Cherokee Nation receives half-a-million-dollar grant to create small Business loan program
The Cherokee Nation is set to receive a $500,000 Rural Business Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a small business loan initiative aimed at supporting businesses owned by Cherokee citizens. The program also aims to create employment opportunities within the Cherokee community.
Deputy Chief Bryan Warner accepted the grant during the Oklahoma Tribal Opportunity Partnership Summit in Chickasha. Warner emphasized the importance of providing opportunities and support for small Cherokee-owned businesses and families within the community.
The donation marks the latest in a series of grants awarded to the Cherokee Nation by the USDA Rural Development. Since 2022, the Cherokee Nation has received a total of $1.6 million in funding for various programs, including the Women, Infants and Children program and the Farm and Food Workers Relief program.
The summit, held at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, served as an opportunity for the USDA to discuss grant and program opportunities with tribes across Oklahoma. Kenneth Corn, USDA state director of rural development, expressed his belief in investing in rural communities through tribal partnerships, emphasizing the unique position of tribal governments in understanding the needs of their communities.
The program is set to be held in May at the University of Tulsa, providing attendees with entrepreneurial opportunities. It will be open to Tulsa residents 18 years and older, regardless of their level of business experience. The Tulsa Idea Challenge, which first took place last year, will provide participants with the opportunity to earn a share of $50,000 and will guide teams through the process of transforming an idea into a real-world solution through workshops and collaboration.
In other news, the Canadian franchise Freshslice Pizza has announced its expansion into the U.S. The company is seeking potential franchisees in Oklahoma to align with its vision, values, and culture.
The Salvation Army has also announced the grand opening of its newest thrift store in Tulsa. All proceeds generated from the store will go directly toward sustaining the Salvation Army’s Men’s Adult Rehabilitation Center.
Additionally, BOK Financial Corporation has announced an expanded agreement with Mastercard, making Mastercard the exclusive payments network across BOK Financial’s various portfolios, further strengthening their partnership and commitment to serving their local communities. The agreement also extends its relationship with BOK Financial’s TransFund processing business.
Finally, Foster Garvey, a prominent law firm, has opened its Tulsa office in the Mid-Continent Tower. Led by R. Daniel Carter, a principal in the tribal governments and enterprises practice group, the office aims to provide enhanced services to Native American tribes and tribal entities.
All information drawn from ‘Tulsa World’ and used in the article has not be edited or altered to maintain precise original source. Thank you for reading.
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