Tiwa Lending Services
Providing access to financial advising and lending services to Native communities in New Mexico
Fast Facts
New Mexico, USA
Clara Chow
2026
Entrepreneurship
How Tiwa Lending Services Is Making a Difference
Tiwa Lending Services was established as a financial institution in 2013 to serve the Native communities around Pueblo of Isleta. In an economically challenged area where residents face systemic barriers to mainstream banking and home ownership, Tiwa’s mission is to provide culturally relevant financial education, credit-building services, and access to capital.
Through an integrated model of financial coaching, consumer lending, and mortgage services, TLS enables participants to gain economic stability and asset ownership.
Work of Tiwa Lending Services
- Teaches Financial and Homeownership Education classes about money management and credit counseling.
- Provides below-market-rate home mortgage loans to support building, purchasing, or renovating homes in Bernalillo and Valencia Counties.
- Secures micro business loans to Isleta Pueblo Tribal Members to support business launches and/or expansions.
- Provides consumer loans that can create good credit history for eligible tribal members.
Initiatives Supported by Project Redwood
2026: $40,000 to expand the Tiwa Lending Services’ Financial Empowerment and Credit Building program through two tracks. One track will immerse youths in a course that covers financial planning, college readiness, and homeownership paths. The other track offers an 11-week financial education course, including one-on-one coaching for adults.