Financial Services

To assist businesses in securing funds, the Navajo Nation has established two financing opportunities below:

The Business Industrial Development Fund (BIDF) and the
Micro Enterprise Loan Program (MELP)

Since their inception in 1987, the BIDF and the Small Business Loan Program have funded a total of 33 commercial, industrial, and tourism projects, and 99 small businesses for new start-ups and expansion. Additionally, Micro-Enterprise loans have funded 90 Navajo individual proprietor start-ups. We provide these loans to assist Navajo business owners, although the industrial financing portion of BIDF loans is also open to non-Navajo investors. Each loan has unique requirements.

Business Industrial Development Fund (BIDF)

The Business Industrial Development Fund (BIDF) provides low interest rate loans for new business start-ups and expansion. Collateralized loans can be made in amounts varying from $10,000 to $100,000 for new businesses and $10,000 to $150,000 for existing businesses (see loan documents for additional requirements and guidelines).

Minimum requirements:

  • Small Business start-up or expansion
  • Have good credit history
  • Not be in violation of the Navajo Business Procurement Act or Navajo Nation laws

 Complete application and return it to your local
 Regional Business Development Office (RBDO) for further assistance.

BIDF Loan Application and Guidelines

Micro-Enterprise Lending Program
Micro-Enterprise Lending Program (MELP) was set up to provide financing for micro-businesses. Collateralized loans can be made in amounts varying from $2,500 to $7,500 for new businesses (see loan documents for more detailed information on additional requirements).

Minimum requirements:

  • Self-employed individuals, home-based businesses, cottage industries and small retail or wholesale businesses
  • Employ less than five persons
  • Have good credit history
  • Not be in violation of the Navajo Business Procurement Act or Navajo Nation laws
  • Provide 10% equity for each loan
MELP Guidelines
MELP Form (download)