It was a light day for brand-new funding news, but two items are worth your attention, including a chance for Native lenders to speak up on a federal rule change that affects how they are certified.

For Native entrepreneurs

Public comment: CDFI Fund proposal to drop board accountability rules
The U.S. Treasury’s CDFI Fund wants to remove the rule that a certified CDFI’s board must represent the community it serves, including the special provisions for Native CDFIs. The Native CDFI Network is rallying Native CDFIs to respond. Anyone can submit a public comment, and Native lenders and the entrepreneurs who borrow from them have a direct stake. Comment deadline: November 30, 2026 (Docket No. CDFI-2026-0200 on regulations.gov). Learn more · Federal Register notice

For all small businesses

Cultivate 269 Pitch Competition (Western Michigan University)
A $100,000 pitch contest for current WMU students with a business idea, prototype, or for-profit venture. Judges award $75,000 and an audience vote awards $25,000, and one pitch can win both. Deadline: January 29, 2027. Amount: up to $100,000. Learn more

Always confirm details on the official program page before applying.