AICCO provides first look at Economic Impact Survey results

Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe. 

Written By: Rachael Schuit

(OKLAHOMA) Founded in Tulsa in 1991, the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO) provides opportunities and resources to help Native, tribal, and associate business members prosper and succeed. 

This year, AICCO launched an initiative to learn more about the impacts its Native businesses are having in their communities and statewide, focusing on 2023 data. 

Respondents of the ongoing chamber-wide survey include several different business types, including chiropractic, travel, commercial construction, land and mineral services, architecture, and hospitality.

The majority of the businesses that have responded to the survey thus far reported they employed 10 or fewer people. The company with the most employees reported 28.  

Business age ranged from one year to 65 years, and business revenue ranged from $140,000 to $7.5 million. 

AICCO State President Bailey Walker said the numbers are a true testament to the variety of Native businesses that comprise 55 percent of AICCO’s 200+ active membership.

"The Economic Impact Survey provides invaluable insights into the contributions our Native businesses are making, not just in economic terms but in social and community development also,” Walker said. “It’s a powerful reminder of the diversity and impact of our members across Oklahoma."

In regard to qualitative data, Native business members were asked about their collaborations with other businesses and organizations in their communities. 

Almost 64 percent percent of respondents reported collaborating with six or more businesses or organizations in 2023. Nearly 37 percent of respondents reported collaborating with one to five businesses or organizations. 

When asked the ways in which their business supported community development or social well-being, responses included raising property values in their area, creating new spaces for people to enjoy, and building housing for boys who have aged out of the foster care system. 

“We empower adults to be entrepreneurs and enjoy seeing single parents be able to provide better for their children as a result,” another Native business responded.

Four of the businesses said they have influenced the local supply chain in their community. 

Looking ahead, 90 percent of the businesses surveyed stated they would like to see their business expand this year.

Roughly 10 percent of AICCO’s Native Business members have responded to the Economic Impact survey. 

"The early results of the survey underscore the resilience and adaptability of our Native business community,” Walker said. “Despite obstacles and challenges, our members are finding innovative ways to collaborate and drive positive change in their communities. This is just the beginning of understanding the full scope of their impact."

Native Business members looking to take part in the ongoing survey should email chamber@aiccok.org