Difference Makers 2.0 is a new yearlong series that highlights how Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) work alongside their small business clients to accelerate change and create economic opportunities in Native communities. Join the Native CDFI Network and Tribal Business News as they shine a spotlight on the people accelerating change in Indian Country. Read their stories below and tune in to Difference Makers 2.0 or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Episode 2.14 | PROGRESS REPORT: Native CDFI Leaders Share Their Small Business Success Stories at Annual Summit
At the 5th annual Native CDFI Summit in DC, leaders discussed their latest initiatives supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, from new business incubators to expanded loan funds, reinforcing that 'you can't have a community without small business.'
Episode 2.13 | Road to Success | How Rudy Serrano Launched a Thriving RV Repair Business with Help from the Tigua Community Development Corporation
After working for nearly two decades as a paralegal, Rudy Serrano decided he needed a change. With support from Tigua Community Development Corporation, he launched Roadhouse Mobile RV Repair, turning his passion into a thriving business helping travelers on the road.
Episode 2.12 | BEARS, BOATS, AND BUSINESS DREAMS | Native Entrepreneur Brings Tlingit Traditions to Tourism with Spruce Root’s Help
Native entrepreneur John Hillman partners with Spruce Root CDFI to launch Wilderness Island Tours, bringing authentic Alaska Native culture and wilderness experiences to Hoonah's growing tourism industry while staying rooted in his homeland.
Episode 2.11 | From Pre-Med To Sweet Success: Native-Owned Bakery Rises in Alaska with Help from Cook Inlet Lending Center
An Ahtna Athabascan baker switched from pre-med to pastries, building Arctic Moon Bakery into a thriving business that makes 6,000 treats weekly in Anchorage.
Episode 2.10 | Market To Mortar To Mobile | R-Eatz Grows on Winnebago Reservation with Native CDFI Help
Winnebago chef Reggie Frazier turned his passion for cooking into a thriving restaurant with help from Ho-Chunk Community Capital, a Native CDFI. Learn how R-Eatz is feeding the community and inspiring other Native entrepreneurs.
Episode 2.9 | From Small Loans to Big Impacts: How Native CDFIs Empower Communities and Tribal Sovereignty
Pete Upton, CEO of Native CDFI Network, shares insights on how Native CDFIs empower tribal self-sufficiency and sovereignty. Join him on Difference Makers 2.0 to hear inspiring stories of impact across Indian Country.
Episode 2.8 | ‘Always a good day on the sea’ | Pacific Northwest Tribal Lending Helps Fisherman Live His Big Dream
Tulalip Nation citizen Anthony Henry turned his passion for fishing into a successful business with the help of a Native CDFI named Pacific Northwest Tribal Lending.
Episode 2.7 | Sink or Swim: How a Native Cosmetologist Went From Student to Salon Owner with Help from Sequoyah Fund, Inc.
Julie Painter, an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians member, bought Visage Salon at 25 with help from Sequoyah Fund, Inc. Discover her journey from student to successful salon owner in the latest Difference Makers 2.0 story and podcast.
Episode 2.6 | Wóyute: Four Bands Community Fund Incubates Traditional Grocer
At Four Bands Community Fund’s incubation space, Wóyute Natural Foods & Apothecary brings traditional, whole groceries and food sovereignty to the Cheyenne River Lakota Reservation.
Episode 2.5 | INITIATING CHANGE: Wells Fargo and Native CDFI Network Partner to Bolster Economic Development for Native Americans in California, Nevada
Despite a Native American population of nearly 800,000, California and Nevada have only one certified Native CDFI. The Native CDFI Network and Wells Fargo are launching a year-long initiative to change that. Learn more from NCN CEO Pete Upton and Wells Fargo's Tim Rios on the Difference Makers 2.0 podcast.
Episode 2.4 | HARVESTING TRADITION: How Four Directions Development Corporation Helped Mi’kmaq Nation Expand a Fishery into an Enterprise
Polluted waters once limited the Mi’kmaq Nation's access to brook trout. A new fish hatchery and expansion, supported by Four Directions, a Native CDFI, boosts subsistence and economic development.
Episode 2.3 | Traditional Foods, Modern Business: Nixyaawii Community Financial Services Prepares Iniim Coffee Shop for Success
Nixyaawii Community Financial Services helped Umatilla Citizen Sadie Mildenberger turn her dream of owning a business that serves innovative dishes with traditional ingredients into a reality.
Episode 2.2 | From the Ground Up: Native CDFI Chi-Ishobak Helps Great Lakes Flooring Specialists Lay Foundation for Growth
Meet the Roberts family, owners of a Native-owned small business that found support in Chi-Ishobak, a Native CDFI, to grow their flooring business from a single hospital contract to a thriving regional company.
Episode 2.1 | A Recipe for Success: How NACDC Financial Services Helped Big Sky Cafe Serve Up Success
Discover how Gary and Sue Raccine's journey from a rejected loan to thriving entrepreneurship was fueled by NACDC Financial Services, empowering Native American business owners in Montana.