Sault Ste. Marie, MI – 7/25/25
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians proudly announces the launch of the Sault Tribe Capital Fund, a new initiative made possible through the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). This program expands access to capital and technical assistance for small businesses owned by enrolled Tribal Citizens—no matter where they live.
The Sault Tribe was awarded $8.2 million in SSBCI funding, enabling the Tribe to support credit-ready Tribal entrepreneurs with flexible financing options through partnerships with participating lenders and a dedicated technical assistance provider.
Program Highlights
– Available to All Enrolled Sault Tribe Citizens: Whether living within the Tribe’s service area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or elsewhere in the U.S.
– Participating Lenders in the Upper Peninsula:
• Bay Bank
• Central Savings Bank
• Upper Peninsula State Bank
– Credit Support: Loans may benefit from partial guarantees or collateral support from the Sault Tribe Capital Fund.
– Outside the U.P.? Tribal members can have their own lender contact the program via the Lender FAQ at www.saulttribecapitalfund.com/stp/home.
Technical Assistance Available
Entrepreneurs can also access business planning, financial coaching, and application preparation support through Sault Tribe Thrive, the Tribe’s designated technical assistance provider. This assistance is available at no cost to Sault Tribe Citizens and is funded through an additional $840,742 Treasury Technical Assistance grant.
Tribal Leadership Perspective
“We know that our citizens have the ideas, skills, and commitment to build successful businesses,” said Chairperson Austin Lowes. “The Sault Tribe Capital Fund is designed to ensure they also have access to the capital and support they need—wherever they live. This is about building wealth, strengthening families, and growing opportunity for our Tribe, now and for the next generation.”
How to Get Started
1. Visit the program website: www.saulttribecapitalfund.com/stp/home
2. Connect with a participating lender or refer your own lender to the site.
3. Contact Sault Tribe Thrive for help getting loan-ready or building a stronger business.
About the Program
The Sault Tribe Capital Fund is part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s SSBCI initiative, a nationwide effort to close capital access gaps for underserved small businesses. The Fund offers support for Tribal entrepreneurs seeking working capital, equipment, real estate, or expansion funding. With $8.2 million in capital and nearly $1 million in technical assistance resources, this initiative is positioned to spark growth and strengthen Tribal businesses across the country.
Media Contact
Robert Sawruk
Director of Business Development Sault Tribe Thrive
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
906-379-8537
rsawruk@saulttribe.net
This is terrific! I am so happy to see all of the progress since I left the Sault Tribe Inc board.