Indianpreneur©

There is a pervasive view shared by many – both Indian and non-Indian – that prior to colonization, Indian people survived in very primitive and simple hunter gatherer societies.  This narrow and mistaken notion was another tool to justify the oppression of our peoples.

In reality, however, Indian people had an advanced and extensive trading economy – an economy in which one Indian Nation commonly traded with another.

It is now time for Indians to reject the falsehoods of colonization and reclaim our proud heritage of being entrepreneurs.  An entrepreneur is defined as one who starts and manages a business.  With this spirit in mind, we believe one word better defines the American Indian entrepreneur and suggest using Indianpreneur© instead.

An Indianpreneur© is a modern-day warrior.  A warrior, of course, owes a high duty to community, family and self.  To be in business today can be as difficult as being in a battle.  At the American Indian Economic Development Fund (AIEDF), we’re prepared to help small businesses address the many challenges and issues they may face.

Our Mission

Our mission at AIEDF is to assist American Indians by being a catalyst for the development of entrepreneurial activities - excluding gaming.

The Fund strives to bring together borrowers and local lenders in a way that makes projects happen.  As a “gap” financer, the Fund is not the main lender for projects; rather, we provide necessary guidance, linkages and technical assistance.

Our Value Proposition

We are the premier provider within the American Indian Community for gap financing, technical assistance and culturally relevant business education, both on and off the reservation.

Identifying Our Customers

In order to qualify for a gap loan from AIEDF, an Indianpreneur© must:

*  Be an enrolled member of a federally-recognized tribe
*  Be a new start-up business or existing business and complete our Business
    Development Class (This class helps individuals organize and write a comprehensive   
    business plan)
*  Provide a business plan, financial projections and complete an AIEDF loan
    application