1/27/26
First Southwest Bank is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation (ATNI EDC) to expand access to capital for Native-owned businesses through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). As a participating lender, First Southwest Bank will support SSBCI-backed business financing while ATNI EDC administers the SSBCI Loan Guarantee Program (LGP) and Loan Participation Program (LPP) on behalf of tribal communities.
"It is great to have a regional lending partnership with First Southwest Bank established prior to reviewing loan opportunities. This makes the process of placing SSBCI funds partnered by matching loan funds a much smoother process. ATNI-EDC appreciates First Southwest Bank taking the initiative to support Native small business owners in the four corners region." Mark Bowman, Financial Services Director ATNI-FS
This partnership will initially focus on four tribal nations in the Four Corners region: three in New Mexico, and one in Arizona. The partnership is designed to increase lending capacity, mitigate risk, and improve access to business capital for Native entrepreneurs in these communities.
“As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), First Southwest Bank views this partnership as a natural extension of its mission to serve historically underserved markets and support inclusive economic growth.” Eric Guttormson, Sr. Lending Officer. “The ATNI EDC partnership builds on the Bank’s ongoing expansion of its Native Lending initiatives.”
In 2025, First Southwest Bank announced its participation as a lender with Change Labs through the Navajo Nation’s SSBCI program, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to providing responsible, mission-driven business lending solutions in Indian Country.
Through these partnerships, First Southwest Bank is able to align federal, tribal, and other financial resources to expand access to capital in Native communities.
For more information or to apply for a loan, please contact Swarvoski Little, Native Lending Specialist at 970-564-7082 or swarvoski.little@fswb.com.