RED LAKE — Red Lake Nation is set to receive federal funding to support small business development in their communities.
The tribe will use the funding to help small businesses access credit, which Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith said can be difficult in Indian Country.
Tribal communities are systemically under-banked, making it nearly impossible for small businesses to obtain the financing they need to grow.
“Native-owned small businesses face disproportionate obstacles when trying to secure capital to develop and grow their businesses, especially in rural areas like Red Lake," Smith said.
"Tribes know best what works for their communities, and this funding will help Tribal economies to grow and thrive.”
-
Contributed/Adobe Stock Image via Minnesota News ConnectionExtra dollars in the state will fund the public input process ahead of possible changes to the state's financial aid program. -
Plus: the federal government approved St. Louis County's public labor agreements for road and bridge projects; an additional 5,000 trees will be distributed in the ReForest Bemidji event; and four Northern Minnesota fire departments will host Women Explore Fire Day events on May 2, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEResearch indicates that in the coming decades, the state is likely to see more risk days of wildfires starting on the ground due to more extreme droughts connected to climate change. -
Contributed/Madison McVan / Minnesota ReformerThe sites included autism service providers that received payments through Medicaid, according to a statement from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. -
Contributed/Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike CrewCelebrate International Women's Mountain Bike Day with the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew on May 2, 2026, at Miner's Mountain Rally Center in Ironton. -
Matt C/UnsplashWomen Explore Fire Day in Minnesota offers hands-on opportunities to learn more about volunteer, paid on-call and full-time positions in local fire departments in all regions. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesAfter 10,000 tree seedlings were claimed within 48 hours, the ReForest Bemidji program secured an additional 5,000 trees for its distribution May 18, 2026. -
Lorie ShaullA recent national study found an increasing number of federal environmental impact statements are receiving significant contributions from citizen science data. -
The multi-bill omnibus signed April 21, 2026, allows happy hours for nursing home residents without a license and expands local authority in some Northern MN communities. -
Contributed/Brandon ChaseGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from the longtime host of "Green Cheese" and "On The River" volunteer, Brandon Chase.
Tribal governments can remove these barriers by working directly with businesses in their communities.
The funding was awarded through the Small Business Credit Initiative, which was reauthorized and expanded by the American Rescue Plan.
"An investment like SSBCI will help the Red Lake Nation achieve a vision of economic independence as well as continue to fuel the growth of our Tribal economy that also benefits rural communities across Minnesota," stated Jake Robinson of Red Lake Inc. in a news release.
Red Lake Nation will use more than $3.3 million for two programs administered by Red Lake Inc.
One is a loan guarantee program to provide credit support for tribal- or member-owned construction projects.
The other is an equity funds program, which provides affordable access to capital for tribal small businesses.
