Waséyabek is the 100% Tribally-owned holding company that manages non-gaming economic development activities of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). Waséyabek now has investments in 34 entities on behalf of the NHBP Tribe, encompassing more than 650 employees nationwide. Its portfolio of companies covers multiple industries including software solutions for the defense sector, propulsion design and manufacturing, healthcare technologies, transportation, environmental solutions, business advisory, professional services, facilities management, and more.
The decision to invest follows the announcement earlier this year of Michigan Capital Network’s inclusion in a new federal investment program. The Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies Initiative is a public-private partnership established by the Department of Defense and the Small Business Administration. The program is intended to spur investment in critical technology areas that will benefit national defense. Michigan Capital Network was one of just 18 fund management firms nationally, and the only one in the Midwest, to be selected for this new program. The Defense sector is one of Waséyabek’s defined investment verticals. This investment keeps Waséyabek and its portfolio companies at the forefront of Defense industry initiatives.
“Building long-term economic independence involves acquiring assets as well as passive investments such as this one. Michigan Capital Network has a proven record of success and their experience in investing in advanced technology firms aligns with our economic growth strategies. We see this as a great opportunity for the NHBP Tribe.”