Frequently Asked Questions


Wabanaki Sign With Feathers

1. What are the most important goals of Four Directions Development Corporation (FDDC)?

  • Increase homeownership among tribal members.
  • Improve the quality of housing for Native peoples while raising the levels of financial literacy among tribal members.
  • Increase the number of Native-owned businesses.
  • Build the business skills of Native entrepreneurs and develop new markets for Native-made products.
  • Attract and leverage capital to Indian Country.

2. How and when does Four Directions' staff make contact with tribal members?

Four Directions' staff continually promotes services through the Tribal Councils, Housing Authorities, and Economic Development teams. Four Directions staff visits each of the five communities on a regular basis, works with non-profit and for-profit agencies to promote development and education, and provides technical services and business and financial tools to clients.

3. Where can I get information about Four Directions?

Information is readily available on this website, or by calling and speaking with the Housing Staff at (207) 866-6546 or our Business Staff at (207) 866-6536.  

4. Does Four Directions provide any grant money for starting a business?

Four Directions primary programs promote and encourage lending services for residential mortgages and business ownership. However, we currently provide a small business grant program through which we provide small grants to tribal members who are starting or expanding a business.  The grant maximum is $700 for small business owners. Call Four Directions Business Office and speak with Erica Lambert (207) 866-6536 for more details.

5. What must I do to apply for a loan with Four Directions?

Contact and meet with a Loan Officer from Four Directions to discuss borrowing criteria, terms and rates, and other verifications.  Completing an application can be handled via the mail.  To apply for a housingor business loan please call our Orono office.

6. What types of residential loan services are provided by Four Directions?

FDDC provides loans for the purchase, construction, refinance, or repair and improvement of affordable housing by tribal members. 

7. Does Four Directions provide down payment assistance to tribal members?

Four Directions does not provide assistance with making a down payment on a house, but can refer you to alternate services which may be of assistance to you.

8. What types of services are provided by Four Directions?

Our key products and services include a range of affordable housing loans, small business loans, and development services including homebuyer education, financial literacy training, one-on-one business technical assistance, and referrals for budget and credit counseling.

9. How can individuals become more involved in economic development in Indian Country?

Economic Development Advisory Teams (EDATs):

These groups consist of elders, youth, tribal leaders, business owners and other community members on each reservation.  The EDATs are charged with identifying community-specific business opportunities and needs, and works with FDDC to bring the appropriate resources to the table. 

Task of the EDATs are:

  • To work and collaborate with FDDC to cultivate a healthy entrepreneurial climate and encourage economic activity in each of the tribal locations.
  • To advocate economic growth with tribal leadership.
  • To provide guidance in identifying training and educational needs and promoting the resulting opportunities to membership.
  • To recruit emerging or existing business owners for training.
  • To learn about developing opportunities and current initiatives from FDDC and communicate those opportunities to leadership and members.
  • To assist FDDC in identifying and recruiting mentors.
  • To meet monthly to work on projects.

For more information on EDATs call 866-6536.