Sharice Davids: “I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that our Nation's…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that our Nation's entrepreneurs face challenges in starting and operating small businesses. Finding a skilled workforce, establishing an effective online presence, and building a customer base are hurdles common to all small business owners. However, our Native American small business owners face these challenges in a more severe way. Today, I will highlight a few reasons for that disparity. First, Native Americans are twice as likely to live in poverty as compared to other Americans. This significantly impacts their ability to use savings and assets to fund their small businesses, to access credit, and to take on the risk of entrepreneurship. Second, these businessowners face geographical barriers, with longer distances for supply deliveries and a lack of reliable broadband and telephone service. These physical obstacles make networking, finding mentors, and reaching out to a consumer base a bit more difficult, ultimately reducing their chances of success. Third, Native Americans who are entrepreneurs often face greater hurdles in attracting private investment and accessing Federal contracting opportunities. Addressing these challenges is crucial to leveling the playing field for Tribal small business communities and bolstering our overall economy. Currently, the U.S.…”