OK: Oklahoma Leads Nation in Native-American-Owned Small Businesses

Oklahoma ranks first in the nation for Native American-owned small businesses, according to a study by B2B Reviews. The ranking reflects the state’s strong Native entrepreneurial community and growing business opportunities.

Nearly 10% of Oklahoma’s businesses are Native American-owned, the second-highest percentage in the country. The state also has the third-highest density of Native-owned businesses, and 6% of all employer firms in Oklahoma are owned by Native Americans, compared with the national average of 0.8%. Between 2024 and 2025, Native-owned businesses in the state grew by 6.1%, nearly double the national growth rate. Oklahoma is home to 35 federally recognized tribes eligible for Bureau of Indian Affairs support, ranking third in the nation.

Across the United States, Native Americans own about 402,582 businesses and contribute $66.9 billion in total sales annually. These firms employ 307,933 workers and generate an annual payroll of $12.9 billion, underscoring the impact of Native-owned businesses on the economy. In Oklahoma, these businesses support local communities, employ thousands of residents and generate significant revenue.  

Zac Carman, CEO of ConsumerAffairs and a member of the Kaw Tribe, said, “We’ve come a long way, but challenges like access to funding, mentorship and resources remain hurdles that many Indigenous-owned businesses continue to overcome.” He added that this resilience is rooted in cultural heritage and a drive to build sustainable businesses that benefit Native communities and the broader economy.

B2B Reviews compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across five metrics: the percentage of Native-owned businesses, density within the Native population, year-over-year growth, share of employer firms and the number of tribes eligible for Bureau of Indian Affairs support. Oklahoma’s strong performance across these categories placed it at the top.

Supporting Native-owned businesses strengthens Oklahoma’s economy, builds community connections and creates pathways for future entrepreneurs.

For more information or to view the full rankings, visit Best States for Native American-Owned Small Businesses 2025.