Economic Development

As a sovereign Nation responsible for economic development, financial solvency and the general welfare of your Tohono O'odham members, the Tribal government must strike a balance between the immediate needs of the Tribe and investment in long-term sustainability. In order to establish a solid foundation for economic development and long-term sustainability, it is important to maximize the effectiveness, efficiency, and interactions between Tribal Leadership and the Economic Progress. We recognize that the process of developing a vibrant Indian Economy involves understanding and developing a vision and identifying and prioritizing the initiatives that will be required to achieve both short and long term goals.

Small business is a vital component in the Tohono O'odham Nation's private sector economy. It can provide income from jobs and develop career-related opportunities for members of the Nation.

The Credit & Finance Program will support and assist members of the Nation to expand their existing businesses. The program will also assist the Nation's governmental bodies to provide support for the Nation's small businesses and members who are business owners.

Financing Program

The Credit & Finance Program offers the Revolving Loan Fund to support small business.

The Financing program has eligibility procedures and guidelines which are described under the program guidelines.

Revolving Loan Fund

This program is operated by the Tohono O'odham Nation under contract with Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Important loan eligibility requirements:

An enrolled member of the Tohono O'odham Nation
Business operating purposes only
Businesses must be located on the Nation and provide district approval documents
A complete business plan
Four years of Financial Statements (two years historical and two years financial projections) and two years of tax records
Current credit report and score
Loan recipients enter into agreements, promissory notes and pledge collateral
Applications are reviewed by an outside panel prior to funding

Support Services Program

The Program staff works one on one with individuals on their business ideas. Staff typically provides assistance in business selection, business operations, contacts and procedures within the Nation, off-reservation procedures and research related business topics.

Business Planning

The Program staff assists individuals to produce a final business plan.

Individuals must conduct their own business planning, but staff will assist the individual to produce a document that represents their ideas clearly and accurately.

Other Financing Programs

Staff will provide assistance to individuals to find additional financing.

For More Information

For more information contact:
Tohono O'odham Nation, Credit & Finance Program
BIA Businesss Loop Bldg #15
P.O. Box 837
Sells, AZ 85634

Phone: (520)383-5546
Fax: (520)383-5547