BIA Loan Guarantee Program (ILGP)
Access the capital you need to build and expand your Native-owned business. Through the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ BIA loan guarantee, we help eligible entrepreneurs and Tribes secure financing with a federal guarantee of up to 90%.
(ILGP is not an SBA program; it’s administered by Indian Affairs’ Division of Capital Investment.)
Up to 90%
Federal Guarantee
Supports Native-Owned Businesses
Terms Up to 30 Years
4 Benefits of the BIA Loan Guarantee Program
Up to 90% Federal Guarantee
Reduce lender risk and unlock access to capital that may otherwise be out of reach.
Up to 90% Federal Guarantee
Reduce lender risk and unlock access to capital that may otherwise be out of reach.
Flexible Use of Funds
Finance working capital, equipment, acquisition, refinance, or construction—even on trust land with BIA approval.
Flexible Use of Funds
Finance working capital, equipment, acquisition, refinance, or construction—even on trust land with BIA approval.
Supports Native-Owned Businesses
Exclusively designed for Tribes, Tribal enterprises, and Native entrepreneurs with majority ownership.
Supports Native-Owned Businesses
Exclusively designed for Tribes, Tribal enterprises, and Native entrepreneurs with majority ownership.
Long Repayment Terms
Loans can extend up to 30 years, helping businesses manage cash flow with predictable payments.
Long Repayment Terms
Loans can extend up to 30 years, helping businesses manage cash flow with predictable payments.
Closings are subject to credit approval. Stated timelines apply to qualified submissions and are contingent upon the applicant’s timely submission of all required documentation.
An enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe;
A federally recognized AI/AN group; or
A corporation/LLC that is ≥51% owned by federally recognized AI/AN individuals. Borrowers are generally expected to contribute ~20% equity to the project, and the project must benefit the economy of a reservation or tribal service area.
What You Can Finance
Working Capital & Credit
Support day-to-day cash flow with working capital loans or revolving credit lines
Equipment Financing
Purchase or upgrade essential equipment to grow your business
Business Acquisition or Refinance
Acquire an existing business or restructure debt for better cash flow
Construction & Real Estate
Finance new facilities, expansions, or projects on trust land with BIA approval
How the BIA Guarantee Works
Guarantee amount: Up to 90% of the unpaid principal and accrued interest
Insurance option: For smaller loans, the program may offer loan insurance (often for loans up to $250,000)
Size guidance: Individuals are typically capped at $500,000 guaranteed; Tribes and tribally owned enterprises may exceed that cap subject to program resources
Why Work With T Bank
Native‑Focused
Lending Path
We organize the lender application to DCI and coordinate with zone offices so you do not have to navigate the process alone.
Government-Guaranteed Expertise
Our team originates SBA and USDA loans every day and applies that same disciplined process to ILGP requests—tailored to Tribal and Native-owned enterprises.
Work Directly with Our Specialist
A small business owner with active community partnerships, Cameron Brewer focuses on opening capital access for Native entrepreneurs.
Proven Experience in Tribal Lending
T Bank is proud to offer dedicated financing for Tribal and Native-owned enterprises through the BIA/ILGP program. To lead this important focus, our team is guided by a seasoned expert in Tribal lending, Cameron Brewer.
The following are examples of complex deals he has personally structured and closed throughout his career. This is the level of expertise he now brings to every T Bank client.
The T Bank + ILGP Process
Fit Check (15–30 Minutes): Confirm eligibility, location, use of funds, and ownership (at least 51% Native-owned if not a Tribe)
Pre-Underwrite: Review financials, business plan, collateral, and equity contribution (approximately 20%)
Term Sheet: Size the loan and outline pricing and structure aligned with ILGP rules (no points)
Lender Package to BIA: Submit RG110 and supporting documents to your zone office; BIA acknowledges receipt year-round and typically confirms within a few business days
Credit Committee & Approval: BIA review, Conditions of Approval, and Guarantee Certificate to the lender
Closing & Funding: Finalize loan documents and close in compliance with ILGP requirements
Ongoing Servicing: We service the loan to the program’s “commercially reasonable” standard
BIA Loan Guarantee Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BIA Loan Guarantee?
A BIA Loan Guarantee is a form of federal credit support from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It is not a direct loan from the government, but a guarantee of up to 90% on a loan made by a lender like T Bank. This guarantee reduces the lender’s risk, making it easier for eligible Native-owned businesses and Tribal enterprises to access capital.
Who is eligible for the ILGP (Indian Loan Guarantee Program)?
Eligibility is specific to federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals, Tribes, or business entities that are at least 51% Native-owned. The project being financed must also contribute to the economy of a reservation or an approved tribal service area.
How is a BIA-guaranteed loan different from an SBA loan?
While both are government-guaranteed programs, they serve different purposes. The BIA/ILGP is exclusively designed to support Native-owned enterprises and has unique provisions for projects on trust land. SBA loans serve a much broader business community with different requirements. Our team has deep expertise in both and can help you determine the best program for your specific goals.
Can ILGP financing be used for projects on trust land?
Yes, absolutely. The ILGP is uniquely suited for financing projects located on trust land. The program has specific regulations for securing collateral through instruments like leasehold mortgages. Our specialist, Cameron Brewer, has direct experience navigating these requirements with Tribes, the BIA, and the DCI to structure compliant financing.
What is the Interest Subsidy mentioned in the program?
For qualifying projects, the Division of Capital Investment (DCI) may approve an interest subsidy. This is a payment made directly to the lender on the borrower’s behalf to help lower the effective interest rate. This can significantly improve a project’s cash flow, making a deal more viable. We assess eligibility for this powerful feature during the underwriting process.
Work With Cameron Brewer
Start a no-obligation conversation to review your project’s eligibility and outline a clear path to funding.
Closings are subject to credit approval. Stated timelines apply to qualified submissions and are contingent upon the applicant’s timely submission of all required documentation.
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