The American Indian Chamber of Commerce Wisconsin (AICCW) currently has its application open for its ARPA-funded grants program for Native-owned and led businesses in Wisconsin.
The program launched in 2022 and distributed over $750,000 in grant funds to support business growth, recovery and resilience within tribes. Funds come as part of funding secured from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Its initial round of funding aimed for COVID-19 relief, however this round is aimed at technical assistance.
The AICCW secured over $2 million through the act to award Native-owned and Indigenous-led businesses. Awards go up to $5,000 to assist in businesses diversifying and strengthening tribal economics and enterprises.
“Our mission at the American Indian Chamber of Commerce is to support Native-owned and other underserved businesses with access to technical assistance, business creation, networking, and capital,” said Kevin Chesnik, interim executive director of AICCW. “This grant program has been a powerful tool in helping us do exactly that.”
The intent for the grant is tailored for those to “support people that might have gotten left behind,” Chesnik said, and not be able to find support through typical channels. With its first wave, it helped people get back on their feet, but now AICCW looks to help businesses grow.
The current cap for awards is 50 people for the maximum allotted amount of $5,000. If enough interest is expressed by the deadline for applications, there is a possibility that there will be a 6-month extension for additional funding.
The application looks for information on your business, along with who it serves, what technical assistance is needed and how it impacts operations, and an estimated budget that grant funds will be used for.
Applications are currently open until June 20, with a goal to make all awards by June 30. Additional funding opportunities may open up if enough apply. Recipients will be recognized at AICCW’s annual meeting this coming December in Milwaukee.
Applications can be found on AICCW’s website.
