Oweesta

Oweesta is the longest standing Native CDFI intermediary offering financial products and development services exclusively to Native CDFIs, Tribes, and Native-led Nonprofits across the nation. Specifically, Oweesta provides training, technical assistance, direct investments, research, and policy and advocacy efforts to help Native communities develop an integrated range of asset-building products and services, including financial education and financial products. Oweesta provides opportunities for Native people to develop financial assets and create wealth by assisting in the establishment of strong, permanent institutions and programs contributing to economic independence and strengthening sovereignty for all Native communities. The Oweesta Corporation supports economic growth in Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native communities through the creation, development and capitalization to Native CDFIs, in addition to providing capital opportunities to Tribes and Native-led Nonprofits. Native community development financial institutions directly provide Native American communities the tools and capital support required for real and sustainable job creation, small business development, commercial real estate development, affordable housing/home ownership while also offering basic banking services and financial literacy training to “underbanked” Native American communities who have been historically targeted by predatory lending practices and have lacked access to financial mainstream opportunities. "We Believe that When Armed with the Appropriate Resources, Native Peoples Hold the Capacity and Ingenuity to Ensure the Sustainable, Economic, Spiritual and Cultural Well-Being of Their Communities.”