News Summary
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced the recipients of the ‘Building Bridges’ grants, aimed at enhancing small businesses and commercial corridors. Funded by WEDC, the initiative awards $10,000 to each of 10 local businesses for physical improvements. The program focuses on revitalizing neighborhoods and supporting entrepreneurs, with plans for future grant rounds to ensure ongoing assistance to the local economy.
Milwaukee – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has announced the first recipients of the “Building Bridges” grants, a program designed to bolster small business development and activate commercial corridors in the area. Funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Milwaukee County received $200,000 for the initiative, with each selected business awarded a grant of $10,000 to assist in building improvements.
A total of 10 local businesses were awarded grants as part of this newly launched program. The “Building Bridges” initiative aims to revitalize key commercial areas around Milwaukee County and foster the growth of brick-and-mortar businesses that contribute to the community. The grant funds are specifically designated for physical improvements to the businesses, allowing the recipients to enhance their operations and attract more customers.
Among the notable grant recipients is Briana Redmond, owner of The Amani Place, who plans to utilize the funds for critical upgrades to her establishment. Ali Acevedo, who runs All Goods, expressed appreciation for the support that stands to promote long-term sustainability for her business. Amberlea Childs, the owner of Plant Joy Deli, mentioned that the grant would greatly support her deli’s expansion, which had been previously delayed. Another recipient, Julie Lukas, co-owner of Kismet Activations, highlighted the initiative’s commitment to recognizing and supporting community-oriented businesses.
Nick Springer, the owner of Redacted Escape Rooms, stated that the grant would help improve the business’s visibility through an illuminated sign. Lastly, Kelcey Kalumbula, owner of Cloud 9 Workshop, noted that the funding would aid in updating a historic 96-year-old building, benefiting both her business and others in the vicinity. These awards are seen as a vital contribution to the local economy, empowering entrepreneurs and enhancing the overall quality of the neighborhoods.
In addition to the grant distribution, the “Building Bridges” program plans to hire a small business liaison. This position is designed to help local entrepreneurs access necessary capital and navigate various business challenges they may face. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the connections between the county and its small businesses, fostering collaboration, and ensuring sustainable growth within the community.
There are plans for upcoming rounds of $10,000 grants as part of the continuing efforts under the “Building Bridges” initiative. The recurring allocation of funds demonstrates a commitment to ongoing support for small businesses in the region, which are vital to the local economy. County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson characterized the distribution of these funds as “equity in action,” emphasizing the goal of uplifting neighborhoods and fostering the success of small businesses across Milwaukee County.
The “Building Bridges” program represents a critical step in driving economic development and improving the vibrancy of commercial corridors in the area. With the support of the WEDC and local government, Milwaukee County aims to stimulate growth and sustainability for small businesses, ensuring they remain an integral part of the community’s fabric for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- BizTimes
- Google Search: Milwaukee County grants for small businesses
- Urban Milwaukee
- Google Scholar: Milwaukee County economic development
- TMJ4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Fox6Now
- Google News: Black entrepreneurs Milwaukee
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
