Partnerships Propel the Growth of Native-Owned Businesses in Wisconsin

(Hales Corners, WI) — For more than 20 years, First American Capital Corporation (FACC) has fueled the growth of Native-owned businesses throughout Wisconsin. Established in 2002 with seed funding from the State Tribal Gaming Compacts, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce (DOC), FACC launched as a nonprofit Indigenous Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Those early investments built the foundation for a long-standing partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the DOC’s successor.

From 2002 to 2016, WEDC and its predecessor provided ongoing funding to recapitalize FACC’s RLF, helping Native entrepreneurs start and grow businesses and, more recently, finance Tribal enterprises. In 2017, WEDC elevated FACC from a grant recipient to a Key Strategic Partner (KSP), allowing FACC to operate as an extension of WEDC and contribute directly to the state’s economic development goals. Through this partnership, FACC helps meet Wisconsin’s performance objectives by supporting startups and expansions, creating and retaining jobs, and delivering technical assistance and business education to Native and underserved entrepreneurs.

“Access to capital is vital to entrepreneurs as their businesses progress from idea to reality and then continue to grow,” said Sam Rikkers, deputy secretary and COO of WEDC. “FACC’s ability to connect with and serve Native businesses helps WEDC fulfill its mission of building an economy for all, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

FACC’s work is strengthened by partnerships with organizations that bring complementary expertise and resources. Financial institutions such as Bay Bank and Town Bank frequently collaborate with FACC to structure loans that drive growth. FACC also works with the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AICCW) to identify entrepreneurs who can benefit from its services. Together, these efforts build an entrepreneurial ecosystem grounded in collaboration, cultural respect, and shared prosperity.

“Some businesses benefit from FACC’s support and then are ready to graduate into a traditional banking relationship with us,” said Will Mathee, vice president and relationship manager at Town Bank, N.A. “Together, we build a pipeline of sustainable business growth. Access to capital and financial education remain two of the biggest hurdles for Native entrepreneurs. That’s why our partnership with FACC is so important. We’re both committed to making an impact.”

A growing partnership with the Ashland Area Development Corporation (AADC) extends that support to northern Wisconsin. Together, FACC and AADC provide entrepreneurs with the training, mentorship, and capital needed to transform ideas into successful businesses.

Education is central to this work. In the past year, the two organizations have offered programs including “Profit Mastery,” “The Truth About Entrepreneurship,” and “Ready Vet Grow” for military veterans and their spouses. “Everything we do is about relationships,” said Carver Harries, AADC executive director. “The bridge we’ve built with FACC has been critical in helping our clients feel supported and ready to launch their businesses.”

AADC also hosts a semi-annual Funders Roundtable, bringing together banks, CDFIs, and lending partners to share resources and collaborate. FACC’s involvement helps strengthen this network, giving small businesses the best chance to succeed.

Some of FACC’s partners are themselves Native-owned businesses committed to building local economies. Brian Holmes, a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and owner of B&D Contractors, is driven by personal experience to support the next generation of Native entrepreneurs. Having faced challenges in launching his company, he now prioritizes hiring Native employees and contracting with Native-owned businesses. “It’s simply the right thing to do,” he said.

Through WEDC’s strategic investment, FACC’s culturally grounded expertise, support from businesses like B&D Contractors, financial resources from Bay Bank and Town Bank, and AADC’s educational programs, Native-owned businesses across Wisconsin gain access to essential resources to succeed. This collaborative network not only promotes business growth but also strengthens communities and broadens economic opportunities statewide.

FACC Partners:

Certified Native CDFI

SBA Intermediary Lender

Wisconsin Economic Development – Key Strategic Partner

Town Bank – A Wintrust Community Bank

Bay Bank

AICCW – American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin

Kiva

Wells Fargo

FACC Collaborators:

AADC – Ashland Area Development Corporation

WPI – Wisconsin Procurement Institute

The Development Association

Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc.

First American Capital Corporation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AICCW) in 2002. FACC provides lending and technical assistance to Native, Tribal and underserved businesses and entrepreneurs statewide. FACC was the first in Wisconsin to achieve the Native Community Development Financial Institution certification and is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program designated Intermediary Lender and a Community Advantage Small Business Lending Company (CA SBLC) licensed by the SBA to issue 7(a) loans. The FACC is also pleased to serve as a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Key Strategic Partner. For more information about FACC, visit faccwi.org.