Office of Indian Country Economic Development (OICED)

The Office of Indian Country Economic Development is a Montana Department of Commerce grant family for Montana tribal nations and tribal businesses. It is funded through a restricted biennial appropriation in House Bill 2, with the FY26-27 cycle authorized by the 67th Montana Legislature, and it reflects a longer state commitment to tribal economic development. The umbrella includes six programs: Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant, Native American Business Advisor Grant, Native American Collateral Support Program, Tribal Business Development Grant, Tribal Tourism Grant, and Tribal Tourism Small Business Grant. Together they cover startup support, advisory services, collateral support, planning, and tourism-oriented growth. Award amounts vary by sub-program. The strongest fit is a tribal government, enrolled tribal member, or tribal business that can map a clear local need to one of the six routes. Because the family is legislatively funded and cyclical, applicants do best when the proposal matches the purpose of the specific sub-program rather than treating OICED as a single universal grant. That makes program selection as important as the project idea itself.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.