Native Nations, tribal enterprises, and Native-owned businesses are under- represented and disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and have less access to much needed capital and federal relief programs. In some parts of Indian Country, nearly 50% of small Native businesses have reported closures and many more have had to layoff staff. Native Nations and their enterprises also report larger unmet capital gaps that will last well past the pandemic.
NDN Fund has created three specialized loans with more flexible under-writing targeted at those Native-owned dor tribally-owned businesses that are either adversely impacted by COVID-19 or demonstrate operation in a high-demand industry and/or are applying innovative business strategies. This portfolio will follow NDN Collective’s overall mission and theory of change by prioritizing businesses that demonstrate social and environmental co-benefits.
1. Determine Eligibility
NDN Fund will prioritize loans requests from Native-owned and/or tribally-owned businesses that are either adversely impacted by COVID-19 or demonstrate operation in a high-demand industry, as well as those who are applying innovative business strategies.
2. Ask for help
Assistance on the application process is available to future borrowers. NDN Fund understands that the application process may be daunting and confusing at times but we are available to assist with demystifying the process to ensure that your loan application is complete
3. Apply
Our clients spoke, and we listened by simplifying our loan application process! We’ve recently upgraded our client loan application interface portal to Lender Fit, the premiere application and communication platform for our borrowers.