News & Insights

New Act will Facilitate Lending and Access to Capital for Businesses on the Nez Perce Reservation Lapwai, Idaho — The Nez Perce Tribe recently finalized adoption of a Tribal Uniform Commercial Code Secured Transaction Act (“UCC”) that will pave the way for increased economic opportunities and improved access to capital for tribal businesses.  The Tribe’s newly enacted Nez Perce Tribal UCC, codified under the Nez Perce Revised Code, Title 12 Business Code, Chapter 12.30, aligns with the foundational principles of the UCC—a standardized set of laws governing commercial transactions across the United States. While the UCC is not federal law, it is uniformly adopted by states and a growing number of tribes to support small business lending and economic development.…

Last Wednesday (September 18, 2024), the Federal Reserve took a bold step by lowering its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point—marking the beginning of an aggressive policy shift aimed at strengthening the U.S. labor market. The Federal Open Market Committee voted 11 to 1 to reduce the federal funds rate to a range of 4.75% to 5%, following over a year of holding it at its highest level in two decades. This is the Fed’s first rate cut in more than four years. Key Highlights: This rate cut presents an opportunity for consumers to benefit from lower borrowing costs and manage their finances more efficiently.

On August 21-23, 2024, Pete Upton, CEO of the Native CDFI Network (NCN), joined a distinguished panel at the Nation Building Conference in Lewiston, Idaho, focusing on Tribal Energy and Climate Initiatives. The panel was presented by Janet Poitra Deputy Executive Director, Nimiipuu Energy and Jesse Leighton, Executive Director of Nimiipuu Energy, and Chrystel Cornelius, CEO of Oweesta Corporation. The event brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss innovative approaches to energy and climate challenges in Native communities. As part of his visit, Upton, along with Nimiipuu Fund Executive Director Jonelle Yearout, toured the Nez Perce Tribe’s solar project at the Clearwater Casino with Jesse Leighton. This hands-on experience provided Upton with valuable insights into the practical aspects of implementing large-scale renewable energy projects…

From August 21st to 23rd, Nimiipuu Community Development Fund hosted a transformative gathering aimed at fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship within our communities. From inspiring panels and impactful workshops to evenings filled with laughter and meaningful networking, the event truly embodied our shared vision for economic growth and entrepreneurship within our communities. The conference not only provided a valuable platform for connection among our communities and partners but also ignited new conversations and collaborations. We hope these connections continue to flourish, amplifying the impact of our gathering in the months and years to come. Our time together in August grounded us in our shared commitment and showcased the strength of our collective efforts. As we move forward, we are renewed…

Nimiipuu Community Development Fund is conducting a survey to understand how we can improve the local housing situation. Your opinions will help community leaders plan future housing projects based on the community’s top priorities. This survey, conducted in collaboration with Points Consulting, will inform a housing study set to be published in Fall 2024. Your input is invaluable! Please take the survey online at www.surveylegend.com/s/5a3e or pickup your paper survey copy at Nimiipuu Fund’s office. 

Nimiipuu Community Development Fund (NCDF) is currently accepting proposals for architectural services to spearhead the construction of a new NCDF Business Incubator and Offices. This RFP encompasses both concept/preliminary design and final design phases. Project Scope: New Business Incubator and NCDF Offices Services Needed: Concept/preliminary design and final design Purpose: Fostering equitable economies in Native communities, including the Nez Perce Reservation and rural areas NCDF Mission: Providing loans, credit, employment opportunities, financial coaching, and new prospects to Native communities In 2022, NCDF successfully completed a comprehensive Business Incubator Feasibility Study. For further insights, please refer to the study here: Incubator Study. Submission Deadline: April 26, 2024, by 4:00 pm (Pacific Standard Time). Are you ready to make a tangible difference?…

Attention professional firms/consultants! Nimiipuu Community Development Fund (NCDF) is seeking proposals to conduct a Housing Needs Assessment. Dive into our initiative aimed at gathering pertinent data on the housing needs of Native Americans within the NCDF service area. Categorize data by family income ranges as prescribed by NCDF, and help us evaluate the feasibility of developing new housing programs and loan products to address identified needs, enriching our Native CDFI. Our mission at Nimiipuu Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) registered by the Nez Perce Tribe since 2013, is to foster financial independence by enhancing personal and entrepreneurial capacity in the Nez Perce Reservation and surrounding communities. Embracing cultural values, we provide tailored financial products and services, extending access to capital and…

Applications Due March 21, 2024 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened applications for non-profit organizations and private sector firms to compete for funding of up to $300,000, aimed at delivering entrepreneurship training to women veterans. The application period commenced today and extends through March 21, 2024. Under the Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (SB-OVWV-24-001), up to six grantees will be awarded a total funding of $300,000 each by the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development. These grants will support projects for a base period of 12 months, with three additional option periods of 12 months each. The funding will be utilized to educate and empower women veterans aspiring to venture into business ownership or already involved in entrepreneurial…

As you may have already heard through other channels, SBA recently announced an important deadline extension for certain defaulted PPP and COVID EIDL borrowers that could impact many entrepreneurs and small business owners in our communities. Borrowers who have a defaulted PPP or a COVID EIDL loan under $100,000 (but have not yet been referred to Treasury) have through March 3, 2024, to take action. The deadline reflects a 60-day goodwill exception period dating back to January 1 to allow borrowers more time to get in good standing with the SBA. After this period, impacted borrowers will be referred to both the IRS and Treasury.  Small business borrowers who are referred to Treasury and IRS for collection may face significant consequences, including: We…