New microgrant fund of New North to support ethnic, diverse businesses
Grant applications available through April 30 for non-profit organizations assisting diverse businesses in their startup or growth phase
NEW NORTH, March 23, 2023 – New North Inc., in partnership with The Business Council (TBC) and the Ethnic & Diverse Business Coalition (EDBC), has established a microgrant fund designed to provide funding to nonprofit organizations located in the New North region that support ethnic and diverse businesses in their startup or growth phase.
The application for grants up to $20,000 – for initiatives or events taking place prior to Dec. 31, 2023 – now is available at thenewnorth.com/ethnic-diverse-microgrants-for-non-profits. The application deadline is April 30, 2023. Based on remaining capital, a second round of applications may be funded later this year.
Examples of projects eligible for funding through the grant include training, supplier diversity and business events, entrepreneurial support, classes to remove language barriers for business customers, workshops on sales and marketing, an ethnic business showcase, and any other initiative which works to remove barriers and promotes business success.
“We know that capital is a continuing opportunity challenge for diverse businesses,” says Juan Corpus, vice president of diversity, equity & inclusion for New North Inc. “We are hopeful that this microgrant fund will help to address capital as an immediate need for diverse businesses in their initial stages of operation. Assistance can be provided for any number of initiatives or support mechanisms, including a diverse business showcase which enhances awareness by bringing diverse businesses into one spot.”
“We are thankful for the long-term relationship New North has had with statewide organizations and for the partnership with The Business Council and the Ethnic & Diverse Business Coalition to establish this microgrant fund,” says Barb LaMue, president and CEO of New North Inc.
The Business Council (TBC) is a business membership organization, serving as the architect of high-quality resources, education and tools to assist ethnically diverse businesses. Members of the TBC include the Ethnic & Diverse Business Coalition (EDBC), whose respective organizations work to improve the business environment in Wisconsin in order to build stronger, ethnically diverse businesses who can compete in a global economy. Member organizations of the EDBC are focused on working collaboratively to facilitate entrepreneurship and growth, to advocate collectively on shared issues and to increase each member’s organizational efficiency.
Those with questions or seeking additional information on the grant initiative can contact Corpus at [email protected].
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New North, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporation fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Waupaca, Brown, Shawano, Oconto, Marinette, Door, Kewaunee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, Florence, Menominee and Waushara. www.thenewnorth.com
Media Contact: Jeff Blumb, 920.328.5454 or [email protected]
