ABOUT NIFBC
The National Intertribal Food Business Center (NIFBC) is committed to empowering food businesses by expanding market opportunities, enhancing access to capital, and streamlining regulatory pathways for growth. This initiative cultivates self-sufficiency, economic development, and national food security while honoring the traditions and knowledge of producers across Indian Country. The NIFBC is dedicated to strengthening Indian Country food businesses by creating opportunities for market expansion, capital investment, and business development. By fostering entrepreneurship and private-sector partnerships, we are ensuring that Indian Country food systems play a key role in the broader American food system and contribute to national food security.
Providing technical assistance and
capacity-building opportunities
Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) will establish the National Intertribal Food Business Center—the only USDA food business center prioritizing Indian Country—to impact greater food security nationwide.
Through targeted technical assistance and Business Builder Awards, NIFBC ensures food producers have the tools, training, and funding to scale their businesses, access broader markets, and contribute to the U.S. economy. We work alongside entrepreneurs to drive investment and increase productivity.
The NIFBC will work to create new markets and expand current linkages throughout the supply chain to address challenges faced by food and farm businesses. IAC will engage with key partners to develop a coordinated national food security development plan that supports the growth and expansion of Indian Country food businesses. The focus will be on small- and mid-sized food and farm businesses.
The NIFBC aims to be supportive of the needs of food businesses and food business leaders. Our intention is to serve food business leaders, farmers, ranchers, fishers, gatherers, value-added food producers, food product aggregators, distributors, food business owners, and more.
Partners
IAC partners with key organizations and private investors to strengthen food businesses, unlock capital, and increase market access. By integrating Indian Country food producers into national supply chains, we are enhancing economic resilience, job creation, customer service, and efficient growth for enterprises across rural America.
“With nearly 40 years of experience in food and business development work, the Intertribal Agriculture Council is excited about this opportunity to expand access that empowers self-determination and economic expansion in Indian Country. Our collaboration with the USDA in standing up the National Intertribal Food Business Center will increase efficiencies while building economic growth for our communities.”
Kari Jo Lawrence
Chief Executive Officer, Intertribal Agriculture Council
Visit the National Intertribal Food Business Center FAQ page for more information.
EMPOWER
Uplift producers with increased investment and support.
GROWTH
Developing the abilities, processes, and resources agribusinesses need to adapt.
REBUILD
Create positive food security within Indian Country agriculture
communities.
The Regional Food Business Centers and the National Intertribal Food Business Center offer producers the opportunity for both expanded technical assistance support and Business Builder Awards. As a producer, you may receive technical assistance support from both the NIFBC and your Regional Food Business Center. There is no limit to the amount of technical assistance support you can pursue between the centers. As a producer, you may seek Business Builder Awards from both the NIFBC and your Regional Food Business Center. The total Business Builder Awards received by a single producer or business entity cannot exceed $100,000 between any centers.​​​​​​
Click on the links below to learn more about Centers in the following areas:
Chief Strategy Officer
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National Intertribal Food Business Center Project Assistant
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National Intertribal Food Business Center Project Director
Grant Relations Manager
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Grant Relations Manager
National Intertribal Food Business Center Program Technician
TEAM
Contact IAC to learn more.
Email us at nifbc@indianag.org or fill out the contact form linked below for more information about NIFBC.
If you have questions specific to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s portfolio of Regional Food Business Center efforts, we encourage you to reach out to
Amber Marlow
Tribal Outreach Coordinator Impact Fellow
Amber.Marlow@usda.gov
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