- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Finance
Native American Bank N.A. has been approved as an eligible lender under the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority’s Loan Participation Program, expanding access to long-term financing for tribal and rural business projects across the state.
The designation allows the Denver-based, Native-owned bank to originate and sponsor loans that AIDEA can purchase, typically covering up to 90% of a loan, reducing borrowing costs and extending repayment terms for projects located in Alaska.
AIDEA’s program is a central tool for financing commercial development, including construction, equipment purchases and business expansion, particularly in underserved communities.
Founded in 2001 by tribal nations and Alaska Native corporations, Native American Bank focuses on Native borrowers and underserved markets. The bank reports that more than 96% of its lending serves Native clients, with nearly 70% of its commercial loans supporting projects in underserved areas.
AIDEA officials said the partnership strengthens its ability to work with mission-driven lenders and expand capital access statewide.
The program offers fixed or variable-rate financing, with terms of up to 25 years for real estate, aimed at supporting long-term economic development and job creation in Alaska.
The expansion comes as Native American Bank deepens its presence in the Pacific Northwest and builds out partnerships across Alaska and tribal markets. Last September, the bank opened a commercial lending office in Issaquah, Washington, and its new role in Alaska’s AIDEA lending network positions it to support larger and more complex projects across Native communities.
