The Ho-Chunk Nation was recognized with the 2026 Project of the Year Award for Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit during Indigenous Biz Con V, held October 12–13 at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee.

     The recognition comes before the grand opening of Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit on Friday, October 23, marking a significant milestone in the Nation's economic development efforts.

     The award was presented as part of the Indigenous Business Awards Gala, which recognized achievements in Indigenous business and economic development across Indian Country.

     Ho-Chunk Nation President Jon Greendeer accepted the recognition alongside fellow Tribal leaders and project partners that brought the Beloit project to completion.

     "The reason why we were able to accomplish this in such a short period of time was because we aligned on a vision," Greendeer said.

     Greendeer also acknowledged the contributions of past Tribal leadership and employees, emphasizing that the project represents more than the opening of a gaming facility.

     "Our team held steadfast. We kept a narrative positive, and in just a few short days, we're gonna cut the ribbon to a 44 year old promise that the state owed us, and we're finally going to do it," Greendeer said.

     Now in its fifth year, Indigenous Biz Con brings together Tribal leaders, Indigenous entrepreneurs, corporate partners and innovators to discuss economic sovereignty, business ownership and opportunities for future generations.

     This year's conference followed the theme "Indigenous Renaissance," featuring discussions on Tribal economic development, entrepreneurship, technology, procurement, food sovereignty and Indigenous storytelling.

     For the Ho-Chunk Nation, the award comes at a historic time as the Beloit development prepares to welcome its first guests.

     The grand opening on October 23 will represent the culmination of decades of planning and efforts by past and present Tribal leadership to bring the project to fruition.

     "And because of that, the people that walk in and see what was done, they may never know what we took, but at the same time, I don't know what it took the people before me, to get me here, to do what I could do today, and for that, those are who we think of," Greendeer said.