Lakota Funds 1st Loan Client Visit
Lakota Funds was blessed with the honor of presenting Mr. Milton Fineran, our first loan client a certificate of appreciation on September 24, 2007. Milton had stopped by the Lakota Funds to receive his certificate.
Milton stated “I first heard about starting a bank on Pine Ridge at the Tatanka Iyacin conference and applied for the loan the following year at the conclusion of the 20/20 conference held at Piya Wiconi in 1987. I was the first one to apply. I was a full-time college student at the time and needed some way of supporting myself for the summer.
My plan was to set up concession stands at all the area Pow-wows for the summer. It worked out great as I more than doubled the loan amount in profits, fixed my ride up and was even able to hire 3-4 people near the end of the summer season. I went on to finish my studies at OLC that academic year, go to Europe in the spring and graduate in June with my Bachelors in Human Services. (Dowel Smith was the chair of the department at the time). I still think it’s a great idea to have a lending service right in the community and I encourage others in the community to look into applying for a loan.”
This year Lakota Funds has provided 14 loans to tribal members this past year in 2007 to assist with their various dreams of small businesses successes. With every successful loan the Lakota Funds approves there is more opportunities for more future business entrepreneurs to begin their vision of a new business for their family and community.