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Alternative Funding Sources


There are many alternative funding resources that provide access to businesses, including those that are music focused. Government funding opportunities, such as through the Economic Development Administration, are available for specific company structures. In addition, there are several other resources for funding and business training that are not restricted to specific structures.


The Opportunity Finance Network is a membership organization comprised of Community Development Financial Institutions. Their goal is to “provide opportunity in disinvested areas that mainstream finance has left behind”. They offer several programs for business owners to either provide funding or development assistance. One such program is their “Business Plan for Growth Training” program that is spread out over two days and costs $995 to join. This network does not have a strict qualification requirement and is a great resource for CDFIs to have a greater impact in their communities rather than being the direct source for the communities.



Oweesta is an organization that seeks to provide funding and resources to Native people in hopes of increasing financial independence within the Native communities. The only constant requirement is that the CDFIs be owned and operated by and/or for Natives people. They provide 4 different loans: capital loans, first-in loans, Native Fresh Food Fund loans, and start-up capital loans. Their application requires current and historical financial statements, portfolio reports, loan policies, and a comprehensive business plan. Their loans are in terms of 2 to 10 years. This seems a very good resource for companies that meet Oweesta’s requirements. Oweesta also provides employee development, fundraising, and strategic consulting along with many other beneficial services to business owners.



The US Economic Development Administration is a funding resource for US businesses. Unlike the above institutions, the EDA requires the business be nonprofit, government organizations, institutions of higher education, or Native American institutions. It offers several programs surrounding community development, including public works programs and economic adjustment programs that assist state and local interests in designing and implementing strategies to adjust or bring about change to an economy. In addition to funding programs, the EDA provides economic development reports to assist companies in their financial planning efforts. It provides a monthly newsletter that updates subscribers on latest programs, requirement updates, etc.

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