What We Do

The Commerce Department supports the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians by strengthening economic growth, expanding opportunity, and improving quality of life across the Tribal community. Our department oversees programs that help Tribal Members build businesses, develop job skills, access employment support, and benefit from safe, reliable infrastructure.

We focus on empowering Members, supporting local development, and coordinating essential services that contribute to long-term Tribal prosperity.

Workforce Development

We provide career readiness services, financial assistance, training programs, and work experience opportunities. Our goal is to help Tribal Members gain the skills, confidence, and support needed to enter the workforce, advance professionally, and pursue long-term career success.

Small Business Development

We help Tribal entrepreneurs start, strengthen, and expand their businesses. This includes business planning assistance, resource navigation, training, and support that encourages sustainable economic growth within the community.

Transportation Planning & Public Works

We plan and manage safe, efficient Tribal transportation systems in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). This includes road projects, pedestrian safety improvements, public infrastructure planning, building permit oversight, and collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau to support accurate community data and funding.

Our Mission

The Commerce Department is an administrative agency designed to strengthen the Tribal economy, including making investments in infrastructure, and that promote, assist, and foster economic opportunity and self-sufficiency for Tribal citizens.