WIHEDC Housing & Economic Development Conference
This Conference is Wisconsin's leading forum where housing experts, economic innovators and policy makers gather to shape the future of housing and economic growth and strengthen Tribal economic sovereignty.
Mark Your Calendar for Our 2026 Conference!
September 30-October 1, 2026
at the Menominee Casino & Resort
More information coming soon.
07:00 am
Breakfast and Registration
08:00 am
Welcome, Opening Ceremony, and Guest Speakers
08:30 am
Meet the Members and Leadership of WIHEDC and Native CDFIs
09:00 am
Economic Impact of Native Owned Businesses in Wisconsin
09:45 am
Break
10:00 am
WEDC - Growing Tribal Business, Tribal Enterprises and Entrepreneurship
11:00 am
SBA Resources for Native Businesses
11:30 am
Empowering Rural Communities: Initiatives to Foster Entrepreneurship
12:00 pm
Lunch
01:00 pm
Entrepreneurial Breakout Sessions (Separate Rooms)
01:00 pm
Tribal Economic Development Landscape
02:30 pm
Break
02:45 pm
Wisconsin Native Homeownership Coalition and Housing Initiatives
04:00 pm
Intertribal Food Business Development
04:45 pm
Empowering Minority Businesses for Sustainable Growth
05:15 pm
Networking Cocktail Hour
06:00 pm
Dinner and Small Business Awards Ceremony
07:00 am
Breakfast and Registration
08:00 am
Welcome, Opening Ceremony, and Guest Speakers
08:30 am
Meet the Members and Leadership of WIHEDC and Native CDFIs
09:00 am
Economic Impact of Native Owned Businesses in Wisconsin
09:45 am
Break
10:00 am
WEDC - Growing Tribal Business, Tribal Enterprises and Entrepreneurship
11:00 am
SBA Resources for Native Businesses
11:30 am
Empowering Rural Communities: Initiatives to Foster Entrepreneurship
12:00 pm
Lunch
01:00 pm
Entrepreneurial Breakout Sessions (Separate Rooms)
01:00 pm
Tribal Economic Development Landscape
02:30 pm
Break
02:45 pm
Wisconsin Native Homeownership Coalition and Housing Initiatives
04:00 pm
Intertribal Food Business Development
04:45 pm
Empowering Minority Businesses for Sustainable Growth
05:15 pm
Networking Cocktail Hour
06:00 pm
Dinner and Small Business Awards Ceremony
2025 Presentations:
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Deepening Awareness and Understanding of Tribal Economies - Heather Sobrepena, Center for Indian Country Development
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Increasing Native Homeownership Opportunities - Erin Persons, Freddie Mac
-
Supporting Indigenous Cannabis - Rob Pero, ICIA, Michael Decorah, ICIA, Mitchel Chargo, ICIA, Candace Thompson, LDF BDC
-
Wisconsin Native Housing Coalition: A New Chapter in Collaboration and Growth - Cheryl Cloud, Red Cliff Housing Authority, Jeff Ackley Jr., Enterprise Community Partners, Erica Steele, WHEDA
-
Navigating the Federal Shutdown: How Indian Country and CDFIs are Being Affected - Pete Upton, Native CDFI Network, and Fern Orie, WIHEDC
