By Jessica Henley
First Southwest Bank (FSWB), a locally owned, independent community bank and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is pleased to announce the historic closure of the first loan under the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI) in the United States.
The NSBCI is a Navajo Nation program offering loans for Navajo small businesses across the United States, with the goal of promoting small business growth, increasing job opportunities, and supporting the Navajo economy. The program is part of the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which was expanded to include tribal governments and allocate $500 million for tribes to invest in small businesses owned by tribally enrolled citizens and nonprofits controlled by tribal members.
“After months of collaboration and careful planning, we’re thrilled to announce a historic milestone: the very first loan ever enrolled in the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI). This is also the first time our financial institution has participated in the program, and we’re honored to have done so in partnership with Change Labs and entrepreneur Alvina Earnhart.
“This groundbreaking moment represents more than just a loan — it’s a powerful step toward expanding access to capital for Navajo and Native-owned businesses across the Four Corners region. We’re excited to build on this momentum and help grow the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs,” said Swarvoski Little, Native Lending Specialist, First Southwest Bank.
Alvina Earnhart, the recipient of this historic first NSBCI loan, is the owner and managing partner of Red House Law and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation with more than 15 years of legal experience specializing in Federal Indian law. Originally from Coyote Canyon (Brimhall), New Mexico, she is born from the Kin łichii’nii – Red House People clan and born for the Bit’ahnii – Folded Arms People clan.
“As a Navajo woman and small business owner, I am deeply honored to be the first recipient of a loan offered through the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative,” said Alvina Earnhart, Owner and Managing Partner of Red House Law PC. “This program is a meaningful step toward economic empowerment and self-determination for Navajo entrepreneurs. Access to capital enables Native-owned businesses like mine to grow, serve our communities more effectively, and continue the work of building a stronger future for the Navajo Nation.”
This milestone represents a significant step forward in expanding access to capital for Native entrepreneurs and supporting economic development within Indigenous communities across the Four Corners region. The collaborative model demonstrates how federal funding, tribal leadership, community-based organizations like Change Labs, and financial institutions like First Southwest Bank can work together to address historic gaps in access to capital for Native-owned businesses.
“Change Labs has been working toward this milestone for over two years,” says Jessica Stago, Change Labs co-founder. “It’s proof that the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative can unlock access to the capital that Navajo entrepreneurs need to grow when paired with strong, trust-based financial partnerships.”
Jessica Henley is Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, First Southwest Bank