Economic development and diversification were discussed at a conference hosted by the Tyme Maidu Tribe of California.

Tribes and Indian entrepreneurs face barriers in obtaining loans, Craig Norte of the Federal Reserve Board said. He cited land status, legal infrastructure, remoteness, communication, income levels and credit as issues, The Oroville Mecury Register reported.

Tribal politics can also be a problem, according to panelists. They recommended separating the business arm from the tribal council.

"We are a very growing economy," Tracey Stanhoff of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California said, the paper reported. "We are the last growing economy in rural America."

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Indian tribes see economic growth beyond casinos (The Oroville Mercury Register 1/13)