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Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development
General Information on OIED’s Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) Grants
NABDI Grants provide technical assistance funding on a competitive basis to federally recognized American Indian Tribes and Alaska federally recognized Tribal entities seeking to retain consultants to perform feasibility studies or procure business plans for economic development opportunities.
The Office of Indian Economic Development has deep appreciation for the work accomplished under Secretary Deb Haaland’s exceptional leadership.
Office of Indian Economic Development (OIED) supports the economic development of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities by offering access to capital through grant opportunities and loan guarantees, and by providing technical assistance to tribes.
To maximize the economic benefits for tribes, OIED works in partnership with other federal agencies like the Economic Development Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Small Business Administration.
Indian Affairs established OIED in 2005 to promote the economic development of tribes and individual tribal members. OIED consists of the Division of Capital Investment (DCI), and the Division of Economic Development (DED).
DCI works to fulfill the mission of the Indian Financing Act of 1974 by reducing the disparity between the business capital available to AI/AN and non-AI/AN businesses through ILGP.
DED administers competitive grants to support Native entrepreneurs (IBIP), broadband deployment (NTBG), business development feasibility studies (NABDI), tribal tourism development feasibility studies (TTGP), and the documentation and revitalization of tribal language that are at risk of disappearing (LLGP).
We provide technical assistance, training, and funding to assist tribes and tribal members with starting and sustaining their businesses, and bringing their innovative ideas to the marketplace.
Through our efforts, we support tribes in accessing knowledge and resources to address the limited economic opportunities that exist in many American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
OIED Releases the FY 2023 NATIVE Act Congressional Report
August 13, 2024 - OIED releases FY 2023 NATIVE Act Congressional Report detailing interagency accomplishments to strengthen NATIVE American tourism.
News Announcement -
OIED Releases the FY 2023 NATIVE Act Congressional Report | Indian Affairs (bia.gov)
FY 2024 TTGP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
August 1, 2024 - The OIED released the FY 2024 TTGP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This NOFO will take the next step in program development by funding a pilot group of competitively selected Tribal tourism implementation projects. The application deadline is October 25, 2024, at 5 pm (EST).
Notice of Funding Opportunity: Tribal Tourism Grant Program (TTGP)
Federal Register Notice: Tribal Tourism Grant Program; solicitation of Proposals
Press Release: Indian Affairs announces Tribal tourism grant opportunity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 2024 TTGP NOFO FAQs
Pre-Application Webinar: Check back soon for a link to the recording.
DED administers competitive grants to support Native entrepreneurs, broadband deployment, business development feasibility studies, tourism development feasibility studies, and the documentation and revitalization of tribal language that are at risk of disappearing.
OIED Releases the FY 2023 NATIVE Act Congressional Report
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development has been selected to implement a new federal…
K. Denise Litz, a member of the Tuscarora Nation in New York, is the Acting Director for the Office of Indian Economic Development. Prior to joining the Department of Interior, Denise dedicated 21 years of her federal service at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she was Branch Chief for the Division of Tribal TANF Management. Prior to that position, Denise worked for the Administration for Native Americans and the Office of Head Start. She possesses over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, twelve of which focus on tribal economic development. Denise currently lives and works remotely from the Denver area.
K. Denise Litz, a member of the Tuscarora Nation in New York, is the Chief for the Division of Economic Development within the Office of Indian Economic Development. Prior to joining the Department of Interior, Denise dedicated 21 years of her federal service at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she was Branch Chief for the Division of Tribal TANF Management. Prior to that position, Denise worked for the Administration for Native Americans and the Office of Head Start. She possesses over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, twelve of which focus on tribal economic development. Denise currently lives and works remotely from the Denver area.
1849 C Street NW, Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240
"Due to the collaboration and support from OIED this dream of establishing a resource for local ranchers is well underway and would not have been possible but for the OIED’s vision and support in the long-term goal.”
Clara Pratte, Strongbow Strategies Chief Executive Officer
The Office of Indian Economic Development aims to fulfill the mission of the NATIVE Act by providing funding for tribes to help them make informed decisions about potential tourism projects. Signed into law in 2016, the NATIVE Act directs federal agencies to support tourism throughout Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.
Beginning in 2018, the OIED’s Division of Economic Development, through NATIVE Act funding, was able to support Strongbow Strategies in their effort to assess the viability and development of a Navajo-based wool mill, an effort to support the preservation of sheep culture for the Navajo Nation. The study identified the best path for the longevity of the operation would be through Diné College, a respected institution with wool and animal husbandry expertise. Strongbow and Diné College worked closely together to develop the mill, purchase a wool baler, establish an online wool store with space for educational content, created by Navajo owned web development company Obsidian, and film web content with Sheephead films. Through much hard work and dedication, they are now able to buy raw wool from local growers, sort by hand, and bale for bulk sale, creating a revenue stream for wool in the community. Over the last 3 years, they have collected over 200 large industrial bags of wool, which are ready for baling.
Strongbow’s journey has not been without challenges, including updating the charter of Diné College, parameter and partner issues, and the supply chain issues caused by the global pandemic. However, they have overcome each hurdle thrown their way, and are anticipating an in-person wool buy this Spring in conjunction with the Spring lambing season. Strongbow Strategies and Diné College have big plans for the future of the wool mill, including a larger ecotourism initiative, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish!
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240
The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development today announced it has awarded $2.9 million in total Indian Business Incubator Program funding to 10 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal Organizations.
| IBIP Awardee | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Change Labs | $300,000.00 |
| Cherokee Nation | $300,000.00 |
| Chickasaw Nation | $300,000.00 |
| Mohave County Community College District | $237,055.92 |
| Plenty Doors Community Development Corporation | $300,000.00 |
| Quechan Indian Tribe | $300,000.00 |
| Regents of New Mexico State University | $289,869.00 |
| Sinte Gleska University | $300,000.00 |
| South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency | $300,000.00 |
| Taala Fund | $300,000.00 |
Read the Press Release issued on November 3, 2022.
IBIP Technical Assistance
OIED’s Pilot Technical Assistance Program supported the implementation of IBIP by providing a pre-application webinar for prospective applicants as well as in-person and virtual business incubator roundtable
Change Labs received a FY 2022 Indian Business Incubator Program grant from OIED and has been extremely successful in utilizing their grant funds.
Change Labs is a Native-led 501c3 on the Navajo Nation creating pathways for Navajo and Hopi entrepreneurs to strengthen their business skills and provide opportunities for business growth.
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240
Through ILGP, the Division of Capital Investment (DCI) helps American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes and individuals get reasonable interest rates and overcome challenges to conventional financing, while also reducing the risk to lenders with the financial support of the federal government.
For over 45 years, the Indian Loan Guarantee and Insurance Program (ILGP), has helped to reduce the risk to lenders who offer loans to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes and individuals through the financial support of the federal government. Our Division of Capital Investment (DCI) manages the program and can provide up to a 90% guarantee or insurance for loans. The loans provided by ILGP are not offered through the Small Business Administration (SBA). For information about SBA-guaranteed loans, please visit the SBA website.
Most lending institutions, including Community Development Financial Institutions, may obtain a guarantee or insurance, provided they regularly make and evaluate business loans. Credit unions are generally not eligible to become ILGP approved lenders. Non-bank lenders (such as insurance companies, leasing agencies, and private wealth funds) that otherwise meet ILGP’s standards are eligible to access guarantees, but not insurance since they are not financial institutions.
Lenders must sign a Loan Guarantee Agreement or a Loan Insurance Agreement with ILGP before they can participate.
Loans may be used for a variety of purposes including:
A lender must ensure that a business entity is qualified and only apply for a loan guarantee or obtain loan insurance when it would not otherwise approve the borrower’s loan application.
If the loan will be used for refinancing, construction, renovation, or demolition work, there are additional requirements.
All required information can be provided using the lender’s own forms, along with a commitment letter from the lender to the borrower that states the loan amount, purpose of the loan, the interest rate, the schedule of payments, the security, and the terms and conditions of the loan.
Lending Limitations
The following types of businesses are ineligible for ILGP loans:
DCI will provide no more than a 90% guarantee or insurance for loans.
The maximum loan amount guaranteed for individuals is $500,000, but we’re able to guarantee loans of greater amounts for tribes, tribal enterprises, or business entities, subject to program and policy limitations.
Loan insurance, primarily for loans of $250,000 or less, is at the discretion of the lender. If a lender believes loan insurance is justified to offer the best lending terms, it can simply make the insured loan and submit the Notice of Insured Loan Form to DCI afterward.
Interest Subsidy
ILGP also offers interest subsidy payments for certain loans, which is a discretionary payment made to a lender for the benefit of a borrower whose projected or historical earnings are below the industry norm. A lender may request interest subsidy as part of a loan guarantee request.
To see the latest Indian Financing Act rate, visit TreasuryDirect's Monthly Interest Rate Certification page, click on the link for the current month and view table 6 for "Other Specific Legislation."
Lenders whose interest subsidy request has been approved must submit an Interest Subsidy Report to DCI on a quarterly basis.
Interest Subsidy Reporting Forms
Loan Default Process
Loan Default Forms
Eligibility
To qualify for a loan through the program, you must be:
Loans may be used for a variety of purposes including operating capital, equipment purchases, acquisition and refinancing, building construction, and lines of credit.
Additionally, borrowers must be projected to have at least 20% equity in the project being financed and the project must benefit the economy of a reservation or tribal service area.
Limitations
The following types of businesses are ineligible for ILGP loans:
The maximum loan amount guaranteed for individuals is $500,000, but we’re able to guarantee loans of greater amounts for tribes, tribal enterprises, or business entities, subject to program and policy limitations.
The Indian Loan Guarantee and Insurance Program (ILGP) reduces the risk to lenders who offer loans to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes and individuals with the financial support of the federal government.
Our Division of Capital Investment (DCI) manages the program and can provide up to a 90 percent loan guarantee for lenders.
Borrowers are not required to complete any government forms to participate in the program.
We accept applications throughout the year. You should receive a confirmation email from us within 5 business days after you submit your application.
What You Need To Apply For A Loan Guarantee
All applicants must complete the Indian Affairs Form RG110 and sign a Loan Guarantee Agreement with ILGP before they can participate. Lenders must also provide standard documentation that is required of all lending institutions.
ILGP also offers interest subsidy payments for certain loans, which is a discretionary payment made to a lender for the benefit of a borrower whose projected or historical earnings are below the industry norm. A lender may request interest subsidy as part of a loan guarantee request.
To be considered for the program, you must submit all required information. If your application is incomplete, we will inform you and provide an explanation of what needs to be completed. You must then resubmit a completed version.
Fees
There is no cost to apply for lenders, but the Department of the Interior and Indian Affairs are not responsible for application preparation costs.
Submit Online
Applicants are required to submit completed proposal application packages via email to the appropriate DCI zone office.
Steps
Next Steps
You’ll receive a confirmation email from us within 5 business days after submitting your application materials.
Approval Process
Additional Information
Most lending institutions, including Community Development Financial Institutions, are eligible to obtain a guarantee or insurance, provided they regularly make and evaluate business loans. Credit unions are generally not eligible to become ILGP approved lenders. Non-bank lenders (such as insurance companies, leasing agencies, and private wealth funds) that otherwise meet ILGP’s standards are eligible to access guarantees, but not insurance since they are not financial institutions.
Read more about eligibility and lending requirements for lenders.
Downloads
What You Need To Apply For Loan Insurance
Lenders are required to sign a Loan Insurance Agreement with ILGP before they can participate.
Loan insurance, primarily for loans of $250,000 or less, is at the discretion of the lender. If a lender believes loan insurance is justified to offer the best lending terms, it can simply make the insured loan and submit the required documentation needed to inform DCI at a later time.
Submit Online
Steps
Next Steps
You’ll receive a confirmation email from us within 5 business days after submitting your information.
Additional Information
Most lending institutions, including Community Development Financial Institutions, are eligible to obtain a guarantee or insurance, provided they regularly make and evaluate business loans. Credit unions are generally not eligible to become ILGP approved lenders. Non-bank lenders (such as insurance companies, leasing agencies, and private wealth funds) that otherwise meet ILGP’s standards are eligible to access guarantees, but not insurance since they are not financial institutions.
Read more about eligibility and lending requirements for lenders.
Downloads
Tourism
Community Services
Utilities and Housing
Food Service
Retail
Multi-Use Developments
Industry
From the Archives: Featured in 2016, Tomco-Harwel Industries Inc., Tulsa, OK
For Lenders
Most lending institutions, including Community Development Financial Institutions, may obtain a guarantee or insurance, provided they regularly make and evaluate business loans. Credit unions are generally not eligible to become ILGP approved lenders. Non-bank lenders (such as insurance companies, leasing agencies, and private wealth funds) that otherwise meet ILGP’s standards are eligible to access guarantees, but not insurance since they are not financial institutions.
For Borrowers
To qualify for a loan through the program, you must be: an individual who is an enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribe or group; a federally recognized AI/AN group; or a corporation, limited liability company or other business entity with no less than 51% ownership by federally recognized AI/AN individuals.
Borrowers must have at least 20% equity in the project being financed and the project must benefit the economy of a reservation or tribal s
MIB-4138, 1849 C Street NW, mail stop 4132
Washington, DC 20240
"My company wouldn't exist without the Indian Loan Guarantee Program." Cindy Convery, Founder
2021 Loan Guarantee
PureWild started in 2019 with homemade herbal juices in Cindy Convery’s kitchen, and by 2021 Cindy’s company was negotiating with Whole Foods to sell her bottled marine collagen drinks in 60 locations. Cindy, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, had no experience with food distribution, but built upon her background in restaurants, business, and start-ups. “You have to do every job in your company and you have to understand every level…. I have done every job and made every mistake.” She found collagen experts, took an online course in food product distribution, and started by emailing her local grocery chain in southern California. The boutique chain, Erewhon Markets, quickly put the drinks on their shelves.
In 2020 Cindy began visiting larger bottling plants and arranging national distribution. The pandemic began to boost sales as consumers focused on healthy food products, and PureWild’s restorative collagen drinks, certified non-GMO, found a growing market. Cindy’s Tribal connections proved a strong and defining support for the company; she opened a regional office in Oklahoma and worked with the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations to distribute the drinks within Tribal areas. Using the Indian Loan Guarantee and Insurance Program (ILGP) helped Cindy to focus her business goals on these Tribal collaborations, yet still provided enough flexibility to work simultaneously with other sales platforms and outlets. Working with Chickasaw Community Bank and ILGP, PureWild was able to increase the original funding amount to keep pace with the company’s rapid growth. “My company wouldn’t exist without the Indian Loan Guarantee Program,” Cindy affirmed.
Cindy has also worked with the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma and American Indian Foods, a program that assists Native American agribusiness owners and entrepreneurs. PureWild is one of the only beverage companies in the world headed by a Native American woman, and it continues to innovate with online sales platforms and award-winning product packaging. Cindy is thrilled to have built her company to this level. “It’s about whether you really enjoy the job….And putting one foot in front of the other in a mindful way. It doesn’t matter what your skills are. It all comes back to the product.”
MIB-4138, 1849 C Street NW, mail stop 4132
Washington, DC 20240
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