Funding opportunities, certification deadlines, policy changes, and contracting news — tracked and explained for African-owned businesses in Wisconsin. If it affects your business, you'll find it here.
Announcements and stories from the Wisconsin African Chamber of Commerce.
The Wisconsin African Chamber of Commerce has officially launched as the state's first statewide chamber for African-owned businesses and professionals.
Read more →From WEDC grants to MBE certification to SBA programs — a plain-English guide to the most valuable state and federal resources available.
Read more →Programs, funding, and policy changes that affect African-owned businesses in Wisconsin — verified and explained. We track these so you don't have to.
↗ These links open on external websites. WACC curates these resources for our community but is not affiliated with these organizations, and program terms and deadlines can change — always confirm details with the source.— Wisconsin African Chamber of Commerce
As of January 2026, the SBA no longer presumes social disadvantage based on membership in a racial or ethnic group. Every applicant must now document social disadvantage with individual, verifiable evidence. New admissions have dropped sharply. If you hold or are pursuing 8(a), read the SBA's official guidance.
Visit sba.gov ↗The state's Supplier Diversity Program certifies Minority-Owned Business Enterprises for state and local contracts. There is no application fee, and certification lasts three years. Note: the 5% MBE bid preference is currently paused — certification still gets you into the state's supplier database
Wisconsin's lead economic development agency runs grant programs, capital access initiatives, and a partner network built specifically for diversely owned businesses. This is the front door to most state funding/p>
Visit wedc.org ↗
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute helps businesses find and win federal, state, and local contracts — registrations, certifications, capability statements, bid reviews. Every service is free; it's funded by the Department of Defense.
Visit wispro.org ↗The state's Supplier Diversity Program certifies Minority-Owned Business Enterprises for state and local contracts. There is no application fee, and certification lasts three years. Note: the 5% MBE bid preference is currently paused — certification still gets you into the state's supplier database
Visit supplierdiversity.wi.gov ↗Wisconsin's lead economic development agency runs grant programs, capital access initiatives, and a partner network built specifically for diversely owned businesses. This is the front door to most state funding/p>
Visit wedc.org ↗
Milwaukee's Small Business Enterprise certification opens city contracts and counts toward participation requirements on city-funded projects. Businesses must be operational at least one year.
Visit milwaukee.gov ↗Wisconsin's flagship diverse-business event, now in its fifth decade, held each December at the Baird Center in Milwaukee. One-on-one meetings with government and corporate buyers, industry roundtables, and contracting academy sessions. Registration typically opens in October.
Visit marketplacewisconsin.com ↗WEDC reimburses Wisconsin companies for costs of entering foreign markets — trade shows, travel, and promotion abroad. Directly relevant to members building trade relationships with African markets. Deadlines recur; check current cycle.