Capital + coaching for Tribal entrepreneurs

State Small Business Credit Initiative

Affordable financing and free local support to help enrolled members of four Northern Minnesota Bands start, grow, and sustain their businesses.

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What is SSBCI?

The State Small Business Credit Initiative is a federally funded program that helps small businesses access capital they might not otherwise qualify for. In partnership with four Tribal Nations, DAWN and Northspan offer loan participation, loan guaranties, and collateral support — backed by free local technical assistance from application through the life of your loan.

Up to $250K

In loan support available per business

Free

Local technical assistance, start to finish

Start-ups & existing

For-profit and nonprofit businesses welcome

Who's Eligible

Eligible applicants are enrolled members of the following four Bands:

Bois Forte Band of Chippewa
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

How It Works

1

Complete the intake form

Tell us about you and your business. We’ll reach out to connect you with local support.

2

Get matched & supported

Work with free technical assistance and your Band’s program to prepare a strong application.

3

Apply with your lender

Choose your preferred lender and submit your application. Approval is handled locally.

Complete Intake

Program Benefits

All Programs Include

  • Free local technical assistance, from application through the life of your loan
  • Open to both start-up and existing businesses
  • For-profit and nonprofit organizations both eligible
  • Collaboration with a lead lender — bank, nonprofit, or government partner
  • Easy application process; choose your preferred lender
  • Local approval authority
  • Debt refinancing is allowed

Eligible Use of Funds

  • Land & building acquisition
  • Land improvements
  • New building construction
  • Building renovation
  • Machinery & equipment purchase

Program Types

Loan Participation

  • The Band buys part of a loan from the lead lender.
  • Maximum loan: $250,000.
  • Up to 50% participation in eligible costs.
  • Shared first-position lien with the lead lender.
  • Band’s interest rate: 3%–5%, set at approval.
  • Lead lender’s rate is negotiated between the business and the bank.

Loan Guaranty

  • The Band guarantees up to 75% of a new bank loan, up to $187,500.
  • Terms and conditions are negotiated between the Band and the lender.
  • The loan can be term debt, revolving debt, or a single-payment note.

Collateral Support

  • For borrowers with collateral shortfalls.
  • The Band provides cash collateral accounts to enhance coverage.
  • Accounts cover all or part of the shortfall.
  • If approved, cash is deposited into an interest-bearing account with the lender.
  • Up to 50% of the loan may be pledged as collateral; maximum coverage $250,000.
  • The Band draws down the account as principal is paid.
  • In full default, the lender can access the account minus a liquidation fee.

Leech Lake Band — Loan Guaranty Only

  • The Band guarantees up to 80% (more typically 50%) of a new bank loan, up to $187,500.
  • Typical guarantee per loan: ~$40,000–$50,000.
  • Terms and conditions are negotiated between the Band and the lender.
  • The loan can be term debt, revolving debt, or a single-payment note.

Apply Now — Choose Your Band

Complete our intake form first — then download your Band’s application.

Complete Intake Form
Bois Forte
Download Application
Fond du Lac
Download Application
Leech Lake
Download Application
Grand Portage
Download Application

202 W Superior St , Suite 600

Duluth, MN 55802

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There are times when technology cannot replace the value of human interaction. That’s why we’re proud to say that we have boots on the ground, and not just bots. 

Elissa Hansen, Northspan President & CEO

Jared Dunlap, Northspan Consultant

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We’re proud to say that we have boots on the ground, and not just bots. 

Elissa Hansen, Northspan President & CEO

Jared Dunlap, Northspan Consultant

Get Started
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