Funding a small business can be difficult for anyone, but for Indigenous-owned businesses, it can be even more challenging.A 2022 study by the Federal Reserve Banks found that only 36% of American Indian or Alaskan Native businesses were fully approved for a loan or other financial aid resources-a whopping 22% less than businesses owned by white people. Because of this, there have been numerous funding opportunities made available to Indigenous-owned businesses over the years to close this inequitable gap.If you’re a Native business owner or are thinking of starting your own business soon, here are some resources that might help:First Nations Development InstituteThrough First Nations, the most highly-rated American Indian nonprofit in the nation, Indigenous business owners can apply for a series of grants and financial opportunities from Native-centered organizations across the country. While the grants available and total funds awarded may vary, the organization has successfully awarded over 3,300 grants totaling nearly $80 million. The First Nations grantmaking program also offers technical resources to help Native American businesses develop.Eligible applicants for this program include: