News Summary
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has announced the recipients of $10,000 grants under the Building Bridges Program, aimed at bolstering small business development and enhancing commercial corridors. Six businesses are set to receive funding to improve their facilities, contribute to community revitalization, and leverage technical support and additional resources. This initiative underscores the county’s commitment to economic growth and the importance of small businesses in the local economy.
Milwaukee – On September 24, 2025, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced the recipients of the second and final cohort of $10,000 grants under the Building Bridges Program. This initiative aims to support small business development and stimulate commercial corridors across Milwaukee County by increasing access to necessary resources and technical assistance.
A total of six small businesses throughout Milwaukee County will receive $10,000 grants for building improvements aimed at enhancing commercial corridor activation efforts. The initiative strives to establish or expand brick-and-mortar businesses while revitalizing local neighborhoods.
The Milwaukee County Economic Development department obtained grant funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to facilitate these goals. Crowley underscored the importance of fostering connections among entrepreneurs, local governments, and community organizations to propel economic development in the region.
The Building Bridges Program not only provides financial assistance but also offers technical support through a small business liaison. Additional resources allocated through this program will help businesses enhance marketing, branding, and website development, further boosting their visibility and reach.
Celia Benton, the Director of Economic Development for Milwaukee County, oversees the Building Bridges Program. Among the notable grant recipients is Allah Mode, LLC, which focuses on holistic wellness services for communities affected by violence. Another recipient, Tootsie’s Tea, a Native, Hispanic, woman-owned tea blending business, is set to promote revitalization efforts in an industrial area.
Grant funds will assist IV Generations Holdings LLC in transforming a historic warehouse into an event venue and creative space, while Mimosa plans to use the funds to double its seating capacity with a focus on community involvement and freshly prepared dishes. HoneyBee Sage Wellness & Apothecary Cafe aims to combine an alcohol-free cocktail lounge with a tea cafe to foster inclusivity in wellness.
Additional beneficiaries include businesses offering mental health services, beauty salons, and various culinary options featuring Burmese and Southern cooking. For example, Kennedy’s Circle of Wellness will utilize its funds to convert a commercial property into a community-centric wellness center.
The importance of small businesses within the local economy and community was emphasized by County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, highlighting that they serve as the backbone of economic vitality in Milwaukee County. The Building Bridges Program exemplifies the county’s commitment to investing in diverse local businesses and promoting economic growth.
Residents interested in more information about the grant recipients and the Building Bridges Program can visit Milwaukee County’s Policy Agenda and Business Resources pages for additional details.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Courier: Building Bridges Grants Announcement
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: David Crowley Pitches Grants
- Google Search: Milwaukee Small Business Grants
- WUWM: Building Bridges Program Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Urban Milwaukee: County Announces More Grants
- Google News: Milwaukee County Grants
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.
