News Summary
Milwaukee hosted the fourth annual Indigenous Biz Con, attracting Indigenous business leaders from across the country. With discussions focused on economic challenges and growth opportunities, the conference underscored the need for collaboration and support within Native communities. Notable sessions included a pitch competition to boost Native-owned businesses and presentations on entrepreneurship, cannabis, and economic diversification. The event aligned with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrating culture while addressing key economic issues in tribal economies.
Milwaukee hosted the fourth annual Indigenous Biz Con conference on October 13-14 at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, marking Wisconsin’s largest gathering for Indigenous business. The event attracted hundreds of attendees from across the country, with approximately 25% coming from outside the state. The conference’s theme, “Rising Tides: Building Economies, Empowering Generations,” framed a series of discussions and presentations focused on the current economic challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous businesses.
Founded by local Native entrepreneurs Rob Pero, Zoar Fulwider, and Collin Price, Indigenous Biz Con aims to foster collaboration and unity among Indigenous business leaders. This year’s event featured a keynote address by Chris James, president of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), who highlighted the significant funding challenges tribal enterprises face, particularly due to cuts that occurred during the Trump Administration. James noted that the NCAIED experienced a loss of approximately $2-3 million in funding for its programs, which has further impacted tribes’ ability to access support.
The conference included a variety of sessions that covered diverse topics such as entrepreneurship, contracting opportunities, the potential of cannabis for economic growth, tribal politics, and emerging business opportunities. The potential value of the cannabis industry was a particular focus, with discussions emphasizing its significance for tribal economies.
For the first time, Indigenous Biz Con introduced a pitch competition aimed at supporting Native-owned businesses. The competition awarded a total of $2,000 to two winners: Milwaukee-based OTG Muncheez and Michigan’s Shawano Trucking. This initiative provided participants the chance to present their business ideas and secure funding to help facilitate their growth.
The opening day of the conference coincided with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. As part of the celebrations, the Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee was lit in traditional medicine wheel colors, and this ceremony was attended by the founders of Indigenous Biz Con alongside local tribal government officials, who provided a land acknowledgment at the event. Additionally, attendees were treated to a performance by Fire Nation, a Potawatomi drum group and dancers, adding cultural richness to the gathering.
Pero emphasized the importance of classifying tribal lands as Foreign Trade Zones, as this classification offers various advantages for production and can help reduce tariffs for products. He also pointed out the urgent need for tribes to diversify their economic initiatives beyond gaming, particularly during times of financial instability.
The conference drew representation from various tribes across the nation, reinforcing the theme of collaboration and unity in Native business development. Networking opportunities allowed attendees to engage in discussions on finding new capital and resources necessary for their enterprises. This focus on building connections and sharing knowledge is vital for facilitating growth in tribal economies, especially in the face of ongoing challenges.
In summary, the fourth annual Indigenous Biz Con hosted in Milwaukee served as an important platform for Indigenous entrepreneurs to connect, share resources, and address significant economic issues affecting their communities. The successful turnout and diverse programming highlight the growing commitment to fostering robust Indigenous business networks and empowering future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Madison365 – Hundreds Gather in Milwaukee
- Wikipedia – Home
- TMJ4 – Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day
- Google Search: Indigenous entrepreneurs
- Urban Milwaukee – Indigenous Led Business Event
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indigenous business
- Madison365 – Indigenous Biz Con Returns
- Google News: Indigenous business conferences

Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
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