Press Release for week of March 06, 2009
The Lakota Funds latest micro loan is to a young established Lakota artist, Billy Janis of Pine Ridge. In addition to Billy’s painting he is also an accomplished musical performer. Mr. Janis has received funding from the Lakota Funds to begin a silk screen printing business he has named Image X. Billy will custom design t-shirts and sweatshirts for individuals, tribal programs and schools. Billy will base his business in White Clay at the Green Tipi Gardens, an affliation of the ABOUT/Lakota Crafters Co-Op programs operated by Bruce Bon Fleur. Billy will also travel to meet customers and fulfill their specialized needs. Billy is also skilled at computer graphics and can produce artistic business cards, CD & DVD covers, gift cards and poster prints. To contact Billy at Image X for additional information or customized prints please call (308) 862-4555 or (605) 441-2104.
Left to right: Tawney Brunch, Loan Portfolio Manager, Billy Janis, Bruce Bon Fleur, David White Bull, Business Coach
The Lakota Funds goal is to provide financing and technical assistance to all aspiring and existing entrepurenurs on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Lakota Funds has provided a wide range of micro financing to local Lakota Artists and wood vendors to the larger business loans of a Subway franchise or hotel operation. The mission of the Lakota Funds is to promote community development on the Reservation by supplying loans funds and technical assistance; offering Individual Development Accounts, developing a housing project, teaching financial literacy to youth and adults, repairing credit and other services that facilitates socio-economic sustainability of the Oglala Lakota Oyate (people).
Lakota Funds Upcoming Events: Core Four Business Planning Course: Begins March 11, 2009, Wednesday’s from 5-8 p.m. at Pine Ridge College Center. Lakota Funds staff continues offering free tax preparation in Kyle up through April 14th. Please call Lakota Funds at 455-2500 or Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerece at 455-2685 to arrange a time for one of our certified VITA volunteers to prepare your taxes for FREE.