Chief signs directive to spur economic growth
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Cherokee Nation Launches Economic Initiative to Revitalize Communities
TAHLEQUAH – The Cherokee Nation has unveiled a new economic initiative aimed at fostering growth and investment in communities facing economic hardship. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed an executive order on December 19th establishing "Cherokee Nation Opportunity Zones," designed to attract private investment and address areas that have experienced economic stagnation.
The program identifies specific U.S. Census Bureau tracts within the reservation characterized by high poverty rates and limited economic development. The initiative seeks to reduce barriers to investment by offering various incentives. These include lower interest rates, waived income limits, and direct small-business assistance within the designated zones.
The Cherokee Nation will leverage existing programs, such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and the Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority, to support the initiative. The SSBCI, a federally backed fund, provides matching investments for qualified small business loans. The Cherokee Nation has secured $84 million in matching loans through its partnership with the U.S. Treasury over the next decade.
Small-business entrepreneurs participating in the program will have access to incentives, including 100% financing for loans up to $25,000. Larger business loans, up to $5 million, will also be available, with funding sourced from private lenders and the Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority.
In a notable move, the program will be open to non-citizens, waiving the requirement for Cherokee Nation citizenship to participate in the SSBCI program. The goal is to encourage broad participation and attract capital to support economic revitalization.
The Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority has already provided over $35 million in loans to small businesses since 2010. The new initiative is overseen by key officials, including Anna Knight, Todd Enlow, and Shella Bowlin.
BNN's Perspective: This initiative reflects a pragmatic approach to economic development, focusing on data-driven targeting and practical incentives. The decision to include non-citizens is a bold move that could significantly broaden the program's impact. While the success of this program will depend on its implementation and the response from the business community, the Cherokee Nation's commitment to addressing economic disparities is commendable.
Keywords: Cherokee Nation, economic development, opportunity zones, small business, investment, poverty, SSBCI, loans, incentives, non-citizens, Chuck Hoskin Jr.