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IEED

Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development

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Atlas of Oil & Gas Plays on American Indian Lands

Topic

These publications provide information about the petroleum potential and leasing opportunities on many Indian reservations in the U.S. geologic data maps, cross-sections, and field production information are presented in this atlas primarily from published data. Oil and gas potential are described by the different play types, as well as non-conventional or hypothetical plays.

Now Accepting Applications for DEMD Tribal Grant Programs

Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP) Grant

Each year, our Division of Energy and Mineral Development offers tribes financial support to assess the energy and mineral resource potential of their lands through its Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP) grants.

For 2022, we plan to award 25-30 grants, ranging in value from $10,000 (minimum ask) to $2,500,000 (maximum ask). We will only fund projects for one year at a time.

We’re currently accepting applications.

ILGP Borrower Success Story: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

The Indian Pueblo Marketing Inc. (IPMI) and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) have continued to increase opportunities for Native people.

Snapshot

Multiple Loan Guarantees, 1987-present
Lender: Several Local and Native Banks
Borrower: Indian Pueblo Marketing Inc.
Project: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Financing Amount: $15,000,000 (multiple loans)

About

Annual revenue started out less than $1 million and has now grown to over $30 million. The Indian Pueblo Marketing Inc. (IPMI) and Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) have continued to increase opportunities for Native people. Today they employ close to 200 people, 44% are Native American. The Board of Directors is comprised of four tribal members and one Albuquerque business person. Top management positions for both corporations are also tribal members.

Retail development of the property continues to grow with entities such as Starbucks, restaurants, and a self-storage business. IPCC and IPMI growth and success has been realized through effective leadership, proper planning and the responsible use of programs such as the Indian Loan Guarantee and Insurance Program (ILGP).

It’s safe to say that obtaining financing for any of the IPMI or IPCC projects would not have been possible without the additional security of a loan guarantee provided by the Division of Capital Investment.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Additional Information

Related Pages

Contact Us

Division of Capital Investment
MIB-4138, 1849 C Street NW, mail stop 4132
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
DCI@bia.gov
(202) 219-0740

How Lenders Can Apply for an ILGP Loan Guarantee

The Indian Loan Guarantee and Insurance Program (ILGP) reduces the risk to lenders who offer loans to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes and individuals with the financial support of the federal government.

Our Division of Capital Investment (DCI) manages the program and can provide up to a 90 percent loan guarantee for lenders.

Borrowers are not required to complete any government forms to participate in the program.

We accept applications throughout the year. You should receive a confirmation email from us within 5 business days after you submit your application.

What You Need

All applicants must complete the Indian Affairs Form RG110 and sign a Loan Guarantee Agreement with ILGP before they can participate. Lenders must also provide standard documentation that is required of all lending institutions.

ILGP also offers interest subsidy payments for certain loans, which is a discretionary payment made to a lender for the benefit of a borrower whose projected or historical earnings are below the industry norm. A lender may request interest subsidy as part of a loan guarantee request.

To be considered for the program, you must submit all required information. If your application is incomplete, we will inform you and provide an explanation of what needs to be completed. You must then resubmit a completed version.

Fees

There is no cost to apply for lenders, but the Department of the Interior and Indian Affairs are not responsible for application preparation costs.

How to Apply

Submit Online

Applicants are required to submit completed proposal application packages via email to the appropriate DCI zone office.

Steps

  1. Make an inquiry by contacting the DCI zone office where the borrower’s business is located. Find zone information.

  2. To apply for a loan guarantee, the approved lending institution must sign a Loan Guarantee Agreement and complete Indian Affairs Form RG110. Those required documents should be submitted to their designated DCI zone office along with standard documentation that is mandatory for lending institutions. This will likely include a complete loan application, an independent credit analysis of the borrower’s business and collateral, and a recent, original credit report from a nationally recognized credit bureau, according to requirements established by 25 CFR §103.12.

Next Steps

You’ll receive a confirmation email from us within 5 business days after submitting your application materials.

Approval Process

  1. An initial review is conducted by a DCI zone manager.

  2. After passing the initial review, the DCI credit committee conducts its review and determines whether the application will be approved or rejected.

  3. If approved, DCI prepares the Conditions of Approval and Guarantee Certificate, which is submitted to the DCI division chief for final approval.

  4. The signed Conditions of Approval and Guarantee Certificate is then sent to lender.

Borrower Success Story: Cook Inlet Tribal Council Inc.

CITC’s mission is to work in partnership with the Alaskan Native/American Indian people of the Cook Inlet Region by providing education, social, and economic services.

Snapshot

2009 Loan Guarantee
Lender: Wells Fargo Bank
Borrower: Cook Inlet Tribal Council Inc.
Project: Transportation and Youth Center Building
Amount Financed: $800,000
Location: Anchorage, Alaska

About

Cook Inlet Tribal Council Inc. (CITC) was incorporated as a nonprofit organization under Alaska State Law in 1983 and is headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. CITC’s mission is to work in partnership with the Alaskan Native/American Indian people of the Cook Inlet Region by providing education, social, and economic services. CITC collaborates with the eight federally recognized tribes within Cook Inlet region to strengthen program and social services capacity for the region’s tribal communities.

Wells Fargo provided $800,000 in tax exempt financing to CITC for the construction and term take out of the non-profit service center. The building has been fully occupied since it opened and current tenants include CITC, CIRI foundation, AK Native Justice Center, Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, and Nome Eskimo Community.

CITC had secured funding from a Department of Transportation appropriation to build an annex on the same site as the building in question. This loan was used to cover he gap between the DOT appropriation and the final costs. Construction was completed in 2010 of the two-story building of approximately 11,000 square feet. The first floor of the transportation center is a vehicle storage area and also houses a fabrication lab for youth training. The second floor includes additional training facilitates with room for further expansion of the CITC social programs. Building operations and maintenance costs are covered by allocation of the cost of the space to the various CITC program funds or leasing space to other organizations.

Additional Information

Related Pages

Contact Us

Division of Capital Investment
MIB-4138, 1849 C Street NW, mail stop 4132
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
DCI@bia.gov
(202) 219-0740

ILGP Borrower Success Story: Navajo Tribal Utility Authority

"This venture demonstrates Navajo sovereignty....It elevates Navajo ownership in the wireless business-whereby our voice will guide NTUAW to the next level. Any expansion opens economic venues, including increased employment." NTUA General Manager

Snapshot

2016 Loan Guarantee
Business/Borrower: Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
Lender: Great Western Bank
Amount Financed: $23.5 Million
Location: Ft. Defiance, Arizona
Tribal area: Navajo Nation

About

In 2016 the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) used the Indian Loan Guarantee and Insurance Program (ILGP) to guarantee a loan that allowed NTUA to acquire a greater ownership interest in NTUA Wireless LLC (NTUAW), a subsidiary of the tribal utility that provides telecommunications services for the Navajo Nation.

The $23.5 million guaranteed loan had granted NTUA a 51% common stock interest in NTUAW, making NTUA the first wireless/internet business primarily owned and operated by a tribal enterprise.

The creation of NTUA Wireless met an underserved and unserved communications need within the Navajo Nation. The jobs created and the ability of a greater number of Navajo homes to have access to the communications products, especially the internet, has been the greatest highlight. NTUA is organized to provide the Navajo people with services at low and reasonable costs. These services include communications, electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, and photovoltaic power (solar). NTUA also promotes employment opportunities while improving the health and welfare of Navajo Nation residents.

Navajo Nation overcame several barriers building the infrastructure of NTUA. Numerous right-of-ways had to be obtained to ensure that the project remained on schedule. “NTUA continues to seek ways to expand into isolated Navajo Nation areas with very limited service," NTUA General Manager Walter Haase said. "This is especially important for families needing immediate access to emergency services or families needing to communicate with family members living away from home."

Over 80 permanent fulltime jobs were created, including 45 direct jobs within NTUA Wireless and an additional 35 jobs within NTUA to support the efforts of NTUA Wireless. "This agreement demonstrates sovereignty," Haase said. "It elevates Navajo ownership in the wireless business-whereby our voice will guide NTUAW to the next level. Any expansion opens economic venues, including increased employment. We are in an area where the unemployment rate is close to 46.5%--therefore any new jobs helps."

Additional Information

Related Pages

Contact Us

Division of Capital Investment
MIB-4138, 1849 C Street NW, mail stop 4132
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
DCI@bia.gov
(202) 219-0740

ILGP Borrower Success Story: Bayview General Merchandise Inc.

Bayview General Merchandise (BGM) is a retail store operating in the village of Toksook Bay, on southwestern Alaska’s Nelson Island, and is only accessible by air or sea. The average temperature in the winter there is 1 to -10 degrees Celsius.

BGM provides groceries, appliances, hardware, hunting and fishing gear, and Honda parts.

Details

Date of Commitment: 2015
Type of Service: Loan Guarantee
Lender: First National Bank
Borrower: Bayview General Merchandise Inc.
Project: Building construction of Bayview General Merchandise Inc.
Financing Amount: $100,000
Location: Toksook Bay, Alaska

Description

Bayview General Merchandise (BGM) is a retail store operating in the village of Toksook Bay, on southwestern Alaska’s Nelson Island, and is only accessible by air or sea. The average temperature in the winter there is 1 to -10 degrees Celsius.

Alexie Jimmie, a shareholder of the Village Corporation of Toksook Bay, established BGM in 1999 to provide retail items to the people of Toksook Bay and Nelson Island. BGM began in an 850 square foot rental space. In 2015, Jimmie used the loan guarantee program to secure a loan to build a store that is over 2500 square feet.

When asked what the people from his village need most from his store, Alexie responded, “Everything!”

Bayview General Merchandise provides groceries, appliances, hardware, hunting and fishing gear, and Honda parts. “ATVs are the transportation mode here on Nelson Island, so we have to keep these machines running,” Jimmie said.

BGM has received overwhelming support from the community. It continues to be a successful business that supports festivals and donates to the local church.

“It’s important to be able to provide goods to the village,” Jimmie said. “We are only closed when the power goes out.”

Successful business leads to economic growth. Jimmie would like to continue exploring economic development for the community of Toksook Bay and is looking into processing Musk-Ox wool that would be knitted then sold online.

Additional Information

Related Pages

Contact Us

Division of Capital Investment
MIB-4138, 1849 C Street NW, mail stop 4132
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
DCI@bia.gov
(202) 219-0740

Past Funded NABDI Grant Projects

Eligibility for FY 2020 NABDI grants was limited to projects located in Opportunity Zones, which are economically disadvantaged communities that are eligible for tax advantages.

We use a competitive review system with well-defined criteria to select the most qualified projects for funding. NABDI is a competitive, discretionary program.

FY 2020 proposals were evaluated on their potential to create jobs and stimulate economic activity within a Native community, the applicant’s willingness to consider implementing recommendations resulting from the feasibility study and the applicant’s focus on obtaining qualified guidance on how to attract investment from an Opportunity Fund.

We often receive more proposals than can be funded by our annual budget, which is determined by Congress and varies on a year-to-year basis.

Funded in 2019 

Reservation

State

Amount

Purpose

Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation

Montana

$29,500

Determine the economic feasibility of developing and operating a hotel and conference center

Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation

Montana

$30,000

Explore the possibility of building and operating a combined fuel station, convenience store and oil change facility

Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation

Washington

$35,000

Determine the best use for a land parcel to further its goal of developing an industrial warehouse and distribution center

Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation

Nevada and Utah

$36,000

Evaluate a proposed commercial site for tourism purposes

Delaware Nation

Oklahoma

$20,000

Explore the potential for opening another call center

Elk Valley Rancheria

California

$30,000

Explore the viability of developing a destination resort comprised of a hotel, conference center and casino

Elko Band (Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada)

Nevada

$39,700

Determine the financial viability of constructing a for-profit hospital and elective surgery center

Fond du Lac Band (Minnesota Chippewa Tribe)

Minnesota

$33,400

Investigate the feasibility of starting a commercial wood boiler manufacturing business

Gila River Indian Community

Arizona

$35,000

Explore how to leverage investments to start a training center

Hoopa Valley Tribe

California

$39,750

Determine the size, scope and viability of establishing a travel center

Hualapai Indian Tribe

Arizona

$40,000

Explore the possibility of leveraging the tribe’s location to develop a major tourist attraction

Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria

Nevada

$34,807

Determine the viability of a for-profit abalone farm

Leech Lake Band (Minnesota Chippewa Tribe)

Minnesota

$35,000

Evaluate the feasibility of developing an on-reservation affordable housing complex

Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

South Dakota

$38,000

Explore the costs and benefits of expanding the tribe’s existing propane program

Nulato Village

Alaska

$40,000

Identify the parts of a house that are made of wood to allow for full-time employment of a construction crew instead of providing only seasonal work

Organized Village of Kake

Alaska

$34,300

Explore the feasibility of developing a mariculture business

Passamaquoddy Tribe - Pleasant Point

Maine

$35,000

Investigate how to re-direct and re-invest funds that the tribe spends off-reservation on fuels for its tribal transportation and road maintenance vehicles

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

Michigan

$30,938

Conduct a market analysis for the proposed development of an on-reservation permanent supportive housing complex for tribal members

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

New York

$40,000

Explore the possibility of turning an old building into an art gallery and park

Sitka Tribe of Alaska

Alaska

$35,834

Determine the economic benefits of developing a tannery for tourists

South Fork Band (Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada)

Nevada

$35,000

Evaluate the financial sustainability of a recreational vehicle park project

Additional Information

Related Pages

Related Documents

Contact Us

Native American Business Development Institute
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
dennis.wilson@bia.gov
(505) 917-3235

2021 Native American Business Development Institute NABDI Grant Awards

FY 2021 NABDI grant awards were to conduct economic development feasibility studies and/or economic development business plans.

The Office of Indian Economic Development, Division of Economic Development, will manage the grant awards. The following Tribes have been awarded the 2021 NABDI grants:

2021 NABDI Grant Awards

  • Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria awarded $44,500 for a convenience store/gas station feasibility study.
  • Nulato Tribal Council Awarded $45,000 for a Tribally owned airline feasibility study.
  • Delaware Nation awarded $37,500 for an orchard and apiary products company feasibility study.
  • Oglala Sioux Tribe awarded $65,000 for a feasibility study for businesses for the Crazy Horse scenic byway.
  • Lower Brule Sioux Tribe awarded $48,000 for an aquaculture/aquaponics feasibility study.
  • Oneida Nation awarded $65,000 for a beef and buffalo production plant feasibility study.
  • Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia awarded $40,000 for an economic development through tribal enterprises feasibility study.
  • Walker River Paiute Tribe awarded $65,000 for a food sovereignty economic development feasibility study.
  • Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians awarded $45,000 for an economic development recovery feasibility study.
  • Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria awarded $45,000 for an economic feasibility and business plan.

Contact Us

Native American Business Development Institute
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20240
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
dennis.wilson@bia.gov
(505) 917-3235

What is the Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) Grant?

All economic endeavors pose some degree of risk.

By funding feasibility studies, the Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) grant helps tribes weigh their risks to determine whether a project is worth pursuing and empower them to make informed decisions about their economic futures.

Results from studies can often help tribes persuade lenders and investors to provide financial backing to help turn their idea into a reality.

Application Process

The NABDI program is dependent on available funding, currently, there is no NABDi offerings for the forseeable future. Only Tribes and Tribal Organizations would be eligible for NABDI grants. Individual Native Members and Native owned Businesses are not eligible. Interested in the application process? Learn how.

Evaluation Criteria

A comprehensive NABDI proposal will include eligibility (Tribe or Tribal Organization only) and description how the potential project will create jobs and stimulate economic activity within a Native community. There are five categories that a review panel will use to evaluate and score NABDI proposals. The evaluation criterion is described in the NABDI Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Past Recipients

Need Technical Assistance?

In addition to our grants, many of our in-house technical capabilities and expert services are available for FREE to tribes.

We’re committed to offering the technical support needed to assist tribes in exploring and developing economic resources to meet their long-term goals to support their people.

Contact:

Dennis A. Wilson, Jr.
Grant Management Specialist
(505) 917-3235
dennis.wilson@bia.gov

Additional Information

Related Pages

Related Documents

Contact Us

Native American Business Development Institute
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 4152
Washington, DC 20245
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
DEDGrants@bia.gov
(505) 917-3235

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