Since our inception Lakota Funds has loaned over $6 million, resulting in the creation of 1,235 jobs and nearly 450 businesses on or near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. We have provided training and services to over 1,600 artists and over 1,200 aspiring entrepreneurs. The Pine Ridge Reservation now has more local goods and services available for community residents than ever before.
From 2010 to date, over 650 people have completed financial literacy, homebuyers education and business planning courses at Lakota Funds. A total of $156,000 has been saved through our IDA matched savings program. In 2010, Lakota Funds’ Credit Builder Loan clients increased their credit score by an average of 18.5 points.
From 2010 to date, nearly 2,000 youth have completed financial literacy courses at Lakota Funds. In addition, Lakota Funds has provided youth financial literacy training to over 170 youth through partnerships with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Summer Youth Program, the GEAR-UP college readiness summer program, and reservation high schools.
Lakota Funds has touched the lives of thousands of Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. According to a study published by Small Business Economics, Lakota Funds succeeded in raising real per capita income of Shannon county residents consistently and significantly throughout the 1987–2006 study period.