WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren met with Change Labs Executive Director Heather Fleming on April 14 to hear updates on the progress of the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI), which is helping expand access to capital for Navajo entrepreneurs.
During the meeting, President Nygren recognized the strong work Change Labs has done to build lending capacity from the ground up. Over the past year, Navajo team members have been running the loan program and developing their skills as loan officers and underwriters, creating a foundation that can support Navajo businesses for years to come.
Change Labs shared that the program has already helped deploy more than $600,000 in loans, with nearly $4 million in the pipeline and additional approved loans moving toward closing. President Nygren praised the team for meeting business owners where they are and helping them navigate the process, especially many applicants who are starting without bookkeeping systems, financial statements, or formal business plans.
The program was designed to remove barriers by offering more flexible pathways to financing, including no collateral requirements and no credit check requirements.
President Nygren said that approach is critical because it helps create opportunities for Navajo entrepreneurs who may have strong ideas and determination, but need technical assistance and support to grow.
President Nygren further thanked Change Labs for its work to create more financial pathways for Navajo small businesses and fill an important gap in small business lending.
He also reaffirmed his support for continued collaboration to strengthen entrepreneurship, expand opportunity, and build a stronger Navajo economy.
