Tribal Economic Diversity Fund

Tribal Economic Diversity Fund is sponsored by Regional Development Corporation (New Mexico). This fund offers assistance to Native American-owned businesses to diversify revenue, leverage other investments, create new jobs, and have systems in place that lead to growth.

RDC’s Tribal Grant Fund awards businesses owned by a federally recognized Indian tribe or by an enrolled member(s) of a federally recognized Indian tribe for critical technical services and equipment. Awards are made on a competitive basis and are intended to provide services to tribal business entities that diversify revenue, leverage other investments, create new jobs and/or put systems in place that lead to growth.

Our goal is to sustain and assist developing businesses in Northern New Mexico with job creation and diversifying the region’s economy.

2026 Application Period: Closed April 10, 2026 Business enterprise owned by a federally recognized Indian tribe; or business owned at least 51% by an enrolled member(s) of a federally recognized Indian tribe from Cochiti, Jemez, Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Taos, Tesuque, or Jicarilla Apache Nation.

Business headquartered in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Northern Sandoval, Santa Fe, or Taos County Business-only bank account In business for at least 1 year prior to March 5, 2026 Preference given to first-time applicants and previous unawarded applicants Procure needed business equipment, tools Pay for advertising and/or marketing costs Purchase consulting services Purchase specialized software Outline specific purchases that can be completed within 6 months from award date.

Submit a Tribal Grant application by the deadline. Pay for approved funded purchases (outlined in application) and submit paid invoices for reimbursement. This is a reimbursable grant.

Awardees will be reimbursed for approved purchases upon receipt of paid invoices. Funds are awarded through a competitive process. Applications will be reviewed and scored by an independent review panel.

Award is not available for general business expenses (ex: rent, utilities, inventory, insurance ) or salaries. Gambling, tobacco, or illegal activities will not be funded. Each proposal must describe a critical project that will advance the commercial progress of the company, increase revenues, and/or add jobs.

The full or a partial amount of the total request may be awarded. Funds are not awarded upfront but as a reimbursement to awardees' business once purchases are completed and approved. P urchases or services outlined in application cannot be purchased before an award is made and a fully executed award agreement is in place.

Only proposals that meet the eligibility requirements will be evaluated. Evaluation conducted by Independent review panel of local and regional business experts. Evaluation criteria based on potential to create new jobs, increase or diversify revenues for the company, and leverage other investments.

Online Application: Available when next Tribal Grant application period opens Sample Application: Available when next Tribal Grant application period opens Please note: The application cannot be saved in-process for completion at a later time. Please review sample application to have your answers ready for input.

QUESTIONS: Jolene Nelson , Workforce Development Coordinator The Tribal Grant Fund is made possible due to generous support from: Tribal Grant presentation