The American Indian Chamber of Commerce Wisconsin is accepting applications for its economic development grant program funded by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act through the Wisconsin Department of Administration.
The initiative, first launched in 2022, has awarded over $750,000 to Indigenous-led businesses throughout Wisconsin, with more funding still available through June 2025.
Business owners across Wisconsin are encouraged to apply for a $5,000 AICCW grant at aiccw.org/doa-grant. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must be submitted by June 20 to be considered in the current funding cycle.
“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.”
In 2022, AICCW secured over $2 million through the ARPA to support COVID-19 business relief and technical assistance efforts. There are a limited number of grants still available to be awarded before the deadline for funding closes in June. Depending on the level of interest, there is a possibility for AICCW to receive a six-month extension and additional funding from the DOA to provide up to 50 additional grants this year.
“We want to ensure that all available APRA Grant funding is distributed to businesses that need this support,” said AICCW Executive Director Kevin Chesnik. “This is a unique opportunity, and we encourage all eligible businesses—especially tribally owned enterprises—to apply and take advantage of these resources.”
AICCW will celebrate the program’s success and recognize grant recipients at its Annual Meeting, this December in Milwaukee.
With over 70 active members, the American Indian Chamber of Commerce Wisconsin continues to deliver on its mission of fostering economic development, empowering Native entrepreneurs, and creating lasting partnerships throughout the state.
