AKWESASNE TERRITORY – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has selected the tribe’s Office of Economic Development to receive the 2010 Minority Small Business Champion Award.  Since 1953, the SBA has recognized outstanding individuals for their dedication to small business through its awards program and the National Small Business Week. 

“We were nominated by the SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center.  We also received letters of support from the professionals we work with from the various partnerships we’ve established and maintained,” said Steven B. Cook, Director of the Office of Economic Development.  The SBA’s Syracuse District Director will present the award at the 12th Annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon on Friday, May 7th in Syracuse, NY.

“This is recognition for how the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe supports, promotes and contributes to local and regional economies,” noted Tribal Chief James Ransom.  “We are proud to receive this award and we commend the Office of Economic Development for its achievements.”

“The Office of Economic Development works to promote a vibrant, sustainable and diversified local economy through training, technical support and financial assistance.  We recently opened the Akwesasne Employment Resource Center and launched the Akwesasne Revolving Loan Fund,” said Cook.  The Territory is home to over 350 local businesses.      

Steady employment opportunities reflect the strength and stability of the Akwesasne economy.

“Right now the tribe is one of the major employers in the North Country,” commented Tribal Chief Monica Jacobs.  “We employ many people from our neighboring communities, especially in private businesses.”             

“The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Akwesasne,” observed Tribal Chief Mark Garrow.  “We continue to grow and provide jobs, despite the recession.”  Outside the private sector, the tribe employs about 1400 people between tribal operations, the tribal grocery store and its two gaming properties.

The tribe’s Office of Economic Development collaborates with many other local organizations: the SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center, St. Lawrence County Arts Council, local Chambers of Commerce, COMLINKS, along with the Akwesasne Area Management Board and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Economic Development Department.