The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has awarded $1.25 million to seven Milwaukee-area business organizations dedicated to helping underserved populations.
The Milwaukee-based African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin has received $200,000, some of which will also support the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce and Madison Black Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, Milwaukee-based Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce received $200,000, which will also support the Latino Entrepreneurial Network and the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Associations.
The Hales Corners-based American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin received $175,000, which will also support the Wisconsin Business Alliance. The WBA consists of First American Capital Corp., the Wisconsin Native Loan Fund, First Nationals Community Financial and NiiJii Capital.
Another $175,000 went to the Milwaukee-based Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, which will also support the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County.
And another $500,000 went to the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and to the expansion of the Kiva microloan program for minority-owned, veteran-owned and women-owned businesses in designated downtown districts statewide.
“WEDC has a longstanding relationship with these organizations, which are instrumental in providing minority-owned businesses with the capital and resources they need to succeed,” said Mark Hogan, secretary and chief executive officer of WEDC. “Our investment in the minority chambers is critical in supporting their efforts to provide direct assistance to minority-owned businesses and employers within their respective communities.”
