Recent Census data for the Hannahville Indian Community and Trust Land tells a story worth talking about:

• 720 community members
• 161 households
• $46,719 median household income
• 29.7% of workers are in government jobs, double the U.S. rate (14.6%)
• 15.9 minutes average commute, compared with 27.2 nationally

What this tells me: we rely heavily on government and tribal jobs, and we have room to grow our own small businesses right here at home. A short commute means a local customer base close by. Every tribal member who starts a business keeps more dollars circulating in our community.

If you’ve been thinking about starting something, whether it’s a side hustle, a craft business or a service, now is the time to explore it. Grant and startup resources are out there for Native entrepreneurs.

Follow Potawatomi Life for weekly grant and business tips. What business would you like to see in Hannahville? Tell us in the comments.