News Summary
Milwaukee County has initiated the ‘Building Bridges’ program to support small business development, providing $10,000 grants to qualifying businesses with a budget of $200,000. Planned enhancements include marketing strategies and a new liaison position for better municipal collaboration. Several diverse businesses are already set to receive grants, reflecting the county’s commitment to economic growth and diversity across various sectors.
Milwaukee County has announced the launch of the “Building Bridges” initiative aimed at supporting small business development across the region. County Executive David Crowley revealed that the program is set to provide $10,000 grants to qualifying small businesses in Milwaukee County, a move intended to strengthen local economic activity and empower entrepreneurs in various sectors.
This initiative has been backed by a funding allocation of $200,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Alongside financial support, the program plans to introduce a new four-year, limited-term small business liaison position, which will facilitate enhanced communication and collaboration between local municipalities and businesses.
Program Details
The “Building Bridges” program not only focuses on providing grant funding but also emphasizes commercial corridor activation. As part of this push, the initiative includes marketing strategies, branding projects, and website development for small businesses. These components are crucial for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in their respective neighborhoods.
Grant Recipients
Several businesses have already been identified as recipients of these grants, highlighting the diversity and innovation present within Milwaukee County’s small business landscape. Some of the recipients include:
- Allah Mode, LLC: A holistic wellness business dedicated to addressing issues related to community violence.
- Tootsie’s Tea: A Native, Hispanic, woman-owned business specializing in tea blending.
- IV Generations Holdings LLC: A project focused on transforming a historic warehouse into an event venue.
- Mimosa: A restaurant aiming to double its seating capacity.
- HoneyBee Sage Wellness & Apothecary Cafe: A unique establishment combining a cocktail lounge with a café and apothecary services.
In addition to these businesses, the grants will also be allocated to projects in mental health services, beauty salons, and restaurants representing various cuisines, underscoring a broad commitment to fostering economic diversity.
Commitment to Economic Growth
County Executive Crowley emphasized the significance of building partnerships among small businesses, support organizations, and municipalities in Milwaukee County. The strategy behind the “Building Bridges” initiative reflects a commitment to not only economic development but also the overall enhancement of families and neighborhoods within the county.
Next Steps
In the coming weeks, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors will consider the “Building Bridges” program. The approval of this initiative could mark a turning point for local businesses seeking resources to grow and thrive in a challenging economic landscape.
This initiative represents a proactive approach to small business development in Milwaukee County, reflecting awareness of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and a desire for sustainable growth in the community. With funding and support mechanisms in place, the “Building Bridges” initiative aims to create a vibrant business ecosystem with opportunities for all.
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Additional Resources
- Hoodline: Milwaukee County Awards Building Bridges Grants
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Jsonline: Milwaukee Area Businesses Survey
- Google Search: Milwaukee Economic Growth
- Urban Milwaukee: Building Bridges Program Announcement
- Google Scholar: Milwaukee Small Business Development
- BizTimes: Milwaukee Tool Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Milwaukee Businesses
- TMJ4: South Milwaukee Business Concerns
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.
