Island Mountain Development Group
Island Mountain Development Group (IMDG) is a Native American economic development corporation dedicated to building a self-sustaining economy by creating opportunities for the Aaniiih (Gros Ventre) and Nakoda (Assiniboine) Nations.
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This study assessed the financial landscape of the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana, including which services are needed and provided and whether there is sufficient demand and space for a new credit union. Our role was to administer surveys to potential members, conduct interviews with key stakeholders, and assess the overall market dynamics.
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Conduct a comprehensive market study to determine the viability of a new credit union.
Complete a financial services scan of the region to understand the limitations and needs of the community.
Analyze secondary ESRI data.
Distribute a survey to the greater Fort Belknap Indian Community to identify the demands a credit union would need to support.
Interview partners, funders, potential clients, and competitors to gather feedback, suggestions, and concerns.
Provide an assertion of feasibility and recommendations for future development.
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The results from the study indicated that a new credit union is feasible, but not without its challenges. We provided over 16 strategic recommendations that could help move the project forward and included financial projections, potential partnerships, and a comprehensive market study. Based on the findings, IMDG moved forward in the development of a credit union and re-hired Sweet Grass to assist with the NCUA accreditation process.
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Jan–Sep 2023
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Max Van Oostenburg — Project supervisor, tool design, data collection and analysis, secondary research, financials, and report writing
Michael Brydge — Advisory council development, tool design, data collection and analysis, and report writing
Andrea Mader — Data analysis and report writing
