Native CDFIs know their communities. Turning that knowledge into a sustainable lending program takes testing, discipline and the right systems.

In this episode of Difference Makers 3.0, host Brian Edwards talks with Pamela Boivin of the Native CDFI Network and Sheila Herrera, executive director of Tiwa Lending Services, about NCN’s FORGE Certificate Program.

Boivin explains how FORGE helps Native CDFIs assess demand, pricing, staffing, underwriting, risk and capital before launching or refining a lending product. The goal is to develop a repeatable process that strengthens the organization alongside the loans it offers.

Herrera shares how Tiwa is applying those lessons to a small business lending program shaped by young entrepreneurs’ ambitions and conversations with tribal leaders. She describes lending to a local bread maker, recognizing the need for consistent loan pricing and learning from other Native CDFIs. That work has also prompted her to revisit Tiwa’s home loan policies.

As Boivin puts it, FORGE is helping Native CDFIs develop “muscle memory” — the capacity to respond to community needs again and again.

Resources and Links

Native CDFI Network

NCN FORGE Certificate Program

Tiwa Lending Services — About

Tiwa Lending Services — Loan Programs

Tiwa Lending Services — Financial and Homeownership Education

Difference Makers explores how Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are expanding economic opportunity across Indian Country. From small business lending and homeownership to consumer loans, financial education, and technical assistance, Native CDFIs provide the capital and support that help Native communities build stronger local economies.

Join the Native CDFI Network and Tribal Business News as they spotlight the people, partnerships, and ideas driving economic change in Native communities.

Native CDFIs know their communities. Banks have capital. But bringing the two together takes more than a grant.

In this episode of Difference Makers 3.0, host Brian Edwards and co-host Pete Upton talk with Wells Fargo Senior Vice President Tim Rios about how banks and Native CDFIs can build stronger, long-term financial partnerships.

The conversation explores relationship banking, patient capital, risk and familiarity, and what banks need to understand before investing in Native CDFIs. Rios and Upton also discuss Wells Fargo’s support for efforts to develop and strengthen Native CDFIs in California and Nevada — and why successful partnerships require banks and Native CDFIs to understand each other’s goals and build trust over time.

Resources and Links

Native CDFI Network

Wells Fargo — Indigenous Peoples Statement

NCN RISE — Emerging Native CDFI Development

Oweesta Corporation — Native CDFI Capital Access Convening

Wells Fargo — CDFI Lending and Investment

Difference Makers explores how Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are expanding economic opportunity across Indian Country. From small business lending and homeownership to consumer loans, financial education, and technical assistance, Native CDFIs provide the capital and support that help Native communities build stronger local economies.

Join the Native CDFI Network and Tribal Business News as they spotlight the people, partnerships, and ideas driving economic change in Native communities.

The first half of 2026 brought both momentum and uncertainty for Native community development financial institutions.

Native CDFIs continue to expand their reach, with about 65 certified institutions nationwide and nearly three dozen more organizations working toward certification. The Native CDFI Network has also launched new initiatives to support emerging lenders, strengthen lending expertise and build capacity across the industry.

At the same time, Native CDFIs are navigating a rapidly changing policy environment in Washington.

In this mid-year update, host Brian Edwards sits down with Native CDFI Network CEO Pete Upton and NCN policy consultant Ian Record to discuss the push for increased Native American CDFI Assistance funding, proposed changes to federal grant programs, bipartisan efforts to strengthen Native entrepreneurship, and the importance of building relationships with policymakers.

The conversation also looks at what comes next for a movement that continues to grow despite uncertainty in Washington.

Guests and voices in this episode:

• Pete Upton, Native CDFI Network
• Ian Record, Native CDFI Network

Resources and Links

Native CDFI Network
https://nativecdfi.net

RISE Initiative (Native CDFI Network)
https://nativecdfi.net/rise

CDFI Fund — Native Initiatives
https://www.cdfifund.gov/programs-training/programs/native-initiatives

Administration for Native Americans
https://acf.gov/ana

Tribal Business News
https://tribalbusinessnews.com

Difference Makers explores how Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are expanding economic opportunity across Indian Country. From small business lending and homeownership to consumer loans, financial education, and technical assistance, Native CDFIs provide the capital and support that help Native communities build stronger local economies.

Join the Native CDFI Network and Tribal Business News as they spotlight the people, partnerships, and ideas driving economic change in Native communities.