a downtown storefront. "The Indian Equity Fund played a critical role in expanding my business," she said. "This investment provided the capital to purchase displays and fixtures, strengthen inventory and build the foundation for long-term growth."

Source: Montana Department of Commerce Newsroom

Browse more grant programs for your state at GrantNavigation.com.