Four Directions has launched the second round of the Native American Artisan Grant Program. This initiative is dedicated to supporting Native artisans, with a focus on enhancing the social and economic conditions among the Wabanaki people of Maine. The grant program provides critical working capital to Native artisans, enabling them to expand and sustain their businesses.

Eligible artisans can receive cash grants up to a maximum of $2,000. These funds are designed to significantly impact the business growth of Native artisans by meeting their essential working capital needs. In addition to the financial support, Four Directions encourages artisans to take advantage of the available technical assistance and financial capability counseling. These services are aimed at helping artisans build personal credit and improve budgeting skills, thus fostering long-term financial stability and business success.

The grant application deadline is May 31, 2024. Interested applicants can find more information and apply through the Four Directions website at https://fourdirectionsmaine.org/native-artisan-grant-fund/. This grant funding is made possible with the generous support of the Maine Arts Commission.

Four Directions remains committed to its mission of empowering Native artisans and enhancing the Wabanaki community's economic well-being. By providing these grants and additional support services, Four Directions aims to foster a thriving artisan community that can contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.

About Four Directions Development Corporation: Four Directions Development Corporation is a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Orono, Maine. The organization has been improving the social and economic conditions of the Native American tribes in Maine (the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot) through education and investment in affordable housing, tribal business ventures, and Native entrepreneurship for twenty years. Four Directions leverages its human resources, capital, services, and knowledge to build the collective economic strength of Wabanaki communities.