Craft3 is proud to serve Indian Country as a financing and community development partner.
Over 20+ years, we've invested more than $50 million in tribal communities across Oregon and Washington. We’re committed to helping Tribal nations, Tribal small businesses, Native entrepreneurs, and Tribal enterprises succeed and grow. We bring experience, care, and financing know how to all our work.
We understand you may have heard “no” before. But we take a different approach. Our lending is grounded in relationships, not just transactions—and we’re ready to say “yes” when others haven’t.
Knowledgeable and Flexible
We have been working in Indian Country for decades, financing projects that respect Tribal priorities and sovereignty.
Patient and Relationship-Driven
We understand it takes time to build trust. We’re driven by relationships not profit, allowing us to take the long view on partnership.
Not Afraid of Complexity
Working in Indian Country can be complicated. We’re able to navigate multi-jurisdictional issues, understand Tribal sovereignty considerations, and structure loans that respect Tribal governance requirements.
OUR APPROACH
At Craft3, we recognize that successful lending in Indian Country requires a deep understanding of Tribal sovereignty, governance structures, and the unique economic landscape of Tribal communities. Our team has developed specific expertise in:
- Structuring loans that align with Tribal governance, sovereignty, and Tribal legal frameworks
- Understanding the role of Tribal enterprises in community development
- Recognizing and working with diverse Tribal economic development strategies
- Building relationships based on mutual respect and long-term partnership
- Providing financing solutions that assist Tribes with land conservation and acquisition
FINANCING SOLUTIONS
We’ll work with you to identify the right financing solution. Craft3 offers a range of business loans including:
- General Business Loans: start-up capital, equipment purchases, business acquisitions, and more.
- Bridge Loans: fill a project funding gap before a capital campaign is complete or grant funding has been received.
- Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loans: purchase a building or other real estate.
- Construction Loans: build or improve a building.
- Essential Community Services: financing for larger-scale, often complex projects that promote resilience and self-determination.
We serve Tribal governments, Tribal enterprises, and Native entrepreneurs.
Connect with Craft3
If you have a project you’d like to discuss or other question, please use the form below to connect with our Indian Country team. We’d love to start a conversation.
OUR TEAM: PHOEBE THUMS
Phoebe Thums is an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe and a tireless advocate for community development and social justice. Deeply committed to breaking down systems of oppression to build healthy, strong, and resilient communities, Phoebe is focused on building relationships with Native Communities throughout Oregon and Washington.
Phoebe joined the team in 2024, inspired after hearing years of impactful stories about the work Craft3 was doing in the Pacific NW. Previously, she specialized in relationship banking with nonprofits and led social impact efforts at a regional bank in Portland, Oregon.
Stories of Impact in Indian Country
We believe the best way to understand our work is to hear directly from the communities we serve. Across Oregon and Washington, Tribal nations, Native entrepreneurs, and Tribal enterprises have partnered with Craft3 to bring their visions to life—creating jobs, building infrastructure, and strengthening their local economies.
These success stories highlight how flexible capital, tailored loan structures, and long-term partnership can make a real difference in Indian Country.
Ko-Kwel Wellness Center
Coos Bay, OregonRooted in more than 10,000 years of history, the Coquille Indian Tribe built the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center — a state-of-the-art, culturally grounded facility — to heal mind, body, and spirit. Built on land the Tribe reclaimed and revitalized after decades of federal termination and displacement, the center embodies a return to holistic community care. Powered by a Craft3 New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) allocation and the Tribe’s vision for self-determination, it serves both Tribal and non-tribal residents with dignity and tradition. As the late Chief Ivy says, “This is a home for healing.”
Jesse Kowoosh
Westport, WashingtonWith this loan Jesse, a Native fisherman, purchased the boat he had worked on for 12 years. Technical assistance was provided by the Taala Fund, a Native CDFI, to support this entrepreneur in developing finance and management skills. The loan also included working capital. Jesse and his crew will participate in Treaty Fisheries off the Quinault Indian Reservation within Grays Harbor County.
Tattoo 34
Portland, OregonA Craft3 loan helped Native-owned business Tattoo 34 purchase a commercial building with a 10 percent down payment. They plan to use the one-bedroom apartment above the shop to host tattoo artists from around the world. Owning their building is a buffer against gentrification and an opportunity to build wealth.
Glen Tana Project
Spokane, WashingtonIn a landmark collaboration, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Washington State Parks, and the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy united to protect over 1,000 acres of ancestral land along the Little Spokane River, known as Glen Tana. Craft3 provided bridge financing for this initiative, which not only safeguards vital salmon habitat but also honors the Tribe’s deep-rooted cultural and ecological connection to the land. The Spokane Tribe is actively guiding restoration plans which include a planned fish hatchery, ensuring Indigenous knowledge informs salmon reintroduction and long-term stewardship. Watch the video to learn more.