Empowering Native American Entrepreneurs: Potawatomi Business Development Corporation’s Impact
Native American communities have been affected by inequality and poverty for centuries. The challenge is to address these issues and empower the community members to become entrepreneurs and contribute to the economy. One such example is the Potawatomi Business Development Corporation (PBDC).
The PBDC’s Origins
Founded in 2002, the PBDC was created to provide the Potawatomi tribe with economic development and growth opportunities, thereby providing a secure future for the tribe’s generations to come. The corporation’s main agenda is to promote economic and business development of the tribal members.
The Collaborative Efforts of PBDC
The PBDC has been successful in building a network and collaborating with other organizations, gaining access to resources, and using various funding sources. The corporation has been successful in partnering with the federal government through the Small Business Administration, and various state departments and economic development corporations in Wisconsin, Kansas, and Michigan.
Achievements of PBDC
Over the years, the PBDC has made significant progress in the economic development and empowerment of the Potawatomi community. The corporation has successfully created over 1000 job opportunities, generated $60 million in investment, $150 million in economic impact, and developed 15 businesses ranging from restaurants to construction.
Success Stories of PBDC
One success story of the PBDC is the Forest County Potawatomi Community’s Casino and Resort. The casino has been a significant source of economic growth, generating over $150 million annually. Another achievement is the creation of the Forest County Potawatomi Community’s Gas Station and Convenience Store, which provides the community with a much-needed access point to essential commodities.
Another example is Broken Earth Winery, which is owned and operated by Clayvin Herrera, a member of the Pueblo of Cochiti. The PBDC provided him with financing and technical assistance, and today the winery is thriving, generating revenue and creating jobs for the community.
Conclusion
The PBDC has been instrumental in empowering Native American entrepreneurs and helping their businesses succeed by providing them with the resources, opportunities, and technical assistance they need. By building strong partnerships, the PBDC has made a significant contribution to the economic development of the Potawatomi tribe and demonstrated how collaboration and innovative problem-solving can bring about community empowerment and economic growth.
