Training and Technical Assistance
Institutional Development
We assist our clients with the development and strengthening of Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and like organizations. Institution development and enhancement is often the starting place for many Native communities. These institutions, in particular the Native CDFIs, become the spring board or economic engine for the community change they desire. Our training, technical assistance and consulting are founded on the development of strong, viable institutions.
Expanding Native Opportunities : Native Communities Financing Initiative
The Native Communities Financing Initiative (NCFI) offers expert training from committed professionals who have extensive experience in Native community economic development. NCFI consists of several programs that not only help participants assess how starting a Native CDFI can benefit their communities, but also takes them, step-by-step, through the process of establishing one of these proven and innovative financial institutions. The Initiative also offers follow-up technical assistance that allows participants to take advantage of a one-on-one customized approach to help reach milestones along the path of CDFI development.
NCFI programs are offered several times each year at convenient locations throughout the country and via an online learning center. Please contact our Institution Development Department for more information.
Financial Education and Asset Building
Without programs like financial education, entrepreneurship, homebuyer education and credit counseling, many of our clients would not be able to take their community members, their institution, and their economies to the next level. We assist with the development and integration of many of these programs in a variety of institutions, empowering them to set their goals and achieve the impact they have sent their sights on.
Expanding Native Opportunities : Native Financial Skills Initiative
The Native Financial Skills Initiative (NFSI) offers expert training from certified instructors with deep experience in Native communities, who are committed to empowering Native communities throughout the country. NFSI delivers an innovative and culturally-appropriate training program to help Native organizations establish and sustain successful financial education programs. In addition, the Initiative offers follow-up technical assistance that allows participants to take advantage of a one-on-one customized approach to help them reach milestones in developing and maintaining a financial education program in their Native community.
NFSI programs are fully funded by the CDFI Fund and offered several times each year at convenient locations throughout the country and via an online learning center. Please contact our Financial Education & Asset Building Department for more information.
Expanding Native Opportunities : Native IDA Initiative
The Native Individual Development Account (IDA) Initiative (NIDAI) is a comprehensive training and technical assistance program that helps Native communities design and implement Individual Development Accounts. NIDAI offers a series of sessions that include an overview of IDAs; the benefits of operating an IDA program; and starting, implementing, and sustaining an IDA in Native communities. Please contact our Financial Education & Asset Building Department for more information.
EITC
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Development
Each Native community or nation we work with, whether we start with a new financial education program at an existing organization or we start from the beginning on the development of a new financial institution, exists within a given larger system that may or may not have all the pieces it needs to prosper. We assist with the systemic change necessary for the new economic movement that the client desires, in particular the necessary pieces of the economy that allows for private business, homeownership and savings to prosper and thrive.
Expanding Native Opportunities : Native Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Development Initiative
The Native Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Development (NEED) Initiative is based on a new model of community economic development. Tailored for Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and their partners, the NEED Initiative provides comprehensive training and technical assistance designed to assist communities with developing effective enterprise and entrepreneurship systems. In addition to training, participants have access to customized technical assistance from Oweesta to help develop and implement the NEED Model in their communities.
NEED Initiative programs are funded by the CDFI Fund and offered several times each year at convenient locations throughout the country and via an online learning center. Please call our Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Development Department for more information.
