Economic development is most powerful when it is shared.
Every investment we make, every new business we build, and every strategy we pursue is based on our belief that our success is linked to the well-being of our community and the region around us. Our mission is only as impactful as our relationships with others. As others look to us for support and development, we look to others for their strengths, expertise, and collaboration.
In a recent MPR News Minnesota Now segment with Nina Moini, Jaycob Robinson, MLCV’s Vice President of Business and Economic Development, discussed newly released national data on Tribally Owned businesses. The conversation illuminated the growing visibility of Tribal enterprises and the role partnerships play in building sustainable economies across Indian Country and beyond.
The new dataset, compiled by the Center for Indian Country Development within the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, confirms what many in Tribal business development have known for years: Native-led enterprises are reshaping regional economies. Tribes operate in construction, retail, hospitality, professional services, and more, and they do so with a long-term view.
As Jake noted during the interview, “There’s a real value in understanding the full scope of tribally owned businesses, not just for us as decision-makers, but for the partners we work with. It gives us credibility and opens doors.”
That credibility builds the foundation for deeper, more meaningful partnerships that create lasting community impact.
At MLCV, we see a sustainable partnership as a relationship in which everyone at the table benefits. Those outside the immediate relationship feel the outcomes, and entire communities feel the impacts. Our work with government agencies, construction companies, healthcare providers, and educational institutions is not just about contracts; it is about co-investing in a stronger, more resilient Mille Lacs Tribal Economy.
Jake confirms, “When we enter into a partnership, we bring our values, our people, and our long-term commitment. We’re not just building a clinic or a hotel; we’re helping to build a future that works for the whole community.”
“When we enter into a partnership, we bring our values, our people, and our long-term commitment. We’re not just building a clinic or a hotel; we’re helping to build a future that works for the whole community.”
This approach has led to collaborations that support workforce development, affordable housing, local childcare access, and entrepreneurs through our Tribal Economy Business Incubator Program. Each initiative is designed to meet real needs and create opportunities for those who live and work here.
A repeated theme from the MPR segment was that Tribal economies are not just parallel to regional ones. They are central to them. The data released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis shows Tribal businesses employing tens of thousands of people and generating billions in revenue, much of which flows directly into local communities.
As Jake shared, “Sovereign businesses aren’t just helping our people, they’re lifting the entire region. That’s why these partnerships matter so much. Our futures are linked.”
“Sovereign businesses aren’t just helping our people, they’re lifting the entire region. That’s why these partnerships matter so much. Our futures are linked.”
This mindset shapes every data-driven decision we make. Whether we are revitalizing property in downtown Onamia or expanding our health partnerships in Hinckley, our goal is to create outcomes that Band members, neighboring communities, Associates, partners — everyone, can celebrate.
This new data solidifies what we have seen and known all along: the strength of Tribal communities and the businesses they bring to our world make a difference. It is with great excitement and gratitude that we continue to play a part in it alongside our sustainable partnerships.
We invite you to listen to the whole MPR News segment to hear more of Jake’s insights and learn about the growing impact of Tribal businesses.
