The first half of 2026 brought both momentum and uncertainty for Native community development financial institutions.

Native CDFIs continue to expand their reach, with about 65 certified institutions nationwide and nearly three dozen more organizations working toward certification. The Native CDFI Network has also launched new initiatives to support emerging lenders, strengthen lending expertise and build capacity across the industry.

At the same time, Native CDFIs are navigating a rapidly changing policy environment in Washington.

In this mid-year update, host Brian Edwards sits down with Native CDFI Network CEO Pete Upton and NCN policy consultant Ian Record to discuss the push for increased Native American CDFI Assistance funding, proposed changes to federal grant programs, bipartisan efforts to strengthen Native entrepreneurship, and the importance of building relationships with policymakers.

The conversation also looks at what comes next for a movement that continues to grow despite uncertainty in Washington.

Guests and voices in this episode:

• Pete Upton, Native CDFI Network
• Ian Record, Native CDFI Network

Resources and Links

Native CDFI Network
https://nativecdfi.net

RISE Initiative (Native CDFI Network)
https://nativecdfi.net/rise

CDFI Fund — Native Initiatives
https://www.cdfifund.gov/programs-training/programs/native-initiatives

Administration for Native Americans
https://acf.gov/ana

Tribal Business News
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.

California is home to the largest Native population in the United States and 109 federally recognized tribes. Yet only three Native CDFIs currently operate in the state.

Recorded during and after the 2026 California CDFI Summit in Sacramento, this episode explores the effort to strengthen existing Native CDFIs, support the creation of new Native-led financial institutions and expand access to capital in Native communities throughout California.

Guests and voices in this episode:

• Nate Schaffran, California Coalition for Community Investment (CalCCI)
• Teresa Boardman, Five Rivers Loan Fund, Inc.
• Pete Upton, Native CDFI Network
• Jodi Fischer, Native CDFI Network
• Jessica Kaczmarek, The James Irvine Foundation

Resources and Links

Native CDFI Network
https://nativecdfi.net

RISE Initiative (Native CDFI Network)
https://nativecdfi.net/rise

California Coalition for Community Investment
https://www.calcii.org

Five Rivers Loan Fund
https://www.fiveriversloanfund.org

The James Irvine Foundation
https://www.irvine.org

Tribal Business News
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.

U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach recently traveled to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana, for his first trip to Montana since taking office — part of a broader swing through Indian Country that also included visits to the Flathead and Coeur d’Alene reservations.

In Episode 6 of Difference Makers 3.0, Brian Edwards and Native CDFI Network CEO Pete Upton sit down with Beach after a day of touring Native-owned businesses, meeting with tribal leaders and Native lenders, and attending a regional gathering hosted by Native CDFI Network and NACDC Financial Services.

The conversation explores infrastructure, banking access, broadband connectivity, private investment, federal contracting and the barriers tribes still face attracting outside capital.

Beach also discusses why he believes tribes possess major economic advantages many policymakers still underestimate — including sovereignty, entrepreneurial energy and cultural ties that encourage younger citizens to return home.

Along the way, the episode touches on Native CDFIs, financial literacy, diversification beyond gaming and the challenge of building long-term economic growth in rural reservation communities.

Show Notes:

Native CDFI Network
https://nativecdfi.net/

NACDC Financial Services
https://nacdcfinancialservices.com/

Tribal Business News
https://tribalbusinessnews.com/

U.S. Treasury Office of Tribal and Native Affairs
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/tribal-affairs

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.