Milwaukee small businesses are poised for a boost with the launch of County Executive David Crowley's “Building Bridges” program. The initiative, aimed at spurring small business development and revitalizing commercial corridors, was spotlighted during a Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Committee meeting on Community, Environment and Economic Development. In an effort to strengthen local economy, the program introduces a small business liaison role to deliver technical assistance and grant opportunities to community businesses.
The program is fortified by a $200,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), funding which will be allocated in the form of $10,000 grants to qualifying businesses. However, the core element of the “Building Bridges” initiative is a new four-year limited-term small business liaison position. This role will be central to building effective channels of communication and partnership between the local government and the business sector. Despite the positivity around the announcement, critics have highlighted concern about the ongoing support post the four-year term of the liaison's role.
Underpinning the program's mission are Crowley's remarks from the State of the County address. “During my State of the County address, I called on my administration to build bridges between small businesses, entrepreneurs, small business support organizations, and municipalities seeking to fill commercial corroder spaces. Because in partnership, we know we can fuel local economic development,” Crowley stressed. His vision foregrounds a collaborative approach to economic enhancement, focusing on bolstering small businesses and generating job opportunities within the county.
Funds exceeding the direct grants are earmarked for a suite of secondary initiatives. These include commercial corridor activation and the development of marketing and branding materials, as well as website development and maintenance. Advocates of the program hope these steps will catalyze a surge in both economic activity and community vitality, driven by empowered small business owners and an engaged municipal framework.
Interested parties can find more details about the “Building Bridges” small business development program on the Milwaukee County website at county.milwaukee.gov.
