Indigenous Business Con 2024

2024 Indigenous Biz Con Schedule

*Schedule and topics subject to change

• Monday, October 14

• 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Registration

  • Location: Main Lobby

  8:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Wisconsin Indigenous Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC) Programming

  1. 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Welcome by WIHEDC Leadership and BOD
  2. 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM: Panel: Small Business Workshop: Intro
  3. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Small Business Workshop: Accessing Funding and TA
  4. 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Q&A and Networking

   

  12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Networking Lunch

   

  1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Welcome Address for IBC 2024

  • Speakers: Conference Organizers

  2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: General Session 1: Department of Energy Initiatives

  • Presenter: Department of Energy Representative
  • Focus: Solar and Tax Credits Initiatives

  2:45 PM – 3:15 PM: General Session 2: USDA Programming Initiatives

  • Presenter: USDA Representative
  • Focus: Access to Funding for Tribal Projects

  3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: General Session 2: WI DOT Programming Initiatives

  • Presenter: DOT Representative
  • Focus: Public safety and community engagement initiatives for Tribal communities

  4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: General Session 3: Tribal Leader Roundtable on Economic Self-Sustainability and Collaborative Partnerships

   

  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Welcome Reception

  • Co-Hosted by: WIHEDC and Indigenous Business Group (IBG)
  • Location: Conference Hall
  • Special Event: Lighting of the Hoan Bridge and Drum Performance
• Tuesday, October 15

• 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast

  • Location: Main Dining Hall

  8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Opening Prayer and Ceremonies 

  • Highlights: Color Guard and drum ceremony

  9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Summit Kick off and Welcome

  • Speaker: Chance Rush and IBG
  • Topic: Revitalizing Traditions – Driving Innovation

  9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Keynote Address 

  • Speaker: Samantha Skenandore 
  • Topic: Cultural Infusion and Leadership

  10:15 AM – 11:05 AM: Breakout Sessions

  1. Session A: Energy and Infrastructure Solutions
  2. Session B: Contracting Opportunities with Federal, State, and Corporate Entities
  3. Session C: Media and Marketing

  11:15 AM – 12:05 PM: Breakout Sessions

  1. Session D: Tribal Housing and Access to Funding
  2. Session E: Indigenous Tourism and Hospitality
  3. Session F: MBE, DBE, and Procurement Advancement

  12:15 PM – 1:30 PM: Networking Lunch and Special Screening

  1:45 PM – 2:35 PM: Breakout Sessions

  1. Session G: Emerging Industries: Cannabis and Hemp (ICIA and WI Task Force)
  2. Session H: Capacity Building for Winning Grants in Energy and Housing
  3. Session I: Non-Profit Advocacy Work and Philanthropy

  2:45 PM – 3:35 PM: Breakout Sessions

  1. Session J: Real Estate Development and Opportunities
  2. Session K: Healthcare Innovations and Funding
  3. Session L: Business Etiquette and Integrity

   

  3:45 PM – 4:35 PM: General Session 3: Building Bridges Between Tribe-Owned Businesses and Tribal Enterprises

   

  4:35 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks and Announcements

   

  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony

  • Location: Grand Ballroom
  • Entertainment: Traditional Dance and Music