Equitable Community Grant Awarded to Black Business Event and Expo

April 17, 2023 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The City of Dubuque Office of Equity and Human Rights has awarded the first Dubuque Equitable Community Grant to the Dubuque Annual Black Business Event and Expo.  The $10,000 grant will be used to provide financial support for the organization and execution of the event and covering costs such as venue rental, marketing and advertising, speaker fees, equipment rental, and other expenses.   

The goal of the Dubuque Annual Black Business Event and Expo is to promote diversity and inclusion in the business community, especially black entrepreneurs, to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment for all participants. The event will increase the visibility of a wide variety of businesses of interest to all people instead of one demographic. The applicant also plans to host quarterly business mixers with resources and organizations that can offer solutions and assistance to those that are either starting or struggling in business. 

Thirteen applications were received for the grant and featured a variety of projects and ideas that focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity were received for the new competitive grant process.  Anonymized applications were reviewed by a committee consisting of a member of the Dubuque Equity and Human Rights Commission and two staff from the Office of Equity and Human Rights. 

“Thank you to our community members for the amazing grant proposals. We are proud that so many members of our community want to make a difference,” said Chief of Equity & Human Rights Dr. Gisella Aitken-Shadle.  “We look forward to next year’s grant process and to working with this year’s winners on their project.” 

The Dubuque Equitable Community Grant provides one eligible non-profit, business, club, organization, or group of passionate residents, with up to $10,000 to support programs, activities, or services that help promote equity in the Dubuque community. Proposals were required to include an education and/or engagement component and advance equity relating to one of the City of Dubuque’s five-year goals: 

• Robust Local Economy 
• Vibrant Community 
• Livable Neighborhoods and Housing 
• Financially Responsible, High-Performance City Organization 
• Sustainable Environment 
• Partnership for a Better Dubuque 
• Diversity Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities 
• Connected Community 

For additional information, including eligibility and application requirements, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/equitygrant or call 563-589-4190. 

# # #  

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Dr. Gisella Aitken-Shadle, Chief of Equity & Human Rights 
563-589-4190, humanrgt@cityofdubuque.org