Summer 2026

In This Edition...

Building Opportunity, One Entrepreneur at a Time

At FACC, we believe that access to capital, education, and trusted relationships can transform businesses and strengthen communities. This quarter, we're excited to share a client success story, new financing opportunities, upcoming events, and ways you can support the vital work happening across Indian Country and beyond.

Client Spotlight: Quinn Smith Created a Successful Business One Move at a Time

When Quinn Smith, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, decided to start his own moving company after more than 15 years in the industry, he knew he needed more than just financing; he needed someone willing to believe in his vision.

That partner was FACC.

Working alongside FACC and mentor Craig Anderson, the executive director of FACC at the time, Quinn developed a business plan, secured a small loan and launched About Time Moving Systems. The early years were challenging, but his determination never wavered.

Today, About Time Moving Systems operates four trucks, employs a dedicated team and is known for exceptional customer service throughout the region. What began as a small loan ultimately became one of the largest loans in FACC's history, and one that Quinn successfully repaid.

"It takes only one person to believe in you. Craig made me work for it—but he believed in me, and I wasn't going to let him down."— Quinn Smith

Quinn continues to be a strong advocate for Native entrepreneurship and credits FACC's relationship-based approach as a key factor in his success.

Expanding Business Financing Opportunity: FACC's SBA Community Advantage Small Business Lending Company (CA SBLC)

The First American Capital Corporation (FACC) is a non-profit financial institution,   

or Revolving Loan Fund, established in 2002. Over the years, the FACC has worked

to access a diversity of federal, state, corporate and philanthropic sources of funds

designed to provide access to affordable business loans for Indigenous owned businesses and other underserved entrepreneurs located in Wisconsin.

The FACC has been fortunate to have a continuous working relationship with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2007 in serving as an SBA Microloan Program Intermediary Lender – offering FACC borrowers up to a $50,000 Microloan who do not have access to business credit elsewhere, with companion business management technical assistance and access to a professional business consultant network.

In 2023, the FACC expanded lending options by becoming an SBA Community Advantage Small Business Lending Company (CA SBLC) licensed by the SBA to issue 7(a) loans. For FACC, SBA-approved 7(a) Small loans have a maximum business loan amount of $350,000 per project. The SBA 7(a) loan guarantee allows FACC to reduce risk and reach loan approvals for qualifying small businesses in Wisconsin.

The CA SBLC program is designed to increase access to capital for entrepreneurs who may not fit the traditional lending model but have viable businesses and a clear path to success. A minimum of 60% of FACC’s CA SBLC 7(a) loans must be in underserved markets as defined by the SBA.

Through SBA-backed financing, business owners may be able to use 7(a) loan proceeds for:

(1)    Inventory;

(2)    Equipment

(3)    Supplies;

(4)    Raw materials; and

(5)    Working capital

Besides providing financing, FACC collaborates closely with borrowers to offer technical assistance and guidance throughout the lending process, helping entrepreneurs become loan-ready and position for long-term success. Information shared through FACC's SBA outreach efforts focuses on educating borrowers, raising awareness about SBA programs, and helping potential borrowers understand eligibility requirements and the application process. 

"The SBA Community Advantage program creates important pathways to capital for entrepreneurs who have strong business potential but may need a mission-focused lending partner. Programs like this help strengthen local economies and expand opportunity." — Frank Demarest, Jr., District Director, Wisconsin District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration.

CHANGE TO BANNER OF WEDC

The FACC is pleased to again be partnering with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to assist Native-owned contractors and contract-ready businesses connect with government procurement, contracting and business growth opportunities at the 2026 Marketplace event.

The in-person Marketplace Seminars, Panels and Networking Sessions will be held 12/9-10/2026 at The Baird Center located in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin - https://www.marketplacewisconsin.com/

The Wednesday, December 9, 2026 Indigenous Contractors Gathering will focus upon tribal enterprises’ participation in SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program based upon political status as Native Americans. This Gathering will also include:

• Marketplace supplier opportunities
• State and corporate procurement programs
• Business growth strategies
• Networking with key partners and resources.

The 12/9/2026 WEDC Indigenous Contractors Gathering agenda and registration will follow in September – for more information now, please contact Gary Mejchar – gary@firstamericancapitalcorp.org.  

Save the date; join us December 8-10, 2026 in Milwaukee!

Invest in Opportunity - Support FACC's Mission

For more than three decades, FACC has provided access to capital in the form of affordable business loans, paired with business technical assistance and education, designed to help Native-owned entrepreneurs and other underserved businesses in Wisconsin build capacity and grow.

Serving as a non-profit, certified Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 2004, the FACC has grown significantly through the investment of federal dollars, leveraged with private-sector capital we secured. The U.S. Department of the Treasury CDFI Fund has resourced FACC well over the years, allowing FACC to fund hundreds of business loans and deliver impactful development services that resulted in starting and expanding many businesses in Wisconsin.

These businesses, in turn, have created and retained thousands of family-supporting jobs and careers that further strengthen the economies of communities throughout Wisconsin.

An additional impact of FACC serving as a Native CDFI is that significant progress has been made in generating earned revenue towards FACC’s goal of operational self-sufficiency.

However, work remains to be done, and with today’s changing conditions in federal programs, FACC is now developing new and diverse funding sources to complement earned revenue, including launching the 2026 Donors Campaign.

As we continue to expand our impact, we invite you to support the work of FACC through a charitable contribution.

Your tax-deductible investment helps us:

• Maintain a technology stack including cybersecurity systems essential to safe, efficient operations and customer service.
• Provide business education and counseling with both prospective and exiting borrowers
• Deliver business technical assistance services statewide
• Expand access to affordable capital
• Support Native entrepreneurs and tribal businesses
• Strengthen local and tribal economies in Wisconsin.

Every gift helps create opportunities for the next generation of business owners.



To learn more or make a gift, please click the button below to contact Gary Mejchar, FACC Co-Executive Director/Development.

Upcoming Profit Mastery Classes

Hosted by: FACC

Hayward

September 21, 28 &

October 5

5:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Hales Corners

October 14 & 15

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 a.m.

Bayfield

November 30

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

December 1

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

FACC provides access to capital and development services to best serve Wisconsin Tribal enterprises, Native-owned businesses and other underserved businesses thanks to the support of the following organizations.