Oweesta provides services and products through three major programs including:

Training, Technical Assistance & Consulting

Native CDFI Development- Oweesta offers a multi-dimensional training and technical assistance program that assists in the development and/or expansion of Native CDFIs.  A sample of the services we provide includes assessing whether a NCDFI is right for a particular community; examining the basic building blocks of successful NCDFI development; market analysis; and development of loan products.  We work with micro and small business loan funds, land consolidation and acquisition loan funds, housing loan funds, and credit unions and credit associations.

Native Financial Education- Based on our Building Native Communities: Financial Skills for Families curriculum and addendums, Oweesta provides instructor training workshops and follow up technical assistance to Native organizations, communities, and individuals wishing to start financial education programs in their communities. 

Oweesta also spearheads the Native Financial Education Coalition, an ad hoc group of national organizations representing Native communities, foundations, federal agencies, financial sector regulators, and non-profit organizations.  The mission of the NFEC is to: increase awareness in Native communities of the need for adequate personal finance skills; build the capacity of tribes and tribal organizations to provide financial skills training; and to support each other's efforts to promote financial management skills through information sharing and collaboration.

Capitalization

Oweesta provides loans to qualified NCDFIs, helping them build their capacity and further their economic and community development goals.

Research, Policy & Advocacy

Oweesta collaborates on research studies that focus on identifying and mitigating barriers to Native control of and access to financial assets.  Our national voice works to create and retain the integrity of policy favorable to building assets in Native communities.