Bwadwét Innovation Community, a subsidiary of Potawatomi Ventures, celebrated the graduation of its first Ignite Cohort, a 15-week training program for Indigenous entrepreneurs. The program recognized nine graduates, comprised of Forest County Potawatomi Community (FCPC) tribal members, their spouses, and descendants residing in Wisconsin.
Throughout the program, participants developed skills in business fundamentals, met with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, and networked with peers. The program was led by Alexis Harris, Director of Bwadwét Innovation Community, Haley Garcia, Program Specialist, and Amy Pietsch, Founding Director of the Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center and Program Facilitator for Ignite.
"We created this program to ensure Indigenous entrepreneurs have access to the support, connections, and resources they need to pursue their business goals with confidence," said Alexis Harris, Director of Bwadwét Innovation Community. "Participants strengthened their ideas, expanded their networks, and grew as business owners. It was inspiring to be a part of a community of entrepreneurs who stayed committed to learning from one another and building sustainable businesses."
“Thank you to the team for making this program possible. I enjoyed the outline and appreciated how it was run like a classroom setting," said Clarissa Friday, enrolled Forest County Potawatomi tribal member and owner of Native Clarity Photography.
The inaugural cohort began in July and covered a wide range of topics with weekly guest speakers who provided personalized guidance based on where participants were in the entrepreneurial journey.
"One of the most valuable aspects of the program has been the willingness of our guest speakers and partners to continue supporting entrepreneurs beyond the classroom," said Haley Garcia, Program Specialist for Bwadwét Innovation Community. "Experts including Kurt Brenkus of Indigenous Pact, Bill Cornelius of Baker Tilly, Gustavo Smart, and Andrea Gretzinger of the Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point have shared their time, knowledge, and ongoing support. Their commitment reflects the strength of the ecosystem we are building through Bwadwét Innovation Community.”
Sessions included Legal Readiness, featuring guest speaker Bill Cornelius, and Budgeting and Cost Planning with guest speaker Gustavo Smart. The graduation included an interactive networking event, where participants shared elevator pitches, discussed their businesses, and celebrated the milestone alongside community members and families.
“As we look ahead, we are excited to continue providing resources and opportunities for our alumni while expanding future cohorts and programming. We look forward to following the success of these entrepreneurs and hope many will return as leaders for future Ignite participants.," shared Haley Garcia.
The next Ignite Cohort is planned for early 2027. Information about the next cohort, including eligibility criteria and application timelines, will be shared as it becomes available. Future offerings will include quarterly workshops, self-guided resources, and plans for co-working spaces and artisan storefronts designed to further support Indigenous entrepreneurs.
A subsidiary of Potawatomi Ventures, Bwadwét Innovation Community, bwah-DWET) named from the Potawatomi word meaning the one who starts a fire, is an Indigenous-centered innovation hub dedicated to empowering Native entrepreneurs through culturally relevant education, mentorship and community. By blending business fundamentals with Indigenous ways of knowing, Bwadwét Innovation Community works to create lasting economic opportunity and generational prosperity across Indian Country.
