Case
$4M
Being “Left on the Table”
Case Study
$4M
Being “Left on the Table”
A federally recognized Tribe was unaware of the opportunities the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) could have to spur economic development and support local entrepreneurs within their community. Native Advisory stepped in to educate, network, and capture funding that would otherwise be “left on the table.”
Challenges
Limited Understanding: The Tribe lacked familiarity with the SSBCI program and its potential benefits for stimulating economic growth and supporting small businesses.
Complex Application Process: Navigating the SSBCI application process presented a daunting challenge, requiring expertise in financial documentation, compliance requirements, and program eligibility criteria.
Resource Constraints: Limited internal capacity and resources posed a barrier to effectively pursuing SSBCI funding, potentially hindering the Tribe’s ability to access crucial financial support for economic development initiatives.
Impacts
Strengthened Community Safety: The grant funding enabled the Tribe to bolster their public safety infrastructure, resulting in safer communities and improved emergency response capabilities.
Economic Opportunities: By involving historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in operating a gift shop and coffee shop within the Plaza, the project creates job opportunities and promotes wealth generation within the community.
Community Empowerment: The Plaza serves as more than just a transit hub, offering space for administrative offices, a visitor center, storm shelter, training facility, community garden, and green space. It connects residents to training opportunities and local businesses, fostering community empowerment and economic resilience.
Solution
Native Advisory, specializing in financial sovereignty for indigenous communities, partnered with the Tribe to demystify the SSBCI initiative and guide them through the application process from start to finish.
Educational Workshops: Native Advisory conducted tailored workshops and informational sessions to familiarize tribal leadership and stakeholders with the SSBCI program, its objectives, and the potential benefits for the Tribe’s economic development goals.
Strategic Planning: Collaborating closely with tribal representatives, Native Advisory developed a comprehensive strategy for leveraging SSBCI funding to maximize impact and align with the Tribe’s economic development priorities.
Application Assistance: Drawing upon their expertise in grant writing and financial consulting, Native Advisory provided hands-on support throughout the SSBCI application process. This included assisting with document preparation, financial analysis, and ensuring compliance with program requirements.
Ongoing Support: Native Advisory remained actively engaged with the Tribe throughout the application review process, addressing any questions or concerns and providing strategic guidance to optimize their chances of success.