Shawano man honored for work with NiiJii Parners

A Shawano man has been awarded the Community Development Financial Institution Visionary Leader award for his work with NiiJii Capital Partners, Inc., in Keshena.

John Smith, executive director and loan officer for NiiJii Capital Partners received the honor — presented by Opportunity Finance Network & The First Nations Oweesta Corp. — earlier this month at the Third Annual Native CDFI Awards in Albuquerque.

“The efforts of John Smith exemplify how innovative and strategic efforts lead to growth and development in Native communities,” said Elsie Meeks, president and CEO of Oweesta.

Smith, who resides in Shawano, was previously business development specialist for Northwoods NiiJii Enterprise Community, Inc. Prior to that he had been executive director of Shawano County Economic Progress, Inc.

Smith currently heads NiiJii Capital Partners, Inc., with its main office in Keshena and satellite offices in Lac du Flambeau and Mole Lake.

Formerly known as NiiJii Small Business Loan Fund, Inc., NiiJii Capital Partners, Inc., is a US Treasury Certified Community Development Financial Institution organization whose purpose is to provide financial services and products to eligible entrepreneurs and businesses in its target market.

The market includes the Menominee, Mole Lake and Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservations in Northern Wisconsin.

NiiJii Capital Partners, Inc. (NiiCaP) is a state-chartered corporation with IRS 501c3 status. Certified CDFI status was obtained in May, 2007.

To date, according to a news release from the organization, NiiCaP's efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 40 jobs and 17 businesses created or expanded in an area of high unemployment, low household income, and limited access to business capital.

“Though NiiCaP has made a significant contribution to meeting the demand for business credit it has not scratched the surface of what can be achieved,” Smith said. “The potential for business growth is virtually unlimited.”

Smith said NiiCaP has ambitious goals for loan placement, job creation, and wealth enhancement.

“The only limitation to this growth and our impact is access to loan capital and operating funds,” he said. “I will be honored to discuss with anyone the current impact and future goals of NiiCaP and the impact tax deductible donations to our Certified CDFI will have on business or personal partners.”

Smith is quick to point out that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive an well in the NiiCaP Target Market.

“That individuals are willing to embark on a journey to reach the American dream of successful business ownership in this challenging economic environment is a testament to optimistic expectations based upon individual hard work and professional technical assistance,” Smith said.

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Shawano man honored for work with NiiJii Parners

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