MILWAUKEE, WIS. – The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) will present its annual fundraising luncheon on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 15th at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in the Event Center and Legacy Ballroom.
The event will begin with the “Small Biz Market” vendor showcase at 10:30 am featuring over 70 of WWBIC’s small business clients. A luncheon and program will follow at 12:00 noon. This year’s program showcases three keynote collaborators: Donna Gambrell, President & CEO of Appalachian Community Capital and board chair of the Opportunity Finance Network; Daniel Betancourt, President & CEO of the Community First Fund; and Connie Evans, President & CEO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity.
“We are so excited to spotlight small business owners from communities across Wisconsin and are honored to host three top-notch panelists who will discuss national economic development industry trends,” said WWBIC President and CVO, Wendy K. Baumann. “We’re celebrating our 35th anniversary this year, and we’re eager to showcase the impact that WWBIC has had on the hundreds of entrepreneurs we work with thanks to the continued support of our funders, partners, volunteers and community leaders.”
WWBIC has served over 72,000 individuals; loaned nearly $100 million dollars; created or retained over 21,000 jobs; and started, strengthened, or expanded almost 9,000 businesses since its founding in 1987. The theme of this year’s event is “Open for Business: Expanding Economic Equity and Empowerment” as WWBIC continues to increase its support and opportunities for entrepreneurs statewide, particularly women, people of color, low-to-moderate wealth individuals, veterans and military connected family members.
This year’s event is made possible with the support of lead sponsor Johnson Financial Group and other major sponsors Associated Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Confluence Graphics, Northern Trust, Southwest Airlines, Wells Fargo, and dozens more. Attendees will include WWBIC clients, funders, partners, and other community leaders from across Wisconsin. An estimated 1,000 people will be in attendance with additional guests watching virtually.
For more information, visit the WWBIC website to register, watch the livestream or make a donation.
