News

Native CDFIs: Difference Makers for Indian Country interview with Jonelle Jearout, Nimiipuu Fund Executive Director
The Native CDFI Network (NCN) developed the “Native CDFIs: Difference Makers for Indian Country” interview series to cast a much-needed spotlight on the many positive benefits that Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) create for tribal communities and the leaders who help make Native CDFIs the transformational success stories they are. Jonelle Yearout, Nimiipuu Fund Executive Director…
Accepting Business Nominations for $20,000 Grant Award
Through generous sponsorships, Oweesta is offering two Native Small Business Awards recognizing small businesses and owners. Nimiipuu Fund is seeking applicants to submit a proposal for one of our local entrepreneurs for an opportunity to be awarded a $20,000 grant. This grant is competitive as it competes with other Native CDFIs in the United States. …
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program
The Idaho Women’s Business Center announced its plan to help bring a new online curriculum to small businesses across Idaho:Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. In partnership with Next Street and Local Initiatives Support Corp (LISC), the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online curriculum is designed to give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in today’s…
Nimiipuu Fund Awarded Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation Grant
Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant contribution to Nimiipuu Community Development Fund. Through their efforts to take great pride in our commitment to serving and supporting our communities, we appreciate and recognize Umpqua Bank as a partner in our community. This funding will specifically support Credit and COVID – Financial Education beyond the…
Community Navigator Program Spearheaded Across the State of Idaho
Idaho Hispanic Foundation, a grant recipient of the Community Navigator Pilot Program, and the Idaho Women’s Business Center’s team hosted nonprofits to launch Idaho Connect, an ecosystem of community organizations committed to supporting underserved entrepreneurs on the path to economic recovery. Natalie Madeira Cofield, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership, provided the keynote address. Idaho Connect Community Navigator…

Nimiipuu Fund Awarded Small Business Administration Grant
Oweesta has been awarded one of eight Tier-1 national grants of $5 million as part of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Navigator Pilot Program aimed at reaching small businesses for stronger economic recovery efforts. Following a hub-and-spoke model, Oweesta is partnering with twenty-seven Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to serve Native businesses…
Ask Dr. Per Cap
More Covid-19 Relief
Dear Dr. Per Cap: How do I know if I’m eligible to receive the new Covid-19 monthly relief payments that were just announced? Signed, Arizona Mom Dear Arizona Mom It’s official. Starting in July the IRS will begin making monthly payments to families that qualify for a recently expanded child tax credit. This Covid-19 related…
Family Matters
Dear Dr. Per Cap: My cousin has a habit of not paying back loans, but just asked to borrow more money. How can I help without getting burned? Signed, Twice Burned Dear Twice Burned: I’ve learned over the years that money lent to friends and family has a bad track record of not getting paid…
Why Tip?
Dear Dr. Per Cap: I’m a server at a restaurant and get frustrated when Native customers don’t tip. I work hard to provide good service and it’s not only insulting but tough financially when my own people stiff me. What’s up with Natives who don’t tip? Signed, Tips Please Dear Tips, Although I’ve heard this complaint before,…
Jobless Benefits Fraud
Dear Dr. Per Cap: I received a 1099-G that lists over $3,000 in unemployment benefits paid by the state in 2020. I didn’t receive any unemployment last year. What should I do? Signed, Working through the Pandemic Dear Working, Report this as fraud through your state unemployment agency website immediately. There’s been a huge surge…
Return Fraud
Dear Dr. Per Cap: Someone approached me online with an offer to buy my Amazon account. It seemed kind of sketchy so I didn’t reply. Why would someone want to buy an account when they can just open their own? Signed, Pueblo Shopkin Dear Pueblo Shopkin People buying Amazon accounts is a shady practice linked…
Short on Change
Dear Dr. Per Cap: Is it true the government is going to do away with small coins? Signed, Thrifty Nickel Dear Thrifty Nickel While it might appear that pennies and nickels are more out of date than a Ronald McDonald vs Hamburglar commercial – don’t expect them to disappear any time soon. In fact one…