Native360 Helps Norfolk Startup Expand Powwow Inventory

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Richard and Beverly Wright and their daughter, Dannette, operate Cherry’s Native Creations, based in Norfolk, Neb. The Wrights attend powwows each year in Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas and noticed many items being sold by vendors who are not Native Americans.

They founded Cherry’s Native Creations, named after Richard’s mother, to provide genuine Native-made handicrafts.

“Most of the powwows have non-Natives there selling different items, but most people want to buy Native-made items. … We were looking to grow bigger with more inventory, but it was hard with the three of us working. That’s where Native360 came in,” said Richard Wright.

Financing from Native360 has helped the Wrights expand their inventory of diamond willow canes, tables and lamps; bead work; chokers; and earrings; as well as purchase items from

other Native American artisans for resale.

The Wrights also hope to expand their business overseas, helping to meet the worldwide demand for quality, genuine Native American handicrafts.

“We appreciated working with the Wrights and are looking for more Native entrepreneurs we can assist,” said Pete Upton, executive director of Native360. “It takes the right business relationships to make these success stories come true.”

Native360 Loan Fund Inc. provides affordable credit, capital, technical assistance and related programs to help build strong and self-sufficient Native American business owners. We serve members of all tribes in our Nebraska, Iowa and southeast South Dakota service area.

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