WWBIC 2022 Luncheon Highlights

WWBIC 2022 Luncheon Highlights

Thanks to the over 950 attendees who made our 2022 annual luncheon a resounding success. Clients, funders, partners, volunteers, staff and friends all gathered at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino on November 15th to celebrate WWBIC’s 35th anniversary.

Three industry thought leaders – Connie Evans, Dan Betancourt and Donna Gambrell – discussed the latest trends and opportunities in the world of economic development; and four WWBIC clients – Rafael Escobar, Danielle Goss, Sandra Harvey, and Christye Johnson also shared their success stories with luncheon attendees. Before and after the luncheon, 70 entrepreneurial clients showcased their products in the Small Biz Market. Centerpieces and desserts featuring WWBIC clients were also shared with attendees.

Stay tuned to this page to browse photos from the event and a recorded video of the event livestream as they become available, or follow the links provided below to access our client directory for your holiday shopping needs or donate to WWBIC now online.

DONNA GAMBRELL 

Donna J. Gambrell is President & CEO of Appalachian Community Capital, which attracts and directs investments to CDFIs and other mission-driven lenders in Appalachia. Gambrell serves on several CDFI boards and is the board chair of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Towson State University and a Master of Science degree from New York University.

DANIEL BETANCOURT

Dan Betancourt is President & CEO of Community First Fund with over 25 years of experience in community economic development lending. Under Betancourt’s leadership, Community First Fund has grown into a regional Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), attracting multimillion-dollar investments and with nearly $200 million under management.

CONNIE EVANS

Connie E. Evans is President & CEO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), the national trade association for microbusiness representing over 1700 practitioners and advocates in the United States. With international experience spanning 43 countries, Evans draws on her expertise in developing and implementing strategies to further economic development, health and social change in communities.

Lead Sponsor


Shop Small Sponsor


Stories of Impact Sponsors


Small Biz Market Sponsors


Anniversary Sponsors


WWBIC Makers Sponsors

Associated Bank and Brewers Community Foundation Announce Continued Support of WWBIC Clients

Associated Bank and Brewers Community Foundation Announce Continued Support of WWBIC Clients

WWBIC is thrilled to announce the continued support of Associated Bank and the Brewers Community Foundation for our clients through new funding for 2023.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of these two outstanding organizations,” says WWBIC President and CVO Wendy Baumann. “These funds will help 15 of our clients continue their success in serving their communities and also allow us to continue to serve even more small businesses across Wisconsin in the future.”

Read our press release with complete details here

Clients receiving grants are as follows (photos provided below also):

About You Solutions (Lodi)

Battlebox Studios Limited (Milwaukee)

Chicago’s House of Hoagies (Menasha)

Duncan’s Dog Daycare (Madison)

Esperanza Coffee Collective (Kenosha/Racine)

Fleet Clean (Madison)

I Love Tamales (Racine)

Jamaican Season Island (Milwaukee)

Metric Forrest Studio (Madison)

MOR Foods (Milwaukee)

Mr. Green’s BBQ (Milwaukee)

The Pink Bakery (Milwaukee)

PUSH Fitness MKE (Milwaukee)

ShowTime Alloy Wheel Repair (Milwaukee)

Twisted Plants (Cudahy)

WWBIC 2022 Luncheon Highlights

2022 Annual WWBIC Luncheon

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Location: Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee
Event Center and Legacy Ballroom; onsite complimentary parking available
Format: In Person with Live Stream alternative
Time: 10:30 am, Small Biz Market
12:00 noon, Luncheon & Program
1:30 pm, Networking & Small Biz Market
Registration: Online at WWBIC.givesmart.com
Sponsorships: Begin at $1,000; Individual tickets $75
Questions: Lisa Sullivan, Event Manager – 414-395-4544

WWBIC works hard every day expanding economic equity and empowering individuals as business owners. Our 35th anniversary luncheon celebration showcases decades of impact and connects our small business community to our many partners and supporters. The celebration is two-fold in nature, with a small business market followed by a luncheon and program.

The Small Biz Market will feature over 50 WWBIC supported businesses. Attendees are encouraged to come early or stay late and meet many local small business owners. WWBIC loves connecting these clients to our partners and supporters!

During our program, you’ll hear first-hand about the work and impact of WWBIC from our President/CVO Wendy Baumann, WWBIC clients and national industry leaders. WWBIC looks forward to increasing support and opportunities for entrepreneurs. 

Intentional work with our partners truly helps advance economic equity. Together, we are making a difference – “Putting Dreams to Work” through supporting small businesses and helping individuals improve their financial wellness.

Looking for a livestream of the WWBIC annual luncheon on November 15th? Go to:

bit.ly/wwbic35

If you do not have a GiveSmart membership, click on the “Continue as guest” option.

DONNA GAMBRELL 

Donna J. Gambrell is President & CEO of Appalachian Community Capital, which attracts and directs investments to CDFIs and other mission-driven lenders in Appalachia. Gambrell serves on several CDFI boards and is the board chair of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Towson State University and a Master of Science degree from New York University.

DANIEL BETANCOURT

Dan Betancourt is President & CEO of Community First Fund with over 25 years of experience in community economic development lending. Under Betancourt’s leadership, Community First Fund has grown into a regional Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), attracting multimillion-dollar investments and with nearly $200 million under management.

CONNIE EVANS

Connie E. Evans is President & CEO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), the national trade association for microbusiness representing over 1700 practitioners and advocates in the United States. With international experience spanning 43 countries, Evans draws on her expertise in developing and implementing strategies to further economic development, health and social change in communities.

Lead Sponsor


Shop Small Sponsor


Stories of Impact Sponsors


Small Biz Market Sponsors


Anniversary Sponsors


WWBIC Makers Sponsors

WWBIC 35th Anniversary Reception at Wisconsin Governor’s Residence

WWBIC 35th Anniversary Reception at Wisconsin Governor’s Residence

WWBIC celebrated our 35th anniversary yesterday when 150 funders, partners, policy makers, clients and staff gathered at the Governor’s Executive Residence for working meetings and a reception.

Thank you to all who attended – working together we advance hope and opportunity one business at a time!

We’re sharing a series of photos on this page from the event for your enjoyment. Please click on the right or left arrows to browse through the pictures.

We invite you to join us as the celebration continues on a larger scale in Milwaukee on November 15th for WWBIC’s annual luncheon and small biz market.

Make Your Money Talk 2023

Make Your Money Talk 2023

Make Your Money Talk 2023

Register today for “Make Your Money Talk”!

Join us for this financial empowerment series to learn:

  • How to create a household budget
  • Tips and tricks to improve your credit score
  • Planning your SMART goals
  • Identifying spending leaks
  • …and more!

Each session is offered virtually or in-person. A pre-packaged lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. Pre-registration required. Receive a gift card upon completion of the course! A graduation will take place at the end of the semester.

This program is sponsored by Bader Philanthropies, the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee and WWBIC. Current HACM residents may be eligible for a Match Savings Account (restrictions apply).

Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Schlitz Park Auditorium
(adjacent to WWBIC Milwaukee Office)
1555 N RiverCenter Drive, Milwaukee

August 19th
Register online

September 16th
Register online

October 21st
Register online