Eligibility: Cherokee Nation Small Business loans are available to startups, existing businesses or those who wish to purchase existing businesses when: at least ONE applicant is a citizen of any federally recognized tribe AND when the business and ALL applicants reside in the 14 Counties of the Cherokee Nation Reservation. If you have questions about eligibility please contact us at sbac@cherokee.org or (918)453-5536.

LOAN TERMS as of May 22, 2023

Prime Currently 4%

 

Loan Size

Loan Term*

Collateral

Interest Rate**

Closing Fees

Micro

$100 to $25,000

 

Up to 15 years

Equipment or other property purchased with proceeds of the loan, or personal assets owned by the applicant

CN Prime, fixed

2% of loan

Business

$100 to $500,000

Up to 15 years

Real or personal property; Equipment or other property purchased with proceeds of the loan, or personal assets owned by the applicant

CN Prime + 1-3% depending on loan rating*** at time of closing; 1-3 yrs fixed thereafter reset annually

2% of loan

IRP

$100 to $250,000

Up to 15 years

Real or personal property; Equipment or other property purchased with proceeds of the loan, or personal assets owned by the applicant

CN Prime + 1-3% depending on loan rating*** at time of closing; 1-3 yrs fixed thereafter reset annually

2% of loan

** Loan term based on the conservative remaining life of collateral and cash flow.

** All interest rates are based upon the Cherokee Nation Prime Rate, as set by the CNEDTA Board and reviewed quarterly

*** Loan rating is contingent upon the client’s collateral coverage, credit history, cash flow stability, equity investment, and business qualifications.

***loan rating that is as follows: In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, the Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

Downloads

CNEDTA Commercial Business Loan Application

682.4 KB / Created May 29, 2019 / Updated October 6, 2023

This document contains the application for all SBAC business loans and information on business planning, budgeting, and setup of legal business structures.

CNEDTA Consumer Loan Application

925.7 KB / Created May 29, 2019 / Updated May 12, 2025

This application is to be used for the Cherokee Nation Employee loan program and other Consumer loan programs.

Quick Facts Commercial

142.5 KB / Created May 29, 2019 / Updated May 23, 2023

The Commercial loan program exists to enhance and secure the financial well-being of Cherokee people, businesses and communities.

Quick Facts Consumer

170.8 KB / Created May 29, 2019 / Updated May 23, 2023

Consumer loan programs provide affordable access to financing and promote family self-sufficiency through budget counseling and credit counseling.

Updated August 23, 2026