Oweesta Corporation

This November, we honor Native American Heritage Month—a time to celebrate our histories, cultures, and enduring strength across Native nations. For us at Oweesta, this month is also a time to reflect on our journey and the shared values that unite us as we work alongside Native communities to foster economic sovereignty. Oweesta's mission is rooted in supporting Native communities with tools for self-determined growth, from financial education to green financing and access to capital through Native CDFIs. We believe in empowering Native communities to reclaim economic power, build stronger futures, and sustain the cultures and values that define who we are. This journey isn’t just about resources; it’s about relationships, resilience, and honoring the knowledge we inherit from our ancestors. As we move forward, we do so in unity and gratitude for those who came before us, guided by a commitment to lift up Native voices, protect our lands, and nurture prosperous communities for generations to come. This month and always, we celebrate our entrepreneurs, our families, and our communities, carrying forward the dreams and aspirations of our ancestors.

The 40th Annual Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference in Los Angeles marked a powerful moment in our shared journey toward economic justice and community empowerment. This year’s gathering, the largest in OFN’s history, brought together an incredible network of individuals committed to fostering growth and resilience within communities, particularly those most often overlooked. Oweesta hosted Native Gathering Day on Monday, October 21st, where we discussed critical topics like our Five-Year Strategic Plan, the importance of strong communication and partnerships, as well as the transformative potential of green financing. These sessions were not only an opportunity to reflect on our work but to share insights and gain wisdom from others navigating the same challenges and triumphs. As our CEO, Chrystel Cornelius, shared, “There was so much knowledge within this space and so much knowledge within relationships.” Her words hold deep meaning for us; they speak to the way wisdom flows not just through the topics we discuss but through the bonds we nurture. The strength we carry comes from these connections, woven together in mutual support and understanding. This gathering was a true reminder that our knowledge grows in the shared spaces between us, built upon the teachings and stories we carry forward together. We are thankful for the ongoing partnership between Oweesta and OFN and look forward to continuing this vital work, building resilient, sustainable futures for our Native communities. Pictures: Sam Levitan Photography

🌟 Exciting News from the OFN Conference! 🌟 We’re thrilled to share that Oweesta’s Native Gathering Day is going exceptionally well! This gathering is a powerful opportunity for Native CDFIs, partners, and funders to come together, share wisdom, and collaborate on financial empowerment and economic development. The spirit in the room is vibrant as we engage in deep conversations, learn from one another, and celebrate our shared vision for a prosperous future. Together, we’re strengthening the foundations of our communities! Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this impactful day! ✨ #Oweesta #NativeGatheringDay #OFNConference #CDFIs #CommunityStrength

Join us for the NA 247 Post-Purchase Homeownership Education in Native Communities training, happening November 4-8, 2024 at the Seminole Native Learning Center in Hollywood, FL! We now have a few spots available and are extending the invitation to other Native housing and homeownership departments. This 5-day Train-the-Trainer course is perfect for housing counselors and service providers looking to develop post-purchase homebuyer education programs that help preserve homeownership in Native communities. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and empower your community with the tools to sustain homeownership for generations to come! 🌿🏠 📅 November 4-8, 2024 📍 Seminole Native Learning Center, Hollywood, FL Register now and be part of this transformative experience! https://lnkd.in/gvt-U9_R

Oweesta is thrilled to bring our Building Native Communities: Financial Skills for Families and Financial Coaching for Families training to the Northwest Native Asset Building Coalition in Tukwila, WA this week! This training space is filled with open dialogue, interactive discussions, and engaging energizers, all designed to enhance comprehensive financial education for Native families. We are so inspired by the collective learning and shared commitment to building financial skills in Native communities! If you're interested in this training, please check out our training calendar on our website!

On this Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor the enduring strength and resilience of Native peoples, who have shaped this land through rich traditions, innovation, and community-building for thousands of years. Native entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in these traditions, from ancient trade routes to the diverse, thriving businesses we see today in tribal nations across the country. Despite facing centuries of adversity—displacement, systemic discrimination, and barriers to capital—Native entrepreneurs have persevered. Their resilience has led to a resurgence of Native-owned businesses that are not only creating jobs but also restoring economic sovereignty to our communities. These businesses represent more than just financial success—they are expressions of cultural preservation, innovation, and self-reliance. At Oweesta Corporation, we are proud to support this movement. As the longest-standing Native CDFI intermediary, Oweesta partners with Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across the country to provide Native entrepreneurs with the resources they need—access to capital, financial training, and support. By strengthening Native economies, we are paving the way for future generations to thrive. Today, we celebrate the triumphs and successes of Native entrepreneurs, whose work continues to uplift our communities and honor the legacy of our ancestors. Together, we are building a future grounded in economic independence and cultural pride.

Exciting News! Oweesta’s 2023 Annual Report is now available on our website! We’re incredibly proud of the progress we've made and excited for the next chapter ahead! Explore the full report on our website and learn more about the transformative work we're doing together. https://lnkd.in/gD9_vy-N... Cover photo credit: Florence Sterling Ludka

The time has arrived! Call for Session Proposals for the 10th Annual Native CDFI Capital Access Convening is now live! Click the link to submit your proposal: https://lnkd.in/gwMt2Gpt...

Join us for the NCDFI Practitioners Fundamentals Certification training. This 3.5 day training will help orient participants’ understanding of all foundational components related to running a healthy Native CDFI and explore the different aspects of organizational operation Register at the link below: https://lnkd.in/gXTXmrEt

We’re thrilled to announce Oweesta Corporation's partnership with Goldman Sachs as part of their $100M "Investment in Rural Communities" initiative! Oweesta will receive $10M in lending capital to support Native CDFIs across the country, fostering small business growth and expanding economic opportunities for Native entrepreneurs. This is a significant step toward empowering tribal economies, where access to capital is often limited. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gzZ66tDw