The š»š„š£š„šš·š£Ķ (Ihkihkawi) Microenterprise Development program is currently seeking Native American business-owners and entrepreneurs interested in starting or expanding their business, and receiving a 0 interest Loan of up to $5,000.Ā
We are currently only accepting applications from enrolled tribal members, for businesses located on or Near the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD, Northeast OK, Central and Northern California, or on or near the Crow reservation in MT.
Existing small businesses or individuals with a well-developed business idea and a commitment to benefiting their tribal community are encouraged to apply.
Applications Close August 18, 2025Ā
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, Central or Northern California, or on the Crow Reservation or in the surrounding area in Montana. Currently we are only providing loans for these communities.
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.
The acceptance of this loan requires successful applicants to attend 6 in-person trainings, hosted locally in their community.Ā
If you have any questions on eligible ideas, or business models, please email Josh@IndianYouth.org
YOU CANNOT SAVE A DRAFT OF THE APPLICATION SO PLEASE READ THROUGH THE FORM FIRST SO THAT YOU ARE READY TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT IT ALL AT ONCE. Be prepared to attached the following items. These items will be required in order to submit your application.Ā
Tribal ID or CDIB Card
Copy of Driver’s License or other IDĀ
Business Overview Video (prompt provided)
W9 IRS Tax Form (For individual or existing Business)
If applying with an existing business:Ā
Tax ID of business
Date business was foundedĀ
Year End Financials (Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss)Ā
Articles of incorporation and bylaws (if corporation)Ā
Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement (if LLC)Ā
Partnership Agreement (if business is a partnership)
PLEASE NOTE: All applicants must give authorization for a credit check to be preformed.Ā
If you have any questions please contact Josh@indianyouth.org
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.Ā
Training: Successful applicants are required to attend six in-person business development courses, hosted locally in each community. Trainings are 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. All levels of training will consistently feature a strong focus on the role of entrepreneurship in strengthening and uplifting the community.Ā
Ā Reporting: Successful applicants will be required to submit 2 reports 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.Ā
Repayment: Upon acceptance of the loan, you agree to repay the loan in full. A repayment schedule will begin one year after the loan funds are dispersed.Ā