Build your financial freedom, build your dream.
Kinship Lending is for Navajo and Hopi business owners, artisans, and entrepreneurs working to build a healthy financial foundation.
Six weeks of financial training program for change makers building a strong Native economy
What we offer
Robust financial education
20 hours of training to create a strong business foundation for future generations
Create the financial infrastructure you need to secure future loans, investments, or grants
Free business bank account
Executive coaching
6 months of access to a business coach to help you set and achieve your goals
Network building
Engage and learn with 20 other inspired entrepreneurs in your community to grow your business
Loans of up to $05,000
No collateral needed, just kinship
No credit check, no fee, and no cost to apply
Lending in action.
Navajo small business owner and craftsman, Damien Jones, shares his perspective on Kinship Lending and the insights he had about his own business and role after working with coaches and a peer community.
How it works
-
![]()
Fill out the pre-application
Click here to tell us who you are, what business or nonprofit you run, what you need funds for, and name three people who can recommend you for a loan.
-
![]()
Complete your training.
Engage every week for 2-hours with your cohort for six weeks. (see the training schedule below!)
-
![]()
Receive your funds.
After completing all six training sessions, you will receive your loan proceeds via a complimentary bank account.
-
![]()
Repay your loan.
Connect with a Change Labs Business Coach to work on your repayment plan 90-days after you receive your funds.
-
![]()
Earn a reward.
Make consistent on-time payments and earn a reward!
Fall 2024 training schedule
Approved applicants will have the opportunity create the financial infrastructure you need to secure future loans, investments, or grants.
In between each financial training session, conducted in-person with a cohort of peers, you’ll meet with a Change Labs Business Coach to help you set and work towards your business goals.
Wed, October 9, 2024
Session 1: Circle of Life and Your Relationship with Money
Location & time TBA
Wed, October 16, 2024
Session 2: Understanding Credit
Location & time TBA
Wed, October 23, 2024
Session 3: Bookkeeping Basics
Location & time TBA
Wed, October 30, 2024
Session 4: Bookkeeping Basics
Location & time TBA
Wed, November 6, 2024
Session 5: Banking and Retirement
Location & time TBA
Wed, November 13, 2024
Session 6: Filing Your Taxes
Location & time TBA
We are committed to your success.
We believe in you and your vision and want to help you build a strong Native economy. Plus, every successful payment you make is another dollar we can invest in the next artisan, entrepreneur, or change maker.
Affordable monthly payments.
Pay 5% interest on your loan to finance equipment, staff, materials, rent, or whatever you need.
Tailored business support.
Work one-on-one with a coach for seven months who will support you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Am I eligible?
There are three simple criteria to apply to Kinship Lending.
-
You are an enrolled member of the Navajo or Hopi tribe and residing on Native land or within a 25-mile radius.
-
You are a business owner, artisan, vendor, or nonprofit leader who has been in business for at least 12 months who will use the funds to invest in your vision.
-
You commit to attend six financial education sessions and meet monthly with an assigned Change Labs business coach for the first year of the loan.
We’re here to help.
Find more funding
We regularly post grant and loan opportunities for Native-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations as well as other resources for rebuilding and strengthening your ideas.
Chat with a coach
Want to talk about your loan application? Need help preparing a financial statement? Our Kinship Lending team is available for virtual appointments.
