Business Boost
PLEASE NOTE
This program has reached full capacity, and as a result, we are no longer accepting new applications. We sincerely appreciate the overwhelming interest and support for the program.
We invite all entrepreneurs to take advantage of our free WWBIC business training offerings which can be found here: https://www.wwbic.com/trainings/
For entrepreneurs in need of access to capital who are looking to apply for a WWBIC or KIVA loan, please visit the following:
WWBIC lending: https://www.wwbic.com/business-lending/
Kiva@WWBIC: https://www.wwbic.com/kiva/
Please feel free to send us an email at info@wwbic.com or check back periodically for updates on program availability.
The Business Boost program encourages entrepreneurs to position their small businesses as a pathway to building generational wealth. It is open to start-up and existing businesses, and takes participants on a sequenced journey through four building blocks that remove the traditional barriers in accessing capital. WWBIC, in collaboration with the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM), administer the Business Boost program. PNC Bank is a foundational partner.
Credit Recovery & Support
Business Boost understands the important role that credit plays in the wealth gap that has hindered business owners of color. To eradicate this barrier, our program provides scholarships for program participants to recover and optimize their credit through one-on-one credit coaching with credit recovery experts to improve credit scores and financial wellness.
Acceleration & Incubation
Understanding the importance of diverse businesses to be able to make strategic connections, plan and grow in a professional setting, Business Boost provides scholarships for businesses to participate in Acceleration & Incubation programs that support ideation and growth for early stage and developing companies. Some options include (but are not limited to): Wellspace MKE and Upstart Kitchen coworking spaces; accelerators such as Scale-up’s SPARC, and RISE offered by the African American Chamber of Commerce.
Technical Assistance and Training
Business Boost provides clients with business technical assistance. This assistance is available in the form of business training, one-on-one business coaching, and group training events. Scholarships are available for WWBIC’s at-cost trainings, and all participants will have access to technical assistance services provided by WWBIC.
Equity and Loan Support
Business Boost recognizes that one of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs face is finding the money they need. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), WWBIC provides fair and responsible lending to communities that mainstream finance doesn’t traditionally reach. Business Boost participants ready for capital are encouraged to apply. Lending clients are paired with a small business consultant to support them throughout the life of the loan.
Building Generational Wealth Series of Training Sessions
The right business ecosystems can support and reduce the effects of structural obstacles to business building, especially for entrepreneurs of color. This series breaks down the four pillars of WWBIC’s Business Boost program and how it is a unique program that has created an ecosystem to help build generational wealth for local entrepreneurs.
All sessions are in person, take place from 8:30-11:00 am, and include a hot breakfast. NO FEE
Schlitz Park Auditorium
1555 RiverCenter Dr., Milwaukee
Initiate Prosperity – Building Generational Entrepreneurial Knowledge
Monday, July 29th, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Click here to register: https://www.wwbic.com/events/initiate-prosperity-building-generational-entrepreneurial-knowledge_072924/