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Version 49 · Public Law · Oct 20, 2020
Native American Business Incubators Program Act
This bill establishes a grant program to provide business incubation and other business services to Native American entrepreneurs and businesses.
(Sec. 4) Specifically, the bill requires the Department of the Interior to establish a grant program in the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development for establishing and operating business incubators that serve Native American communities. A business incubator is an organization that (1) provides physical workspace and facilities resources to start-ups and established businesses, and (2) is designed to accelerate the growth and success of businesses through a variety of business support resources and services. Grant applicants may be institutions of higher education, private nonprofits, Native American tribes, or tribal nonprofits.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Interior must issue a grant for a three-year term and may renew a grant for up to three more years.
Grant recipients must generally provide a nonfederal contribution of at least 25% of the annual grant disbursement each year; however, Interior may waive this requirement under certain circumstances. Further, grant recipients must provide a nonfederal contribution of at least 33% of a grant renewal. (Sec. 6) Interior must facilitate the establishment of relationships between grant recipients and educational institutions serving Native American communities.
(Sec. 7) Additionally, Interior must coordinate with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Treasury, and the Small Business Administration to ensure that grant recipients have the information and materials needed to provide Native American businesses and entrepreneurs with assistance in applying for federal business and entrepreneurial development programs.
People & committees
Sen. Udall, Tom [D-NM] · D–NM
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 116-174.
Became Public Law No: 116-174.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4562-4564)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 294.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4562-4565)
Ms. Haaland moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States Discharged.
Referred to the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S4652-4664; text: CR S4660-4662)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S4652-4664; text: CR S4660-4662)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Hoeven without amendment. With written report No. 116-29.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Hoeven without amendment. With written report No. 116-29.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.294 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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