African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin: COVID-19 Recovery Fund

About

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation donated $100,000 to the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (the Chamber) to establish a COVID-19 Recovery Fund. The COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating impact on local small businesses. Federal and State support is valued, but alone is not enough to protect jobs, preserve businesses, and to provide the sense of community we’ve grown accustomed to being for one another.

Encouraging locally owned African American businesses by addressing financial gaps that make reopening a challenge, the African American Chamber is offering recovery grants of up to 2K for businesses that meet the following criteria:

• For-profit business located within the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties).
• Business started operating prior to January 1, 2020 and was operating as of February 29, 2020
• Business operates in the retail, service or hospitality industries.
• Business has no more than five (5) full-time equivalent employees, including the owner.
• Business has not received federal assistance through the Federal CARES Act.
• Members AND Non-Members of the African American Chamber may apply for consideration.

About the Host

We champion the growth and sustainability of African American owned businesses by providing access to capital, education and advocacy through capacity building and strategic partnerships. Resourceful organizations turn challenges into advantages. We support and advocate for the creation and growth of African American businesses through integrative opportunities and solutions.