ShoBan doubles tribal small business grants from CARES Act

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes announced new allocations of their CARES Act funding, including increased funding for tribal small businesses, broadband, infrastructure, health and housing. The presentation to the tribal membership was broadcast live on Sept. 16 over Facebook. The meeting was convened by ShoBan spokesperson Randy’L Teton. The increase in allocation for small business grants was presented by Whitney Burns from the Tribal Housing Opportunity Program and Community Development Financial Institution.

The tribal council originally allocated $100,000 for grants to small businesses owned by enrolled tribe members. “Our first round of grants helped 216 small businesses,” Burns explained. “These are helping all enrolled tribal members (who own businesses) even if they don’t live on the reservation. The largest number of grants, 77, went to bead workers followed by pow wow vendors, those who sell baked goods, our ranch and cattle (businesses) which we are known for, and many others.” Burns remarked that the details of the grants were available through the tribal public affairs office.

“We did have about 20 people apply for a grant after the fact,” Burns added. “It only took us two weeks to give out (the original) $100,000, so the tribal council approved another $100,000.”

Burns explained that the application for a small business grant was just one page; however, all applications required additional documentation showing enrollment in the tribe plus a copy of a business license, notarized affidavit of doing business or a business plan and budget.

Brent Cody, the Tribes’ CARES fund manager, outlined the other new allocations. “Out of the $21 million, the tribal council has allocated $20 million,” Cody stated. “A couple of projects couldn’t be implemented by the Dec. 30 deadline … those funds had to be put back into the pot to be reallocated. The budget (for the CARES money) was modified for infrastructure and water supply projects (that) needed more allocation of the COVID funds.”

Cody added: “The council allocated $50,000 to help improve sanitation and pest control for the district lodges. It is their hope that those will be used during the COVID pandemic as people move inside (in colder weather). The council also allocated $1 million for broadband … including bringing power to the Lincoln Creek Tower, repairing the Bannock Creek Tower and building two more 60-foot towers on the reservation to help spread coverage and increase reliability of the network. They allocated an additional $300,000 in funding to help tribal members obtain broadband service.”

Shalynn Kellogg of THOP/CDFI commented that the COVID-related home rehabilitation fund was still open for applications. “The application requires a tribal ID and a bid for the work,” Kellogg said. “If you don’t have a bid, we can help you get one.”

Other requirements for the housing grants include proof that the project is related to preventing or mitigating COVID-19. The work must be done by a licensed contractor if it involves electric, plumbing, HVAC or septic. Tribal elders, people with disabilities and those with chronic medical conditions would receive priority; otherwise the grant money will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

The tribal council has also used CARES money for rent relief, food relief, utility bill relief, school supplies and broadband aid for students, and broadband aid for those sent to work from home instead of in an office.

Details on how the Tribes’ have allocated their CARES funds is posted to the ShoBan Facebook page.