Milwaukee, Wis. (Aug. 23, 2023) – Indigenous Business Group announces the third annual Indigenous Biz Con, to take place October 14-15 at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee, Wis. Indigenous Biz Con brings together Tribal leaders, Indigenous business owners, and non-Indigenous business operators to imagine a brighter, more economically vibrant economic future for Indigenous people and the Wisconsin business community as a whole.
This year’s Indigenous Biz Con theme, “Revitalizing traditions, Driving innovation”, provides an opportunity for attendees to learn, network, and collaborate to build meaningful partnerships that result in business, all while breaking down barriers to economic development, building community, and elevating the voices of Indigenous entrepreneurs. The event, which kicks off on Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 14, puts the voices of real business operators at the forefront, engaging discussions, a Native vendors marketplace, and much more, all with Indigenous business leaders at the forefront.
“This is the conference where deals get closed,” said Indigenous Business Group Co-founder member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians Rob Pero. “Our goal with Indigenous Biz Con is to build community and provide a space to create meaningful relationships and elevate Native voices. It is a dynamic gathering of leaders and creative thinkers in the business space coming together to share technical assistance, impactful development resources, and meaningful connections.”
The two-day event provides educational seminars on continued development in energy, real estate, media, along with traditional industries. On Oct. 14, Indigenous Biz Con features elected government officials and representatives from the Wisconsin Indigenous Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC), Department of Energy, USDA, Department of Transportation, and more. Monday evening’s Welcome Reception includes a ceremonial drum performance and the lighting of the Hoan Bridge in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Tuesday, Oct. 15, includes industry-spanning breakout sessions, with focuses ranging from funding strategies, grant writing techniques, procurement and marketing topics, and more. Industries represented span the diversity of Indigenous business interests in Wisconsin, including housing, energy, tourism, solar, cannabis and hemp, AI, and indigenous cuisine and infrastructure. The two-day celebration concludes with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday evening. See the full agenda for Indigenous Biz Con online at indigenousbusinessgroup.org.
The event is presented by Indigenous Business Group, which was established in 2022 to bring donors, companies, tribes, and other organizations together to promote Indigenous business and tribal economic development.
If you would like to attend Indigenous Biz Con, or if you are interested in sponsorship or speaking opportunities, more information can be found online at indigenousbusinessgroup.org and via phone at 877-494-0515.
