Great Aids and Incentives

Limited Taxation
As a Sovereign nation, the Qualla Boundary is not subject to County property tax, or to the N.C. state sales tax, for retail sales on or delivered to the Qualla Boundary.

Tax Credits
Section 45 (a) of the IRS Code provides tax credits of up to $20,000/year for each Native American you employ. Section 168 (j) provides for the accelerated depreciation of certain property acquired in connection with your business.

Ready Loans
The Sequoyah Fund provides micro-loans ($10,000 and less), Small Business Loans and Downtown Revitalization Loans (up to $150,000) to worthy businesses within the Boundary that might not meet conventional banking criteria. While these funds are primarily intended for enrolled Tribal members, they may apply to businesses with non-Native ownership when judged to benefit the community. The Fund supports and provides business training and consultation as well.

Nearby Training
Education and training is also available through Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College, both within 30 minutes of Cherokee.

Advanced Infrastructure
EBCI is a 50% owner of BalsamWest FiberNET, a three-state, carrier-grade fiber-optic network in WNC, East Tennessee, and North Georgia. Businesses on the Boundary can directly connect to the local EBCI fiber-optic ring, gaining redundant and secure networks for high-speed internet, video, wide area data, and voice communication at significantly lower cost than outside market rates.