The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), through the Office of Indian Economic Development (OIED), solicits proposals for the Indian Business Incubators Program (IBIP) to support Native entrepreneurs with start-up, early-stage, and established businesses serving Tribal reservation communities.

Overview

Established by the Native American Business Incubators Program Act (Pub. L. 116-174), the IBIP provides grant funding to eligible entities to operate established business incubators. These incubators deliver entrepreneurship and business skills training, mentorship, networking, technical assistance, and access to investors. The program aims to promote collaboration, address challenges, and provide tailored services to overcome obstacles unique to each participating business. The OIED administers the program through the Division of Economic Development (DED).

Funding and Benefits

• Program Funding: $3,000,000
• Expected Awards: 10
• Award Minimum: $300,000
• Award Maximum: $400,000
• Funding Instrument Type: Grant
• Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes
• Project Period: 36 months, with an option for an additional 36 months
• Budget Period: Initial grant award is for a 12-month budget period. Continuation beyond each 12-month period is subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress, and a determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal government.

Eligibility

Eligible entities include:

• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations, as defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), including Tribal Consortia
• Tribal Colleges or Universities that have been operational for not less than one year before receiving a grant
• Public and state institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status
• Other Native American tribal organizations
• A Tribe or private nonprofit organization that provides business and financial technical assistance, has been operational for not less than one year, and commits to serving one or more reservation communities

Two or more eligible entities may submit a Joint Application. All joint entities must submit certifications of eligibility and indicate which entity will serve as the lead contact for grant management.

Application Process

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than the closing date and time. Applications are submitted via Grants.gov. The funding opportunity number is BIA-IBIP-OIED-2026.

Deadline and Timeline

• Closing Date: July 24, 2026
• Deadline for Electronic Submission: July 24, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
• Posted Date: June 9, 2026
• Archive Date: July 25, 2026

Contact Information

Grantor Contact: Jo Metcalfe
Email: jo.metcalfe@bia.gov