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Policy Update
Access to capital in Native communities depends on a mix of federal funding, private investment and policy decisions that shape how dollars move on the ground.
Right now, several of those forces are in flux.
In this special episode of Difference Makers 3.0, Brian Edwards of Tribal Business News speaks with Pete Upton, CEO of the Native CDFI Network, and Ian Record, NCN Policy Consultant, about the organization’s Q2 2026 policy priorities — and what they signal for Native lending in the months ahead.
At issue: delayed FY2025 funds, a proposed federal budget that would eliminate key Native lending support, and continued bipartisan backing in Congress that could shape how funding ultimately moves forward. At the same time, Native CDFIs and their partners are working to maintain capital flow and fill emerging gaps.
In this conversation, Upton and Record discuss how these dynamics are playing out in Washington and in Native communities, and what it will take to keep capital moving to Native entrepreneurs, homeowners and tribal economies.
In this episode:
• What NCN’s Q2 policy priorities say about the current moment
• How the proposed federal budget could reshape Native lending programs
• Where bipartisan support in Congress could protect or expand funding
• Why timely funding still matters for small business lending and homeownership
• How philanthropy and intermediaries may need to step in
• What this moment means for the future of capital flow in Indian Country
Reading & Resources:
🔗 Native CDFI Network | Q2 2026 Top-Line Policy Priorities
https://nativecdfi.net
🔗 Tribal Business News | Trump 2027 Budget News Coverage
https://tribalbusinessnews.com
Difference Makers explores how Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are expanding economic opportunity across Indian Country. From small business lending and homeownership to consumer loans, financial education, and technical assistance, Native CDFIs provide the capital and support that help Native communities build stronger local economies.
Join the Native CDFI Network and Tribal Business News as they spotlight the people, partnerships, and ideas driving economic change in Native communities.
View all episodes
By Hosts: Pete Upton, Brian Edwards, Elyse Wild | Producers: Native CDFI Network, Tribal Business NewsAccess to capital in Native communities depends on a mix of federal funding, private investment and policy decisions that shape how dollars move on the ground.
Right now, several of those forces are in flux.
In this special episode of Difference Makers 3.0, Brian Edwards of Tribal Business News speaks with Pete Upton, CEO of the Native CDFI Network, and Ian Record, NCN Policy Consultant, about the organization’s Q2 2026 policy priorities — and what they signal for Native lending in the months ahead.
At issue: delayed FY2025 funds, a proposed federal budget that would eliminate key Native lending support, and continued bipartisan backing in Congress that could shape how funding ultimately moves forward. At the same time, Native CDFIs and their partners are working to maintain capital flow and fill emerging gaps.
In this conversation, Upton and Record discuss how these dynamics are playing out in Washington and in Native communities, and what it will take to keep capital moving to Native entrepreneurs, homeowners and tribal economies.
In this episode:
• What NCN’s Q2 policy priorities say about the current moment
• How the proposed federal budget could reshape Native lending programs
• Where bipartisan support in Congress could protect or expand funding
• Why timely funding still matters for small business lending and homeownership
• How philanthropy and intermediaries may need to step in
• What this moment means for the future of capital flow in Indian Country
Reading & Resources:
🔗 Native CDFI Network | Q2 2026 Top-Line Policy Priorities
https://nativecdfi.net
🔗 Tribal Business News | Trump 2027 Budget News Coverage
https://tribalbusinessnews.com
Difference Makers explores how Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are expanding economic opportunity across Indian Country. From small business lending and homeownership to consumer loans, financial education, and technical assistance, Native CDFIs provide the capital and support that help Native communities build stronger local economies.
Join the Native CDFI Network and Tribal Business News as they spotlight the people, partnerships, and ideas driving economic change in Native communities.