Profitable businesses are needed on Indian reservations to help Indians overcome cultural and economic barriers, become self-sufficient, and achieve a standard of living comparable to that enjoyed by non-Indians in neighboring communities; the 25 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs administered by 8 federal agencies, however, have not successfully promoted such necessary economic development. Congress should consolidate the programs into a single agency which would then be better able to identify those reservations with the best potential for business development, and to promote it aggressively in those locations while providing financial, technical, and managerial assistance when needed. For other reservations, the agency should determine whether long-term federal financial assistance is needed or alternative strategies should be developed. The Bureau of Indian Affairs should also correct its administration of the Indian Financing Act of 1974, in part by reevaluation of its loan policy and by obtaining and evaluating required documentation prior to awarding loans or grants. Finally, Congress should determine whether the approximately 300,000 Indians excluded from obtaining guaranteed loans via the Indian Financing Act should be eligible for its benefits and if so, Congress should amend the Act accordingly. (SB)