As the primary catalyst for agricultural development on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Makoce Agriculture Development recently secured the prestigious Bush Community Innovation Grant. Tasked with various technical assistance responsibilities, Sweet Grass was commissioned to update essential data, including land, agriculture, production, economic, and other food-related information for the Oglala Oyate. This vital information guides the strategic development of networks, infrastructure, and supply chains across the expansive Oglala Lakota homelands. The project further extends its impact with the creation of a replicable model that benefits the broader Oceti Sakowin—the seven bands of Lakota, Dakota, and Nakoda in South Dakota.

Sweet Grass worked with 11 Native CDFIs across the country to evaluate metrics that predict loan repayment and risk in their portfolios. Sweet Grass engaged with each participating CDFI to define the relevant metrics, solicit data, analyze the data for each CDFI and in aggregate, and reported on the results.

Sweet Grass collaborated with Region 5 Development Commission (R5DC) to facilitate a five-year strategic plan that included the collection of impartial information from partners and community members, as well as 24 key opinion leaders from the region. We conducted interviews with all R5DC and North Central Economic Development Association (NCEDA) staff, and ran three focus groups with the R5DC commission, Economic Development Pros, and NCEDA Full Corporation. Sweet Grass also conducted a region-wide community survey to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy. This project culminated with a written strategic planning document to inform future services and programs, addressing the needs and strengths of the communities served by NCEDA.

Sweet Grass created a curriculum based on six case studies from American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association's agritourism ventures. The curriculum enriches their agritourism toolkit and includes information on business planning, value-add, scheduling events, engaging partners, and developing a farmers’ market. The toolkit was unveiled at their 22nd Annual Indian Tourism Conference.

Sweet Grass partnered with Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation to help plan a facility and learning environment to assist Native and other minority-owned businesses in developing and achieving growth, job creation, and having a positive impact on their communities and the region. The facility offers affordable retail space, co-working space, business advisers and mentors for entrepreneurs, and post-secondary education options. Sweet Grass developed the protocols, procedures, and tools, including key opinion leader interviews, focus groups, and an entrepreneur survey. Case studies, economic projections, and mapping business potential were also components of the comprehensive study. Sweet Grass facilitated data collection, analysis, reporting, and recommendations. All the components, including the final report, are used as a decision-making tool for facility types, structures, curricula and services, and partnerships. The information will also be used for business plans and grant proposals to develop the facility.

Native CDFIs demonstrated their response to the pandemic through innovative loan products, emergency grants, and rapid adaptation to provide crucial web-based opportunities. These efforts continue to influence and cultivate financial well-being rooted in cultural values. This article highlights three Native CDFIs and a national Native CDFI intermediary to exemplify their active resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they created opportunities that will exist far beyond pandemic times. 

Sweet Grass conducted a market study of Native CDFIs focused on housing-related products and services. The market study provided data on what housing-related programs and services are currently offered by Native CDFIs and what programs and services they are looking to develop in the future. This assessment provided Oweesta and partners with insights into their role supporting Native CDFIs in the housing arena.

Sweet Grass partnered with Oweesta Corporation to establish best practices for the Native CDFI Impact Tracking Matrix, ensuring Native CDFIs have culturally relevant tools to measure success, attract investment, and tell their stories effectively. To support Native CDFI operations and impact evaluation, this initiative enables Native CDFIs to own their data and drive meaningful change.

Sweet Grass conducted this comprehensive feasibility study, funded by the USDA, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, First Nations Development Institute, and the Notah Begay Foundation, and in collaboration with Village Earth, to assess the barriers, needs, and opportunities involved in the development of a new grocery store. Sweet Grass analyzed the feasibility of localizing food distribution and processing through a food hub. Thunder Valley received additional funding from Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community as a result of the findings.

The Piikani Money Awareness Campaign was sponsored by the Blackfeet Tribe, Northwest Area Foundation, Native CDFI Network, First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, Center for Indian Country Development, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, and the Montana Financial Education Coalition. The campaign was created to address financial readiness and fraud awareness to assist Federal Land Buy Back recipients and families. Sweet Grass worked with NACDC Financial Services to create data collection instruments and compile four reports to measure the effectiveness of the campaign. The campaign was a success, and a model toolkit was shared with 12 other tribal nations.

Sweet Grass collaborated with NACDC Financial Services to compile, analyze, and present comprehensive data for their annual report. This report highlights NACDC's financial performance, loan deployment, and program outcomes, while emphasizing their broader community impact. Through data visualization, storytelling, and detailed metrics, Sweet Grass showcased how NACDC empowers Native communities by fostering economic growth, financial literacy, and sustainable development.