When Native-owned businesses first begin navigating the market, it can be a challenge. However, one organization is providing more than financial support to business owners.
The Four Bands Community Fund offers support, alongside loans for indigenous-owned businesses, and these programs directly impact the lives of Cheyenne River tribal members.
Members like Bonnie LeBeaux, who used their resources to successfully grow her quilt making business.
“Being a new entrepreneur, you’re learning everything as you go," LeBeaux said. "I was taking college courses at the time for business, but the college business curriculum doesn’t prepare you for entrepreneurship.”
Assistance like credit management, business planning, and loan direction. Assistance LeBeaux said was vital to the success of her business.
“It’s so easy, they’re accessible to the community," LeBeaux said. "I think that’s what makes it not so intimidating. I don’t think that there’s any other programs that are able to help entrepreneurs in the hands-on way that Four Bands does.”
Now, LeBeaux said she hopes to use her loan to expand her businesses workspace.
The first Four Bands program was CREATE – Cheyenne River Entrepreneurial Assistance Training and Education. Under that program, LaBeaux and other locals have managed to revitalize the Cheyenne River economy.
According to Four Bands, prior to their programs less than 1% of businesses in Cheyenne River were Native-owned in a community that was 75% indigenous.