News & Insights

We are seeking a qualified Loan Officer for our Native CDFI. The Loan Officer is responsible for underwriting, originating, closing, and monitoring the portfolio of loans for NCDF CDFI, a private, non-profit, community development financial institution serving the tribal citizens of the Nez Perce Reservation and community members in areas of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Loan Officer’s tasks are undertaken to meet loan production goals, satisfy lending and portfolio management policies, and minimize legal and financial risk to the organization. The position works closely with the Executive Director, Financial Services Consultant, the Loan Committee, and outside lenders or service providers in support of NCDFs CDFI mission, operations, and growth potential. Bachelor’s Degree preferred and 1 to 3 years of…

Excited to announce the tremendous success of our recent “Women Who Wine” event, a series close to our hearts that highlights local businesses, mental health, arts, and community. This year’s theme, “Business & Sip,” showcased the inspiring journeys of Julia Hyde, owner of Hyde Business Services LLC, and the dynamic duo behind the Brown Sound Podcast, Javier Gomez and Daniel Spaulding. Julia, Daniel, and Javier shared their invaluable experiences in developing their businesses, emphasizing their dedication to uplifting local communities. DJ Sub set the vibe, and delicious bites were provided by the talented Happy Day Catering Service. “Women Who Wine” was conceived by our Nimiipuu Fund Board member, Kim Pate, and myself. After the challenges of the pandemic, we recognized the importance…

The MGP fosters microenterprise business development, support, and expansion.  A microenterprise is a commercial enterprise with five or fewer employees, one or more of whom owns the enterprise.  The program provides grants and other financial support for stabilizing and expanding microenterprises. Funding Amount: Awards may be up to $5,000. Funding Uses: Examples of what funds may be used for: Examples of what funds may not be used for: Business Eligibility Criteria: A business owner/business may qualify for the Microenterprise Grant Program if they meet the following eligibility criteria: When are Applications Due? The Microenterprise Grant Program is administered on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline for submission. Any applications received after all grant funding is expended will be placed…

Recently, the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency unveiled their eagerly anticipated Final Rule, a significant step towards modernizing and strengthening the administration of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) by the federal government. This transformative rule is set to be enforced starting April 1, 2024. Let me give you a bit of context. The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) was established by Congress back in 1977 with a noble purpose – to encourage banks to meet the credit needs of the communities they serve, particularly focusing on low- and moderate-income areas and populations. The CRA was meant to put an end to discriminatory practices, such as “redlining,” that were depriving these communities…

Blue for our homeland’s rivers. Red for the blood of our warriors. Old-style pink that was traditionally only acquired through trade with neighboring tribes. nimíipuu (Nez Perce) artist Mikailah Thompson chose the colors of our new Prosperity Wool Blanket based on traditional nimíipuu beadwork, while creating a blanket that honors the incredible 20 years of important work and giving that the Potlatch Fund has done and continues to do today. Since 2002, Potlatch Fund has provided grants and leadership development to tribal nations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, granting over $5 million in support to Indian Country. While Native American communities receive less than half of one percent of philanthropic dollars in the United States, Potlatch Fund works to connect the…

This award was announced this morning by SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman for the $8 Million in PRIME Grants to help micro-entrepreneurs.   We are 1 of 32 organizations awarded to provide program development, training, and technical assistance to economically disadvantaged microentrepreneurs.  “Nimiipuu Fund is excited and humbled to receive this award.  As a Native CDFI, our work is for tribal and nontribal communities that serve our traditional homelands in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.  This funding allows us to continue doing the mission driven work of our Native CDFI,” stated Jonelle Yearout, Executive Director of Nimiipuu Fund.   Administrator Guzman stated “SBA PRIME grants support nonprofit organizations that are on the ground locally providing assistance to small businesses so they can get capital ready…

TRIBAL BUSINESS NEWS BY BRIAN EDWARDS  AUGUST 8, 2023 Native Community Development Financial Institutions are calling on Congress to increase funding that would bolster community development and economic opportunities in Indian Country.  The need for additional NACA funding is “long overdue,” according to Jonelle Yearout, executive director of Lapwai, Idaho-based Nimiipuu Fund, which serves the Nez Perce Reservation and surrounding communities.  “The demand is always beyond the allocation,” she said, adding “It is time for the Treasury to increase this allocation to NACA.”  Nimiipuu Fund has relied on NACA funding over the years to deploy loan capital and services, including financial literacy and technical assistance. Like many other Native CDFIs, she maximizes the NACA capital to generate additional money for lending to customers.…

The Northwest Native APEX Accelerator provides no-cost technical assistance to American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native-Hawaiian owned businesses, Tribes, and Tribal Enterprises who wish to participate in the government marketplace, including Federal, state, and local agencies. Our no-cost services include confidential one-on-one counseling and technical assistance training, such as in-person and virtual workshops, webinars, and provide resources to support these government procurement endeavors. These resources include assistance in navigating registrations (SAM.gov, DSBS.sba.gov), obtaining certifications (federal and state certifications), pre-award support (finding opportunities, solicitation review, marketing), post-award assistance (conflicts, debriefs), bid-matching service, and outreach events with government agencies. We are committed to assisting all Native American Indians in achieving self-sufficiency by facilitating the development and expansion of the Native American private sector, making a…

We are honored to invite you to submit your art or concept for the 2023 Northwest Native Economic Summit with the working theme “Circular Economies.” Circular Economies is looking through the lens of Indigenized sustainability and the triple bottom line: people, profit, planet, and how they are reflected through economic ecosystems. We are looking for art that will help us theme the look and feeling of our event, represent the Pacific Northwest Native communities and highlight sustainability and interconnectedness.  We invite you to pursue whatever medium that inspires you; photography, weaving, ironwork, painting, sculpture and more are welcome. We do not need to be the first to view this piece and invite you to submit a piece that you think…

Our Nation Building Business Conference explored how to support economic development connecting our entrepreneurs to economic development leadership, small-business and micro entrepreneurs, funders, industry professionals and federal parters. Thank you so much for the support shown for Nimiipuu Fund Nation Building Conference at the Clearwater River Casino in its success to train, develop, and build networks to promote economic development. We hope you enjoyed this event and thank you for your assistance and support to host this commemorative business conference. We Need Your Feedback We value your feedback and encourage you to complete this brief evaluation for the event/training you recently attended. Qe’ci’yew’yew / Thank you! HACCP Training Nearly 40 HACCP Tribal members attended with the youngest certified at 13 years of age. Attendees learned how to properly care for…