NAFOA is pleased to announce that Richard “Rico” Frias (Chiricahua Apache from the Chihene Nde Nation) has been selected as the organization’s new Executive Director. Mr. Frias joined NAFOA on Monday, July 12, 2021.

After an extensive search, Mr. Frias joins NAFOA as the organization’s second Executive Director. His hiring comes during a critical time of growth for the organization. In the past year, NAFOA has built momentum in its advocacy work particularly during the pandemic that ensured Indian Country’s inclusion in the 2020 CARES Act and the 2021 American Rescue Plan.

Mr. Frias has a strong transactional background having conducted negotiations for clients with partners globally. He has also worked on bringing investment and private development deals to Indian Country. “Indian tribes have an inherent right to pursue economic development on their reservations,” says Frias.

Read more in NAFOA’s latest broadcast.

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) provides states, territories, Washington, D.C., and Tribal governments (Eligible Jurisdictions) funding for 1) small business financing programs and 2) technical assistance to small businesses applying for SSBCI and other government programs. Small business financing programs that SSBCI funds may be used to support include capital access programs, loan participation, loan guarantee, collateral support, and venture equity programs. SSBCI includes at least a $500m allocation for Tribal Governments.

Tribal Governments interested in receiving SSBCI funds must submit a Notice of Intent to Apply by this Friday, July 30th. Applications will be due by December 31st of this year.

For more information, visit the Department of the Treasury website or see the Tribal SSBCI Fact Sheet.

Included in the $3B Investment is $100M for the Indigenous Communities Challenge. @US_EDA will work with Tribal Governments to develop and execute the economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. https://t.co/HSKPR05mJV

— NAFOA (@nafoaorg) July 23, 2021

Last Thursday, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is announcing $3 billion in funding opportunities to invest in distressed and underserved communities, including Indian Country, impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The EDA investment is broken into six Notices of Funding Opportunities:

• Indigenous Communities Challenge ($100 million)
• Build Back Better Regional Challenge ($1 billion)
• Good Jobs Challenge ($500 million)
• Economic Adjustment Assistance Challenge ($500 million)
• Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Grants ($750 million)
• Statewide Planning, Research, and Networks Grants ($90 million)

Notices of Funding Opportunity for each challenge will be released shortly. NAFOA will continue to share updates and guidance as we receive them.

For more information, read NAFOA’s latest broadcast.

From setting tribal priorities, to building infrastructure, to managing and sustaining projects, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) presents an unprecedented opportunity for the 574 federally recognized tribal nations to use their rights of sovereignty and self-government to strengthen their communities.

As the tribes take on the challenges presented by the Act, the Ash Center’s Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development is hosting a series designed to assist tribes, to help tribes learn from each other and from a wide array of guest experts. During this session, the sixth in the series, following a round of discussion between the panelists a brief Q+A session will be held to maximize the opportunities for audience participation.

Register to join on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, 4:00 pm Eastern Time.

NCAI seeks a full-time experienced Press Associate with strong media relations skills. The Press Associate will streamline media strategy, lead execution, and assist with all NCAI media outlets. This position will act as a formal media liaison and maintain working relation with all media vendors. Ideal candidates will have prior on-the-record media experience, excellent oral and written communication skills and be able to work effectively alongside the Communications Director.

For more information, visit nafoa.org/jobs.