Marksville, La. – (April 10, 2023) – The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana has obtained 8(a) certification status through Tunica-Biloxi Industries, an economic development programthat focuses its efforts on small business development by providing various forms of management, technical, financial, and procurement assistance.
8(a) programs allow firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals – such as tribal and native entities, small businesses and community development corporations– access to resources and opportunities that will help them effectively compete within the economy. With this certification status, Tunica-Biloxi Industries will be able to formulate a competitive advantage that will allow them to enter industries such as cut and sew, textile manufacturing, rare earth recycling and more.
“This has been a goal for over thirty years in the making, which makes this a significant milestone for the Tunica-Biloxi citizens,” said Marshall Pierite, Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. “This 8(a)-certification milestone will allow the tribe to position itself to be a solution to many nationwide obstacles and create resiliency for the tribe and its surrounding communities.”
The 8(a) program is particularly beneficial for tribes in remote locations because it allows for access to new markets without the need for a large workforce. Additionally, when the economy experiences hardship, those under the 8(a) program may be eligible to receive contract awards or protective measures in the event of a disaster that may impact a business– such as a pandemic shutdown.
To learn more about the benefits and qualifications of the 8(a) program, please visit: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program