When you buy something from a Native-owned business, you are supporting the people behind that business. But what does that actually mean?
Native-owned businesses come in many different forms. Some are family businesses that have been passed down through generations. Some are newer businesses built around food, agriculture, art, wellness or other products. Others are Tribal enterprises that create jobs and economic opportunities within their communities.
There isn’t one type of Native-owned business, and there isn’t one reason to support them. Every business is a little different.
Supporting jobs and local economies
One of the biggest ways a purchase can make a difference is by helping Native-owned businesses grow.
When a business grows, it can create jobs, provide income for families and contribute to the local economy. For Tribal businesses and enterprises, that economic activity can also help create opportunities within the broader Tribal community.
Many of the businesses we work with at SweetGrass Trading Company are small businesses. Purchasing their products helps create demand for what they make and gives them an opportunity to continue growing.
Keeping traditions going
For many Native-owned businesses, what they sell is connected to their culture, community or family traditions.
Food is a good example. Native farmers and food producers are growing traditional crops, using ingredients that have been part of Indigenous foodways for generations and finding new ways to share those foods with customers.
Our Indian Corn is one example here in Winnebago. The Winnebago Public School Academy grows the corn as a fundraiser, and each year students, community members and Ho-Chunk, Inc. employees come together to harvest and prepare it. The corn is then packaged and sold through SweetGrass Trading Company. The project gives students an opportunity to learn about agriculture and connects them with community members who can share knowledge and traditions.
Other Native-owned businesses do this in their own ways. They may work with traditional foods, plants, artwork, recipes, stories or skills that have been passed down through generations.
There are many ways to support Native businesses
Supporting Native-owned businesses doesn’t have to mean buying a particular type of product. It can mean choosing a Native-owned brand when you’re looking for something you already need, trying a new food, purchasing a gift or simply learning more about the businesses you come across.
At SweetGrass Trading Company, we carry products from a variety of Native-owned businesses, Tribal enterprises and Native makers. You’ll find food and beverages, personal care products, candles, books and more.
We think it’s important for people to know who is behind the products they buy. Every purchase supports a business, and for Native-owned businesses, that support can help create economic opportunities, keep traditions going and make it possible for these businesses to continue sharing what they do with others.
That’s what we mean when we talk about supporting Native-owned businesses. It’s not just about the product you take home. It’s also about supporting the people, businesses and communities behind it.