By SUZANNE DOWNING
March 13, 2026 – Native American Bank N.A. has been approved as an eligible financial institution under the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority’s Loan Participation Program, a move expected to expand access to long-term financing for Alaska businesses and tribal enterprises.
The designation allows Native American Bank to originate and sponsor commercial loans that can include participation from the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), making the bank part of a statewide network of lenders working with the state authority to support business expansion, construction projects, equipment purchases, and other commercial needs.
Native American Bank was founded in 2001 by 20 Tribal Nations, tribal enterprises, and Alaska Native corporations. The institution focuses on serving Native communities, governments, and businesses. According to the bank, more than 96% of its loans are made to Native borrowers, and nearly 70% of its commercial lending supports projects in underserved communities. Since its founding, the bank says it has deployed more than $432 million in loans to Tribal Nations, Native-owned businesses, and individuals.
The bank operates retail branches in Denver; Browning, Montana; and Tulalip, Washington, along with a loan production office in Issaquah, Washington.
“Becoming an eligible lender in AIDEA’s Loan Participation Program allows us to deepen our commitment to Alaska and to Native-owned and rural businesses across the state,” said Ed Davis, market president of Native American Bank. “This partnership expands access to long-term, flexible capital and supports projects that strengthen local economies and create lasting opportunity.”
Under the program, AIDEA may purchase up to 90% of a participating loan, with a maximum participation amount of $25 million. The arrangement is designed to lower financing costs and make long-term credit more accessible for businesses that may otherwise struggle to secure funding.
Loan terms through the program may extend up to 15 years for personal property and up to 25 years for real property. Loan-to-value ratios can reach 75%, and AIDEA’s portion of a loan may extend beyond the originating bank’s term, helping reduce scheduled payments for borrowers. The originating bank retains responsibility for servicing the loan, and projects must be located in Alaska.
AIDEA Executive Director Randy Ruaro said the addition of Native American Bank aligns with the authority’s goal of expanding economic opportunity across the state.
“Native American Bank’s mission and track record align strongly with AIDEA’s commitment to expanding economic opportunity across Alaska,” Ruaro said. “Their participation strengthens our ability to reach underserved communities and support projects that create jobs and long-term economic value.”
Tiffany Janssen, AIDEA’s chief lending officer, said the partnership also reflects the authority’s interest in working with institutions that specialize in lending within Native and rural communities.
“Adding Native American Bank N.A. as an eligible lender strengthens our ability to partner with mission-driven institutions that are reaching underserved and rural communities,” Janssen said. “Their experience in Native and Tribal lending aligns well with the goals of the Loan Participation Program and helps expand access to long-term financing for projects across Alaska.”
AIDEA is a public corporation of the State of Alaska created to promote economic development and investment across the state through financing programs, infrastructure development, and partnerships with private lenders.
Native American Bank is a nationally chartered community development financial institution and the first American Indian-owned community development bank in the United States. The bank recently received an “outstanding” rating on its most recent Community Reinvestment Act evaluation.
One thought on “Native American Bank approved for AIDEA loan participation program, expanding financing options for Alaska businesses”
But the services to be offered by the bank are only for Natives, right? Asking for a friend.
(I kinda thought that racial discrimination in the provision of financial services was illegal but I may just be old-fashioned.)