WIEDC Signs MOA with the College of Menominee Nation
Media Release
April 4, 2023
Contact:
Jennifer Peters, CEO
715-701-0386
Email
Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation
Signs MOA with the College of Menominee Nation
The Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation (WIEDC) and the College of Menominee Nation (CMN) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) this month to collaborate to meet the economic development needs of Native entrepreneurs in Wisconsin and provide opportunities for the students in CMN’s business administration program.
The WIEDC will work with CMN faculty to mentor students in internships and career development, create a Native Business Hub that will serve all Tribes in Wisconsin, and assist CMN business administration students in obtaining employment in Native owned businesses. CMN will provide a resource location to assist with local start-up of microbusinesses, offer small business training, and collaborate with Tribal and surrounding communities.
Brian Kowalkowski, Dean of Continuing Education, stated, “The College of Menominee Nation is looking forward to this opportunity to work with the Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation to provide resources and outreach to Native-owned businesses throughout the State of Wisconsin. The memorandum of agreement that has been executed between the two organizations emphasizes a strong relationship and a commitment to Native owned businesses. The College aims to work toward Tribal communities that are successful and vibrant and this partnership will be key to building toward that goal.”
Jennifer Peters, the Chief Executive Officer of WIEDC, said, “The Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation is excited to partner with the College of Menominee Nation to bring our first Native Business Hub to the Menominee Indian Tribe. Our goal is to bring Native Business Hubs to all 11 federally recognized Tribes in Wisconsin this year. The Native Business Hubs will offer resources, training and collaboration opportunities for our Tribal communities, enterprises and Native business owners. CMN has been extremely welcoming to the WIEDC, and we look forward to a long-lasting partnership.”
WIEDC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and a coalition of non-profit Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), including First American Capital Corporation, First Nations Community Financial, NiiJii Capital Partners, Inc., and the Wisconsin Native Loan Fund.
Working together, the WIEDC’s four Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) coordinate and leverage resources to maximize access to loans, training and counseling to best serve Wisconsin Indian Country – both on and off federally recognized reservation communities.
Through collaboration, the WIEDC is working to build a strong, vibrant economy for Native American individuals, families, businesses and communities by offering affordable lending opportunities to Tribal Members in Wisconsin.
The Native Business Hubs will further enhance WIEDC’s goal of building financial sovereignty for Wisconsin’s Native businesses, families and communities.
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About the College of Menominee Nation
The College of Menominee Nation is an accredited Tribal college with 20 programs of study, ranging from technical diplomas to baccalaureate degrees. CMN has two campuses with locations in Keshena and Green Bay, Wisconsin, and is open to all. Learn more at https://www.menominee.edu/.
About WIEDC
The Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation (WIEDC), formerly known as the Wisconsin Indian Business Alliance (WIBA), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and a coalition of non-profit Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
Our mission is to expand Native economic development by building the financial sovereignty of Native individuals, families, Native-owned businesses, Tribal enterprises and communities in Wisconsin.
Working together, WIEDC’s Members collaborate and leverage resources to maximize access to loans, training and counseling to best serve the enrolled Members of the 11 Federally recognized Tribes in Wisconsin – both on and off reservation communities.
WIEDC’s Members collectively work to bring millions of dollars to Wisconsin Indian Country from corporations, foundations and government programs to deliver our continuum of loan products and capacity-building technical assistance services to Native individuals, families, businesses, Tribal enterprises and communities.
Learn more at https://wiedc.org/.