This month was established to recognize the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S. The theme for 2024: “Honoring Tribal Sovereignty and Indigenous Resilience.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American Indian- or Alaska Native-owned firms accounted for 1.2% (354,000) of nonemployer businesses, with $12.5 billion in receipts. Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander-owned firms accounted for 0.3% (90,000) of nonemployer businesses, with $3.4 billion in receipts; these were increases over 2023 statistics. The SBA has an Office of Native American Affairs, which offers free technical assistance for a variety of business types. #IdeaoftheDay