Four Bands assesses its impact on Native entrepreneurs
Four Bands Community Fund
Four Bands Community Fund is a Native-led community development financial institution (CDFI) serving the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and surrounding communities. Through business development, financial education, and capital access, Four Bands supports Native entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses that strengthen local economies and community well-being.
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Since 2012, Four Bands has conducted annual business assessments with its clients, creating a rare and robust longitudinal dataset that reflects how Native-owned businesses start, grow, and adapt over time. To date, more than 600 business assessments have been completed, offering insight into financial performance, household dynamics, and the evolving needs of entrepreneurs.
Through evaluation, annual assessment analysis, and report compilation, our role brought together results across assessment cycles to identify trends, understand changing business conditions, and generate insights to inform programming and technical assistance.
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Analyze longitudinal data to surface meaningful trends, shifts, and ongoing needs among Native entrepreneurs.
Compile findings into clear, actionable reports that support organizational learning and strategic planning.
Help Four Bands use assessment data more intentionally to inform technical assistance, business support services, and future program direction.
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Four Bands has a strong evidence base for understanding how Native-owned businesses start, grow, and navigate ongoing challenges. The data help Four Bands evaluate whether existing capital products are meeting business needs and inform decisions around loan sizing, financing strategies, and where expanded access to capital may further support business growth. By combining long-term trend analysis with annual reporting, Four Bands uses assessment data to continuously refine support for business ownership in Native communities.
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2014–current
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Andrea Mader — Project supervisor, tool design, client communication, and data collection and analysis
Jordan Greene — Tool design, client communication, and data collection and analysis
Nat Bauer — Graphic and layout design, creative direction, and data visualization
“Sweet Grass’ contextual and cultural understanding of the Native CDFI market is unsurpassed in the field. We appreciate the work they do to stay informed about our markets and to continually amplify our voices on the ground.” —Lakota Vogel, Four Bands Community Fund
