African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin

Chamber of Commerce and Minority Business Development Servicesaaccwi.org

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin is a Milwaukee-based 501(c)(6) nonprofit, founded in 1993, that provides capital, training, and advocacy to African American entrepreneurs in Wisconsin through RISE MKE, SPUR workshops, a Revolving Loan Fund, and the Legacy Co-Working Space.

Company typePrivate
Founded1993
HeadquartersMilwaukee, United States
Headcount1–10
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin does

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AACCWI, DBA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization founded in 1993 and headquartered at 1920 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Milwaukee's Bronzeville neighborhood, where it operates the 4,000-square-foot Chris Abele Legacy Co-Working and Innovation Space. Its mission is to champion the growth and sustainability of African American-owned businesses in Wisconsin through access to capital, education, and advocacy via capacity building and strategic partnerships.

The organization delivers a portfolio of community programs rather than software products. RISE MKE (powered by MORTAR, adapted from Cincinnati's minority business accelerator) is a 14-week entrepreneurial training program offered at $250 per participant. SPUR is a capacity building workshop series informed by Federal Reserve research on small business needs. The Revolving Loan Fund provides gap financing up to $50,000 at a promotional 2% interest rate for operational capital, equipment, renovation, and bonding assistance, partnered with Associated Bank, Town Bank, North Shore Bank, MEDC, and WWBIC. The RISE HSED Program combines entrepreneurial training with high school equivalency completion in partnership with Literacy Services of Wisconsin. The annual Breakfast of Champions is the signature fundraising and community engagement event, with sponsorship tiers from $2,500 to $7,500.

Revenue is generated through five streams: recurring membership dues, event fundraising, modest program fees, ongoing corporate sponsorships (Fiserv, Harley-Davidson, Baker Tilly, Generac, Advocate Aurora Health), and government/philanthropic grants including $5M+ in federal SLFRP0135 funds routed via the U.S. Treasury and Wisconsin Department of Administration, a $144,400 WEDC grant, and a $300,000 donation from former Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. Nikki Purvis has served as President & CEO since August 2022, succeeding Ossie Kendrix Jr., and the organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Marjorie Rucker (2025-2026 term).

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin firmographics

Firmographics

Name: African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
Legal name: African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
Website: https://aaccwi.org
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1993
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 1–10 employees
Short description: The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin is a Milwaukee-based 501(c)(6) nonprofit, founded in 1993, that provides capital, training, and advocacy to African American entrepreneurs in Wisconsin through RISE MKE, SPUR workshops, a Revolving Loan Fund, and the Legacy Co-Working Space.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin industry classification

Industry

Product category: Chamber of Commerce and Minority Business Development Services
NAICS: Professional Organizations (813920), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)
SIC: Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)
akta.pro industry: PRIMARYEDAAAFAK
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Community Education
Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Community & Public Education Programs (Libraries, Community Centers)
SECONDARYBPAGAHAD
Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations
Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Arts, Culture & Heritage Nonprofits

Keywords

Minority business support
Entrepreneurial training programs
Small business lending
Business incubation services
Community economic development

Where African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Milwaukee
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

Membership Dues: Annual membership fees for businesses to join the chamber and access programs, networking, and resources
Event Fundraising: Signature annual Breakfast of Champions fundraiser with ticket sales and sponsorship packages ranging from $2,500 to $7,500
Program Fees: RISE MKE 14-week entrepreneurial training program charged at $250 per participant with payment plans available
Corporate Sponsorships: Ongoing support from corporate partners including Fiserv, Harley-Davidson, Baker Tilly, Generac, and others
Government Grants: Federal funds including SLFRP0135 from U.S. Department of Treasury, grants from WEDC, Wisconsin Department of Administration for small business programming and Legacy Space development

Pricing tiers

Model	Billing	Price
One time/ perpetual license	Pay-as-you-go	RISE MKE 14-week Entrepreneurial Training Program
Other	Multi-year contract	Revolving Loan Fund - Gap Financing
Other	Annual	Breakfast of Champions Sponsorship - Presenting Champion
Other	Annual	Breakfast of Champions Sponsorship - Champion
Other	Annual	Breakfast of Champions Sponsorship - Supporting

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin product offering

Product offering

Core offering

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) chamber founded in 1993 that champions the growth and sustainability of African American-owned businesses through a portfolio of business development programs and services. Core offerings include the RISE MKE 14-week entrepreneurial training program (adapted from Cincinnati's MORTAR accelerator), SPUR capacity building workshops, a Revolving Loan Fund providing gap financing up to $50,000 at 2% interest, and the 4,000-square-foot Legacy Co-Working & Innovation Space in Milwaukee's Bronzeville neighborhood.

Product overview

The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin operates as a single unified non-profit organization offering a portfolio of business development programs and services rather than a software product platform. The core offerings include: RISE MKE (a 14-week entrepreneurial training program), SPUR (a capacity building intensive workshop series), the Revolving Loan Fund (providing gap financing up to $50,000 at 2% interest), the Legacy Co-Working & Innovation Space (a 4,000 sq. ft. physical incubation hub with commercial kitchen, offices, and retail space), and the RISE HSED Program (a 16-week program combining entrepreneurial training with high school equivalency completion). These programs work together to provide access to capital, education, and advocacy for African American-owned businesses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

RISE MKE Entrepreneurial Training Program A 14-week entrepreneurial training program designed to ensure emerging African American-owned businesses in Milwaukee start with proper planning, covering marketing, branding, business network development, and other essential resources. Adapted from Cincinnati's MORTAR minority business accelerator.
SPUR Capacity Building Workshop Series A capacity building intensive workshop series based on Federal Reserve research on small business needs, delivered through focused workshop sessions, small group advisory roundtables, and targeted networking opportunities for African American business owners.
Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) A gap financing loan program providing access to capital up to $50,000 at a 2% interest rate (limited time promotional rate, normally $35,000 at 6%) for existing and new minority businesses. Funds support operational capital, machinery and equipment, building renovation, and bonding assistance.
Legacy Co-Working & Innovation Space A 4,000-square-foot co-working and business incubation hub located at 1920 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Milwaukee's Bronzeville Neighborhood. Features a commercial kitchen tailored for baking, private offices, a coffee shop, and retail space for member entrepreneurs and small businesses.
RISE HSED Program A 16-week program in partnership with Literacy Services of Wisconsin that combines entrepreneurial training with fulfillment of High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) requirements, based on Common Core State Standards. Targets entrepreneurs needing both credentials.

Quantifiable outcome

Projected 25% annual membership growth
+3 more outcomes

Companies that use African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin

Customer profile

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

FiservcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting Champion sponsor for annual Breakfast of Champions events. Major corporate partner supporting African American business development in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment economic development partner providing grants including $144,400 for Legacy Space development. Partner on Revolving Loan Fund program.
Legacy Redevelopment Corporation (LRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubrecipient of federal SLFRP0135 funds via Wisconsin Department of Administration. Partner on Legacy Co-Working and Innovation Space project and Revolving Loan Fund.
LISC MilwaukeecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership through the Ramp Up Project for RISE MKE program, adapted from the MORTAR minority business accelerator model.
Milwaukee Urban LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner in RISE MKE program as component of Ramp Up Project for enabling underserved entrepreneurs through education and mentorship.
Literacy Services of WisconsinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for RISE HSED Program combining high school equivalency diploma with entrepreneurial training over 16 weeks.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner supporting community programs and initiatives for African American business development.
Harley-DavidsonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member and sponsor supporting chamber events and programs.
Baker TillyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member providing professional services support.
GeneracminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member and sponsor.
Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Revolving Loan Fund supporting women and minority business development.
Badger MutualminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member.
MortensonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member and sponsor.
AT&TminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC): Wisconsin-based nonprofit providing entrepreneurship training, lending, and mentorship — overlapping AACCW's mission for an underserved demographic. WWBIC is also a Revolving Loan Fund partner.
MORTAR: Cincinnati-based minority business accelerator whose curriculum AACCW adapted for its RISE MKE program. Directly comparable on entrepreneurial training content and minority-business-incubation mission.
National Black Chamber of Commerce: One of the largest African American business associations in the U.S., focused on advocacy and economic development for Black-owned businesses. Operates a similar chamber model serving Black entrepreneurs but at significantly greater scale.
U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. National federation of African American chambers of commerce providing advocacy, capacity building, and corporate access. Directly comparable as the umbrella body for organizations operating AACCW's model at a national scale.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin: Wisconsin ethnic chamber advancing Hispanic-owned businesses through advocacy, networking, and education. Closely analogous mission and operational structure serving a different minority business community in the same state.
African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cincinnati: Direct regional peer in Cincinnati with the same African American chamber model serving Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. Operates similar business development programs and is geographically linked to MORTAR, the source of AACCW's RISE MKE curriculum.

Broad incumbents

National Urban League: National civil rights organization with extensive economic development, workforce, and entrepreneurship programming. Comparable mission at national scale and serves as parent organization of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League (AACCW partner).
Greater Milwaukee Urban League: Long-established Milwaukee affiliate of the National Urban League focused on economic empowerment for the African American community. AACCW's RISE MKE strategic partner with overlapping programmatic priorities.

Regional players

Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC): The largest regional chamber of commerce in metro Milwaukee serving members across industries. Comparable as a chamber but broader in scope, lacking AACCW's African American demographic focus.

Others

LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation): National CDFI providing capital and technical assistance to underserved communities. AACCW's RISE MKE strategic partner through the Ramp Up Project; comparable mission on community economic development financing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin

What does African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin do?

Is African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin a public or private company?

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin founded?

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin was founded in 1993. It employs 1 to 10 people.

Where is African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin based?

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin is headquartered in Milwaukee, United States, in the North America region.

How does African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin make money?

Five revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are event Fundraising, program Fees, corporate Sponsorships and government Grants.

Who are African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), MORTAR, National Black Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin and African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cincinnati. Broad incumbents are National Urban League and Greater Milwaukee Urban League. Milwaukee Metropolitan Association of Commerce (MMAC) is listed as a regional player. LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) is listed as an others.

Does African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin have an API?

No public API is recorded for African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin.

What industry is African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin in?

African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin's product category is Chamber of Commerce and Minority Business Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAFAK, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Community Education, with a secondary code of BPAGAHAD, Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations. Its NAICS code is 813920 and its SIC code is 8600.