Heinrich, Luján, Stansbury Welcome $800,000 In American Rescue Plan Funding To Support Tribal Entrepreneurs

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) are welcoming $800,000 in American Rescue Plan grant funding to support training and development of Tribal entrepreneurs at the University of New Mexico’s Rainforest Innovations.

“The University of New Mexico’s Rainforest Innovations is a great launchpad for Tribal entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to welcome these investments from the American Rescue Plan that will open up opportunities for Tribal economies and careers.”

“I’m pleased to see this strong federal investment going to UNM Rainforest Innovations to support its expansion in creating new economic opportunities for tribal entrepreneurs,” said Luján. “UNM Rainforest Innovation is a unique complex that fosters collaboration between scientific and economic fields, and this investment will bolster their capabilities while strengthening our state’s economy.”

“The American Rescue Plan continues to deliver critical investments in our communities to build a more sustainable future,” said Stansbury. “I am grateful that this investment deepens resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs so we can continue to foster economic entrepreneurship and opportunities across our communities. I am looking forward to the work that UNM Rainforest Innovations will bring to our communities to diversify our economy and build a brighter future for New Mexico.” 

This grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) will identify gaps and barriers for tribal entrepreneurship and seek solutions to those barriers. The EDA investment will be matched with $200,000 in local funds.