Apply for a Micro-Enterprise Development Grant!

DEADLINE EXTENSION: Applications close September 20, 2024 at 11:59PM EST.  

You must be enrolled in a state or federally recognized tribal nation. Applicants should be prepared to submit documentation with the Application. If you have any questions, please email Josh@IndianYouth.org.

You must live, reside, or have a business in Northeast Oklahoma, within the Pine Ridge Reservation and the surrounding area in South Dakota, or on the Crow Reservation or in the surrounding area in Montana. Currently we are only providing loans for these three communities.

You must have a completed, well developed business plan. You DO NOT need to have an already existing business. Every applicant will be required to submit a written business plan. Not sure if you have a fundable idea, or need a business plan template? Email Josh@IndianYouth.org.

All applicants are required to agree to a credit check, and all loan requirements. A credit check may be run to verify the accuracy of the statements and documents submitted in the application.

Please note: The acceptance of this loan requires successful applicants to attend 6 in-person trainings. 

• Tribal ID or CDIB Card
• Copy of Driver’s License or other ID 
• Business Plan (template available) 
• Business Overview Video (prompt provided)
• Profit and Loss projections (1 year)
• W9 Tax form (for individual or business)

If applying with an existing business: 

• Tax ID of business
• Date business was founded 
• Year End Financials (Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss) 
• Articles of incorporation and bylaws (if corporation) 
• Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement (if LLC) 
• Partnership Agreement (if business is a partnership)

PLEASE NOTE: All applicants must give authorize for a credit check to be preformed. 

The video attachment you provide may be shared to Running Strong website and Social Media. In video, please be sure to present yourself nicely, speak clearly, and film in 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical phone video). Prompt provided on application. 

Copies/Pictures of documents are for internal use only, but will need to be reviewed. Please provide large, good quality images. 

The micro-enterprise Development program consists of a zero-interest micro-loan of up to $5,000, and will also include practical business training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. 

Training: Successful applicants are required to attend six in-person business development courses designed to prepare candidates to find success in their venture. The trainings will center around creating a useful business plan, finance management competence, and developing a viable marketing strategy. Courses are taught by successful entrepreneurs, banking industry experts, and brilliant marketers. Trainings will be hosted in the Northeastern Oklahoma area, and on Pine Ridge Reservation.

 Reporting: Successful applicants will be required to submit reporting during their loan period. Reporting will consist of a Mid-Year Report, due 6 months after loan acceptance and a Final Grant Report due one year after loan acceptance. Reporting will consist of progress updates, 2-3 pictures of your business in action with short descriptions, and an expense report.