BMO supports nine Empower Grant Program recipients at Summerfest
BMO is excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of concerts in the BMO Harris Pavilion at Summerfest, which attracts one of largest music festival crowds to Milwaukee each summer. This year’s festival takes place over 3 weekends from June 23 to July 9 and features many entertainment, food and service vendors, including nine of BMO’s 2022 EMpower Grant Program Recipients.
“BMO is excited to welcome music fans and families back to Summerfest,” said Jud Snyder, BMO’s Senior Executive for Southeast Wisconsin. “Summerfest is a major highlight for Milwaukee with artists from all over the world and BMO is proud to be a longstanding supporter. Music is a great way to bring us all together and we look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of BMO Stage with our customers, employees and community. We are also very proud to continue our support for minority-owned businesses as marketplace vendors at Summerfest, through the BMO EMpower program.”
Launched in 2021, the BMO EMpower grant program provides $3,500 grants to nine minority- owned businesses helping them to serve as vendors during the annual festival by covering costs for materials, booth setup and staffing. In addition to the grants, recipients are also offered access to networking opportunities with BMO executives, educational events for small business owners and access to bankers for one-on-one support and financial information.
Aligned with BMO’s Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, the EMpower Grant program is part of our $5-billion commitment over five years to address key barriers faced by minority businesses, communities and families in the United States. Through lending, investing, giving and engagement in our local communities, the program is tackling barriers to inclusion in the financial services industry to create more opportunity for recovery and success.
From handmade jewelry, to clothing and sweet scents, the EMpower Grant recipients encourage originality and remain steadfast to their culture. Vendors include Badass Baubles, Golden Reign, Keepnitmil, Khepra Jewelers, Necessary Pieces, Originails, Papyrus & Charms, RuvaAfricWear, and Scents & Such. Find out more information about this year’s EMpower Grant Recipients on the Summerfest website.
Check out additional media coverage of the BMO EMpower grant recipients:
- CBS 58 WDJT – Milwaukee: Grants boost women, minority-owned businesses at Summerfest
- TMJ 4 WTMJ – TV Milwaukee: Summerfest features minority-owned businesses
- TMJ 4 WTMJ – TV Milwaukee: Supporting Businesses at Summerfest