News

First Interstate Foundation Presents $14,000 to Commerce for Native American Business Development

First Interstate Bank Foundation http://www.firstinterstatebank.com/foundation/ has donated $14,000 in private funds to the Montana Department of Commerce to encourage Native American business development in Montana.

The funds will enable the Montana Department of Commerce http://commerce.mt.gov/ to provide additional grants to two Montana Native American business owners through the Montana Indian Equity Fund.

“This important infusion of funding will allow the Montana Department of Commerce to provide additional grants to Native American entrepreneurs,” said Andy Poole, Deputy Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “It’s public private partnership at its best.”

The Montana Department of Commerce will use the funds from First Interstate to make $7,000 Indian Equity Fund awards to Sharlene Evans, owner of Komenha “Pure Woman” Jewelry located in the Northern Cheyenne Native American Community and Merle Big Bow, owner of Big Bow fine Arts and Crafts located in the Flathead Native American community. Both business owners will use the awards for important business expansion efforts.

The Foundation and First Interstate Bank are strong supporters of Native American community development through various activities including, supporting the development of Native American small business owners. The Montana Department of Commerce looks forward to continuing to partner with First Interstate in the future.

"First Interstate Foundation is proud to be a partner of the DOC in supporting the MT Indian Equity Fund. Our investment has helped the DOC expand its support of Native American Business to two additional entrepreneurs. Congratulations and good luck to Merle Big Bow and Sharlene Evans as they use these awards to expand their businesses," stated Kelly Bruggeman, Executive Director.

The grant recipients also emphasized the importance of the awards for their continued success and business expansion efforts.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of the individuals who reviewed and chose my business plan as a worthy plan and to the First Interstate Bank Foundation for their generosity,” said Evans. “This is only the beginning and now it’s up to me to continue this journey.”

The Montana Indian Equity Fund is an initiative of the Montana Department of Commerce. Now completing its fourth year, the Department through the SBDC Entrepreneur Development Program, has provided $364,000 to 53 Native American business owners. In addition, it has provided $96,000 to Native American community based organizations providing technical assistance to support the development of these business owners.

First Interstate Bank is a multi-state, $7.2 billion, community banking organization headquartered in Billings, Montana. First Interstate operates72 branches across Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota and has Montana offices in Belgrade, Bigfork, Billings, Bozeman, Colstrip, Eureka, Evergreen, Gardiner, Great Falls, Hamilton, Hardin, Helena, Kalispell, Lame Deer, Livingston, Missoula, Miles City, Polson, Red Lodge, and Whitefish.

Recipient Bios

Sharlene Evans, Komenha “Pure Woman” Jewelry, Northern Cheyenne Reservation

Sharlene Evans, the owner of Komenha “Pure Woman” Jewelry, began her journey as an artist as a child growing up in the Northern Cheyenne community. As a child she participated in summer youth programs where she learned from elders the art of creating Cheyenne style moccasins and beaded jewelry. This was the beginning of long period of study and development that led Sharlene to becoming a skilled craftswoman, mastering the art of designing and creating jewelry of exceptional quality and beauty. Sharlene’s business is named on behalf of her Great Grandmother Komenha. Komenha translates into Pure Woman. Komenha was a daughter of Chief Dull Knife. She also survived the Fort Robinson Breakout in 1879. Sharlene will use her $7,000 in funds to purchase a clay metal firing kiln, fixtures and equipment, and supplies that will increase her capacity and allow her to expand her business.

Merle Big Bow, Big Bow Fine Arts and Crafts, Flathead Reservation

Merle Big Bow, the owner of Big Bow Fine Arts and Crafts, grew up on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. Merle’s artwork reflects his deep sense of respect for the creative process and his products. For example, when Merle’s makes his drums, he remembers what he was taught by his grandfather, sun dance singer Earl Big Boy. “Always approach a drum with deep respect only making the instrument when your mood is positive.” Merle prefers to make his drums when the sun is coming up. Merle has won many awards for his work. He makes his home in the Flathead community with his wife Nicole. Merle will use the $7,000 in funds for the purchase of equipment and tools which will allow Merle to expedite his operations and creations and reach new markets.

Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.