First Southwest Bank Expands Native Lending Capacity Through Partnership with Navajo Nation

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed the Navajo Small Business Credit Initiative (NSBCI) Lender Participation Agreement with First Southwest Bank, authorizing the bank to enroll loans into the NSBCI Loan Guarantee Program. The agreement was formalized during a meeting attended by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, First Southwest Bank President & CEO Kent Curtis, and Native Lending Specialist Swarvoski Little.

The NSBCI is a Navajo Nation program operating under the U.S. Treasury's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), designed to expand access to capital for Navajo small businesses and Native-owned enterprises across the country.

Building on a Historic Foundation

This new agreement builds on First Southwest Bank's existing and growing presence in Native lending. Last year, FSWB made history by closing the very first loan ever enrolled in the NSBCI program in the United States, a milestone achieved in partnership with Change Labs and entrepreneur Alvina Earnhart, owner of Red House Law.

Through its existing partnership with Change Labs, the contracted entity for the NSBCI program, First Southwest Bank has been able to guarantee loans up to $250,000 for Navajo entrepreneurs. The new direct agreement with the Navajo Nation dramatically expands that capacity, enabling the bank to support significantly larger financing needs and reach a broader range of businesses seeking to grow.

A Stronger Network for Native Communities

The partnership is part of First Southwest Bank's broader commitment to building a trusted and impactful Native lending network. FSWB's existing partnerships, including Change Labs and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation (ATNI EDC), reflect the bank's mission to deliver meaningful capital solutions to tribal communities across the region.

"This milestone represents a meaningful step forward in expanding access to capital across Native communities," said Swarvoski Little, Native Lending Specialist at First Southwest Bank. "Through our growing partnerships, including Change Labs, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation, and now direct collaboration with the Navajo Nation, we are building a strong, trusted network to deliver impactful lending solutions. Participation in the NSBCI Loan Guarantee Program allows us to support larger-scale financing opportunities of up to $20 million, helping drive economic development, strengthen tribal enterprises, and create lasting opportunities throughout the Navajo Nation and the Four Corners region. We are honored to work alongside our partners and tribal nations to advance this important mission."

The collaboration is expected to expand lending opportunities for Navajo entrepreneurs in sectors including tourism, hospitality, retail, agriculture, and community development, supporting both emerging entrepreneurs and established businesses seeking to scale operations.

Shared Vision for Economic Opportunity

Under President Nygren's economic agenda, the Navajo Nation remains focused on strengthening Navajo-owned enterprises through improved access to funding, technology integration, innovation, and mentorship. First Southwest Bank shares that vision, and as one of only two CDFI-designated banks in Colorado and the only one in the Four Corners region, is uniquely positioned to serve as a trusted lending partner for tribal communities in the region.

"At First Southwest Bank, our mission has is to bring capital to the communities that need it most," said Kent Curtis, President & CEO of First Southwest Bank. "This partnership with the Navajo Nation is a natural extension of that mission. We are honored to deepen this relationship and look forward to the doors this agreement will open for Navajo entrepreneurs."

This partnership marks a significant step toward a more resilient and self-sustaining Navajo economy, one built on ownership, access, and opportunity for future generations.