WWBIC to Launch The City of Appleton COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants Program

WWBIC to Launch The City of Appleton COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants Program

by | Jan 5, 2021 | News, Partners, Press Releases, Resources, Uncategorized

WWBIC to Launch The City of Appleton COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants Program

For Immediate Release: WWBIC to Launch The City of Appleton COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants Program 

The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) has received funding from the City of Appleton 2020 CDBG-CV1 allocations to launch the City of Appleton COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants Program to assist small and micro business owners whose business has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic/economic crisis.

The City of Appleton has approved $40,000  for small business assistance grants. These dollars will be able to assist four (4) existing businesses in the City of Appleton in the amount of $10,000. Grants can be used for assistance with, but not limited to, payroll, rent, utilities, inventory, reopening costs, or physical modifications for the space to align with COVID-19 Guidance.

How will this program work and who is eligible?  

WWBIC will be handling the application and distribution of the grants, as well as follow up business coaching and mentorship opportunities. All information about this grant is available on WWBIC’s website at bit.ly/appletonreliefgrants.

Funds will be targeted to for-profit, existing small businesses (not a start-up) located in the City of Appleton where the business has 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, including the owner. Interested small business owners, please review all requirements for eligibility and all documents needed for the application at: bit.ly/appletonreliefgrants.

When will the application be available?  

The application will be available on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 at noon. All applications will be reviewed in the order they are received (time stamped) and will be equitably considered. The application will remain open until noon on Wednesday January 27th , 2021.

For additional information or questions about applying for the City of Appleton COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grants Program, please contact Julie Stoffel Julie.stoffel@wwbic.com  | 920.944.2710

SBA Awards Three Wisconsin Organizations $528,000 in PRIME Grants to Help Emerging Micro-Entrepreneurs Gain Access to Capital

SBA Awards Three Wisconsin Organizations $528,000 in PRIME Grants to Help Emerging Micro-Entrepreneurs Gain Access to Capital

by | Sep 30, 2020 | Partners, Press Releases, Uncategorized, WWBIC

SBA Awards Three Wisconsin Organizations $528,000 in PRIME Grants to Help Emerging Micro-Entrepreneurs Gain Access to Capital

The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., ADVOCAP, and Northwest Side Community Development Corp. are set to receive grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help low-income entrepreneurs gain access to capital through the Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs, more commonly known as PRIME. This is a first-time award for Milwaukee-based NWSCDC. 

  • NWSCDC’s award of $140,000 will support entrepreneurs in its northwest Milwaukee service area that includes 19 Opportunity Zone census tracts. Willie Smith, executive director of NWSCDC responded to the award saying, “We’re thrilled to partner with SBA and serve more small businesses on Milwaukee’s northwest side. We have an energetic team that wants to help our neighbors start a business and grow their operation.”

 

  • ADVOCAP’s award of $188,000 will target rural low-income entrepreneurs with training and technical assistance services in Fond du Lac, Winnebago, and Green Lake counties. Kathy Doyle, ADVOCAP’s director for business development noted,
    “With this grant many of our entrepreneurs will have access to training, technical assistance and SBA micro-loan funds which will help them start, expand and grow their businesses.  Not only will this help entrepreneurs succeed but it will add jobs and revenue to our service area.”

 

  • WWBIC’s award of $200,000 will support technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs throughout the state. Chief Visionary Officer Wendy Baumann noted, “These funds specifically allow us to continue to work with very, very low- income communities and individuals.  WWBIC is proud to provide our quality business and financial programs and resources in Opportunity Zones, rural areas and HUBZones across Wisconsin – reaching deeper in our communities at promise.”

 

“These funds from the SBA will help these three Wisconsin small business champions make an impact on entrepreneurs trying to take their business to the next level and make it sustainable during this challenging time,” SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator Rob Scott said. “This business development also will make an impact on local economies and help spur economic development and job creation in distressed areas, which is a key element of SBA’s strategy.”

Wisconsin’s SBA District Director Eric Ness added, “Partners like these three organizations are crucial to SBA’s work of helping small businesses start, grow, expand, and recover. We look forward to seeing the impact of these funds on the small businesses they serve and working with them to leverage their impact.”

For 2020, the SBA placed special emphasis on projects designed to offer training and technical assistance to strengthen economically disadvantaged businesses, particularly those projects serving entrepreneurs in Opportunity Zones, rural areas and Historically Underutilized Business Zones. The 30 PRIME grant recipients represent 19 states and 23 are in Opportunity Zones created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and designed to spur new capital investment in America’s economically distressed communities. Nearly 9,000 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories are designated as Opportunity Zones.

This year more than 120 organizations applied for PRIME grants, which range from $75,000 to $250,000, and typically require at least 50% in matching funds or in-kind contributions. PRIME was created by Congress as part of the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act of 1999. Grant funds will be made available on September 30, 2020, and the project period for each grant is one year.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more visit www.sba.gov.

About WWBIC

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC) is a leading, innovative economic development corporation “Putting Dreams to Work.” WWBIC’s primary focus is on women, people of color, veterans and low income individuals, providing direct lending and access to fair and responsible capital, quality business education, one-on-one technical business assistance and education to increase financial capability. Since 1987, WWBIC has lent over $77 million in micro and small business loans with a current loan portfolio of $24 million and over 570 active borrowers. To learn more about WWBIC visit: www.wwbic.com

Charter invests $1 Million in WWBIC to lend to small businesses in underserved Wisconsin communities

Charter invests $1 Million in WWBIC to lend to small businesses in underserved Wisconsin communities

by | Aug 24, 2020 | Partners, Press Releases

Charter invests $1 Million in WWBIC to lend to small businesses in underserved Wisconsin communities

Charter Communications, Inc. today announced the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund (Loan Fund) has invested $1 million in the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp (WWBIC), which will lend to individuals starting or expanding a small business within Charter’s Wisconsin service area. The Loan Fund focuses on making loans through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to small businesses whose goods and services help meet core needs in underserved communities within Charter’s 41-state operating footprint.

“Charter is investing in the communities where our customers and employees live and work, and we are excited to partner with WWBIC to make available vital economic resources to small business owners in Wisconsin,” said Jeff Buller, Charter Vice President overseeing the Loan Fund. “In addition to the capital to fund vital low interest small business loans, Charter is also providing a grant that makes available assistance programs and training for small business owners in Wisconsin.”

WWBIC is a leading innovative statewide economic development corporation that’s been “Putting Dreams to Work” in Wisconsin since 1987. Opening the doors of opportunity by providing access to critical resources such as responsible financial products and quality business and financial education. WWBIC focuses on individuals who face barriers in accessing traditional financing or resources including women, people of color, veterans and low-income individuals.

“WWBIC is thrilled with this new investment through Charter,” said Wendy Baumann, WWBIC President. “Such capital investments allow WWBIC to continue advancing our access to responsible capital and enable us to grow and serve more entrepreneurs and business owners.”

In February, Charter launched the Loan Fund committing to invest $10 million in capital by the end of 2021. In June, with the addition of investment partnerships with the National Urban League (NUL) and National Action Network (NAN), Charter’s Loan Fund commitment increased to $13 million. Charter previously announced $1 million investments in Pursuit Community Finance in New York, PeopleFund in Texas, and the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) in Ohio, $3 million in the National Urban League’s Urban Empowerment Fund (UEF), and an additional $3 million in low-interest loans directly to CDFIs in partnership with and as directed by NAN. Over the next year, the Loan Fund expects to invest an additional $3 million across CDFIs in California, Florida, and North Carolina.​

In addition to the loans, each CDFI receives a grant to fund technical assistance programs and professional training for small businesses to help establish sound business practices necessary for long-term growth and continuity. Some of these grants have recently been earmarked to support businesses impacted by COVID-19.

 

About Charter

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 30 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.

For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

 

About WWBIC 

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC) is a leading, innovative economic development corporation “Putting Dreams to Work.” WWBIC’s primary focus is on women, people of color, veterans and low income individuals, providing direct lending and access to fair and responsible capital, quality business education, one-on-one technical business assistance and education to increase financial capability. Since 1987, WWBIC has lent over $77 million in micro and small business loans with a current loan portfolio of $24 million and over 570 active borrowers. To learn more about WWBIC visit: www.wwbic.com

​

WWBIC Welcomes Diversity Driven Accelerator to Milwaukee

WWBIC Welcomes Diversity Driven Accelerator to Milwaukee

by | Oct 31, 2019 | News, Partners, Press Releases, Veterans

WWBIC Welcomes Diversity Driven Accelerator to Milwaukee

WWBIC is excited to announce the official launch of cohort one of the new “Diversity Driven Accelerator.” Modeled after the 2018-2019 WWBIC WEDC Growth Accelerator, which focused on Racine, Kenosha and Walworth County businesses, the Diversity Driven  Accelerator will support and grow businesses owned by minorities, veterans and women in Greater Milwaukee to help create jobs and strengthen neighborhoods.

The Diversity Driven Accelerator will consist of four intensive 11-week business accelerator programs made up of five business teams.  During the course of those 11 weeks, teams will develop their business models by engaging in consumer testing: Integrating input from customers, mentors and advisors.  At the end of the program, teams will present their pitches to qualify for a minimum of $500.00 seed grant. 

“The accelerator program has been very impactful to the thought process I have towards business. I found the content to be engaging, applicable, and relevant to any industry one endeavors to serve in. I think every potential business owner should participate in the accelerator program!” Donisha Nesbitt, Owner of CoveredCare Home Care Agency and Growth Accelerator participant.

The application can be found at bit.ly/wwbicaccelerator. Applications must be received no later than close of business Friday, December 6. The program is open to businesses and/or residents of the Greater Milwaukee area. The accelerator will start the week of January 6, 2020, exact date and time to be determined.

This initiative is made possible through the Wells Fargo Works For Small Business®: Diverse Community Capital program, which offers capital and technical assistance to minority-owned small businesses as a way to create local jobs and strengthen neighborhoods.

About WWBIC

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC) is a leading, innovative economic development corporation “Putting Dreams to Work.” WWBIC’s primary focus is on women, people of color and low income individuals, providing direct lending and access to fair and responsible capital, quality business education, one-on-one technical business assistance and education to increase financial capability.   Since 1987, WWBIC has lent over $60 million in micro and small business loans with a current loan portfolio of $18 million and nearly 500 active borrowers. 

WWBIC Earns Diverse Community Capital Grant from Wells Fargo to Spark Small Business Growth

WWBIC Earns Diverse Community Capital Grant from Wells Fargo to Spark Small Business Growth

by | Aug 26, 2019 | News, Partners, WWBIC

WWBIC Earns Diverse Community Capital Grant from Wells Fargo to Spark Small Business Growth

Funding will help Milwaukee create new jobs and grow across Wisconsin
 
Wells Fargo announced a new boost to diverse small businesses today in Milwaukee with a $500,000 grant to Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC). The funding is a part of the Wells Fargo Works For Small Business®: Diverse Community Capital program, which offers capital and technical assistance to minority-owned small businesses as a way to create local jobs and strengthen neighborhoods.
 
The grant will focus on advancing infrastructure for WWBIC’s loan and lending operations and enhancing customer service, directly impacting Hispanic and Veteran entrepreneurs and business owners.
 
“This significant investment is extremely helpful,” said WWBIC’s President and CVO Wendy Baumann. “The funds will allow us to build our infrastructure – further and faster is ideal as we continue to serve the many diverse business owners in need of financial support.
 
“Last year alone, WWBIC served more than 5,000 clients and lent to more than 130 businesses, so we are in growth mode,” continued Baumann.” In 2018, 87 percent of Greater Milwaukee Area clients served were minority individuals. We are making an impact, and Wells Fargo’s support allows us to excel.”
 
“WWBIC is deeply embedded in Wisconsin communities and has the skill to deliver personalized coaching and services to underserved small business owners,” said WellsFargo Region Bank President Tony Nguyen. “Together we can help more diverse entrepreneurs reach their full potential and stimulate job creation in the process. We’ve learned that working with CDFIs is an effective way to try new things, help remove barriers and put more small businesses on a path to financial success.”
 
As part of its new philanthropic strategy announced in June, Wells Fargo is focusing on three societal challenges: housing affordability, small business growth and financial health. The Diverse Community Capital program is a critical component to the small business strategy and supports business owners who are African-American, Hispanic, American Indian/Pacific Islander, Asian-American, women, Veterans, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
 
Launched in 2015, the Wells Fargo Works For Small Business®: Diverse Community Capital program is a collaboration with Opportunity Finance Network (OFN). According to OFN’s latest report, DCC awardees have already made loans to more than 16,000 diverse small businesses across 37 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. In addition, grant funding has provided for more than 322,000 hours of development services for over 49,000 diverse small business owners. Wells Fargo is on track to invest more than $175 million in diverse small businesses growth through 2020.
 
About WWBIC
 
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC) is a leading, innovative economic development corporation “Putting Dreams to Work.” WWBIC’s primary focus is on women, people of color and low income individuals, providing direct lending and access to fair and responsible capital, quality business education, one-on-one technical business assistance and education to increase financial capability. Since 1987, WWBIC has lent more than $67 million in micro and small business loans with a current loan portfolio of $20 million and more than 500 active borrowers. To learn more about WWBIC visit: www.wwbic.com
 
About Wells Fargo
 
Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,600 locations, more than 13,000 ATMs, and the internet (wellsfargo.com). With approximately 263,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. With its corporate philanthropy, WellsFargo aims to pave a path to stability and financial success for underserved communities by focusing on housing affordability, small business growth, and financial health, among other local community needs. In 2018, Wells Fargodonated $444 million to nearly 11,000 nonprofits. For 10 consecutive years, Wells Fargo has held the honor of No. 1 in workplace giving by United Way Worldwide. Wells Fargoteam members also actively support communities by donating more than 2 million hours of volunteer time in the last year. News, insights and more information on the company’s overall corporate responsibility are available at Wells Fargo Stories and www.wellsfargo.com/impact.