SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has established the Sault Tribe Capital Fund, a new financing support program designed to help Tribal members and businesses gain access to the capital needed to grow and succeed.
For many aspiring business owners, the biggest obstacle is not the ideal itself. It’s access to capital. Whether starting a new business, purchasing equipment, expanding operations, or acquiring property, financing is often one of the most difficult challenges entrepreneurs face. This is where the Sault Tribe Capital Fund is available to help.
“The goal is simple,” said Dan Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of Sault Tribe Enterprise Development Corporation. “We want to help Tribal members access the capital they need to start businesses, expand existing operations, create jobs, and build long-term economic opportunities for themselves and their families.”
Unlike a traditional bank, the Capital Fund does not make loans directly. Instead, it works with participating financial institutions to help Tribal businesses secure financing through tools such as collateral support and loan participation programs. These tools help reduce lender risk and can improve access to financing for businesses that may otherwise have difficulty obtaining traditional loans.
The program is available to eligible Tribal member-owned businesses, Tribal enterprises, and other qualifying businesses. In addition to financing support, entrepreneurs can access technical assistance through Sault Tribe Thrive, which provides business planning, financial guidance, marketing assistance, credit counseling, and business coaching.
Together, these resources are intended to create a complete support system for Tribal entrepreneurs, from developing a business concept to securing financing and successfully operating a business.
Turning Opportunity into Reality
The impact of the Capital Fund is already being felt.
One recent success story involves Tribal entrepreneur James Goga, who purchased an existing business which they intend to expand in North Dakota with support from the Sault Tribe Capital Fund and the Bank of Tioga. The Depot is a food service distributor and specialty grocery store which will be expanding into meat processing in the near future. The project demonstrates how the program can help Tribal members access financing opportunities even outside the Tribe’s traditional service area.
“We are beyond grateful for all the help and assistance provided through the Sault Tribe Capital Fund during this whole process,” Goga said. “Sault Tribe Thrive’s guidance and commitment made it possible for us to turn our plans into reality.”
Another powerful example comes from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Joanne Garrow, owner of Caught Dreamin’ Therapy, utilized the Sault Tribe Capital Fund to support an expansion in Ishpeming. Her project highlights how the program is helping Tribal entrepreneurs strengthen essential services within local communities.
“I want to send a sincere thank you to all involved in helping Caught Dreamin’ Therapy purchase our new building in Ishpeming,” Garrow said. “We are ready to provide much needed services to the Upper Peninsula, and it couldn’t of happened without the Sault Tribe Capital Fund.”
Another example of the success and reach of the program comes from Hair by Brittany, located in Sault Sainte Marie. Owned by Sault Tribe member Brittany Cunningham, this hair salon specializes in men’s haircuts, but accepts customers from all walks of life.
Other business funded include Lux Electrical located in Petoskey, MI and run by Sault Tribe member Benjamin Smith. This tribal member is providing much needed electrician work in an area short on members of that skilled trade. White’s Party Store located in Marquette, MI, this business has been a staple in the Marquette community for many years and is now in the hands of Sault Tribe member Matthew Blondeau.
These stories reflect the program’s growing reach and its ability to empower Tribal members across diverse industries and locations.
“This is exactly the type of outcome we hoped to create,” said Robert Sawruk, Director of Business Development. “Many Tribal members have strong business ideas, but access to financing can be a barrier. Our goal is to help remove those barriers and connect members with the resources they need to succeed.”
Building Long-Term Economic Opportunity
Beyond individual business success stories, Tribal leaders view the Capital Fund as an investment in the Tribe’s long-term economic future.
For Tribal members, the message is straightforward: if you have a business idea, are looking to expand an existing business, or simply want to learn more about available resources, assistance may be available.
How to Get Started
Tribal members interested in learning more about the Sault Tribe Capital Fund, financing opportunities, or business development services are encouraged to contact:
Sault Tribe Thrive Director of Business Development Robert Sawruk at rsawruk@saulttribe.net or by calling 906-379-8537
Robert and his team can help evaluate financing opportunities, connect members with available resources, and assist entrepreneurs in preparing for business growth and expansion.
The Sault Tribe Capital Fund represents more than a financing program — it is a tool designed to help Tribal members turn ideas into businesses, businesses into jobs, and opportunities into long-term economic success.