The Southwest Zone‘s loan guarantee portfolio includes several convenience stores representing approximately $32 million in loan guarantees. Tribes have used loan guarantees to capitalize on convenience store enterprises throughout California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.
Convenience stores are a solid source of employment and revenue for Tribes and individual Native entrepreneurs. In addition, these convenience store enterprises have been equally successful for Tribes of all sizes and locations. Some of the stores are located in remote areas and are a significant provider of critical services such as gasoline, basic food items, and financial services such as money orders and wire transfers.
Several stores complement other Tribal attractions such as hotels, casinos, and artisan communities. The Win River Mini-Mart located in Redding, CA, is an enterprise of the Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation (RREDCO), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Redding Rancheria. The mini-mart exemplifies all positive facets of tribal business development. Currently, the business employees 15 people and has consistently achieved profitability and growth.
