Milwaukee’s entrepreneurial landscape is vibrant, offering a wealth of resources for aspiring and established business owners. Navigating these opportunities can be overwhelming, so here’s a guide to some key organizations and programs dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs.
Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce (GMCC)
The GMCC serves as a hub for small, micro, and startup businesses in Milwaukee. Committed to promoting business growth, the Chamber offers support services, contract opportunities, and financial resources to its members. Their mission is to enhance the community as a place to live, work, and play by effectively promoting business interests and advocating for economic growth.
Greater Milwaukee Urban League (GMUL)
GMUL focuses on empowering communities through education, employment, and economic development. Their initiatives include workforce readiness, career pathways, and wealth-building programs. The Entrepreneurship Connection, launched in partnership with Molson Coors and other local organizations, provides entrepreneurs with resources and networking opportunities. Additionally, GMUL offers a Small Business Finance Workshop Series to help business owners strengthen their financial strategies.
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)
MMAC has launched a comprehensive initiative to promote startups and entrepreneurship throughout the Milwaukee region. Their mission is to transform Milwaukee into a premier destination for founders and venture capital investors. MMAC offers programs like the Milwaukee Venture Mentoring Service, which connects entrepreneurs with mentor teams to accelerate startup growth.
UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center (LEC)
The LEC at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee provides resources for entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. They offer programs such as the Milwaukee I-Corps™, Startup Challenge, and various workshops to help individuals develop their ideas and launch businesses. The center also serves as a pillar of Milwaukee’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, engaging students, faculty, and the community in entrepreneurship.
City of Milwaukee’s Small Business Development Programs
The city’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program is designed to enhance the emerging small business community by maximizing support services, contract opportunities, and financial resources. Additionally, the Residents Preference Program (RPP) promotes the use of city residents in a contractor’s or developer’s workforce on certain city-funded projects, helping underemployed and unemployed residents access employment opportunities.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Milwaukee
The SBDC offers no-cost, confidential consulting and business education to entrepreneurs at any stage. Serving Milwaukee and surrounding counties, the center provides assistance with business planning, management, finance, marketing, and more. Their goal is to help business owners make informed decisions and achieve their goals.
MKE BOSS
MKE BOSS is Milwaukee’s one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs of color to find resources needed to build, operate, scale, and sustain their small businesses. By answering a few questions, entrepreneurs can be matched with services that best serve their current needs, helping them take their business to the next level.
By leveraging these resources, Milwaukee’s entrepreneurs can access the support and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. Whether you’re in the early stages of developing an idea or looking to expand an existing venture, these organizations offer valuable tools and connections to help you succeed.