Today, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley made headlines with the launch of the Building Bridges Program, which is all about giving a financial leg-up to the county's small businesses. Through this initiative, 10 local enterprises each snagged a cool $10,000 grant to spruce up their digs and bolster their presence in the local economy. According to a statement on the Milwaukee County's official page, the main goal here is to light a fire under commercial corridor transformation and boost the standing of brick-and-mortar operations throughout Milwaukee.
These grants are just part of a larger scheme funded by a $200,000 check from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and, Crowley’s program isn't just about giving out cash, the plan includes on-the-ground support from a small business liaison who is going to be the glue linking local government objects and community resources with the streetside businesses striving to grow. County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson chimed in, praising the equity-driven approach of the grants, aiming to fortify Milwaukee's commercial corners while lifting up the spirits, and fortunes, of area entrepreneurs. "The dispersal of funds through the Building Bridges program is equity in action, investing in the people, neighborhoods, and small businesses that make Milwaukee County special," Nicholson told the Milwaukee County's news outlet.
This fresh kick-off has put some wind in the sails of local spots like The Amani Place, Brim Café, and Plant Joy Deli, with funds going toward a slew of upgrades and expansions. For Briana Redmond, the owner of The Amani Place, this isn't just a cash infusion—it's a nod to the vital role small shops play in the heart of their neighborhoods. "Receiving this grant is more than financial support—it's a vote of confidence in small businesses and the role we play in our communities," Redmond mentioned in a statement obtained by the Milwaukee County News.
Entrepreneurial duo Julie Lukas and Paul, founders of Kismet Activations, expressed their gratitude for the county's support, underscoring their commitment to job creation and honoring local traditions in Milwaukee areas like Bronzeville, the "County sees our heart and has an interest in investing in us and other small businesses that want to create jobs, bring communities together, and honor the legacy of our great neighborhoods like Bronzeville," Lukas conveyed during an interview with the Milwaukee County News. WEDC's secretary and CEO Missy Hughes couldn't hold back her praise for initiatives like Building Bridges, betting on these small-scale ventures to keep community spirit strong and create a brighter economic future.
To learn more about the impact of the Building Bridges grant on these Milwaukee businesses or for details on the program, potential applicants can head straight for the Milwaukee County's website where all the information is just a click away.
