Full Breakdown
Milwaukee County Expands Small Business Grant Program
9/27/2025, 2:06:04 PM
Overview of the Grant Initiative
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley recently announced the allocation of an additional $100,000 in grants for local small businesses through the county’s Building Bridges program. This initiative, which provides $10,000 grants to businesses with physical locations, marks the second and final round of funding for the program, although the county is actively seeking further state funding to continue its efforts. The Building Bridges program was initially funded by a $200,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and has received additional support from the County Board, which approved a transfer of $600,000 from an existing economic development fund.
Grant Recipients and Their Plans
During this round, ten small businesses across various municipalities, including West Allis, Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and Oak Creek, received grants. Notable recipients include Ni Burmese, a restaurant in Bay View, which will use the funds for maintenance and updates, and Kennedy’s Circle of Wellness, which plans to open a new location offering wellness services. The program has predominantly supported restaurants and hospitality businesses, with some funds directed towards retail operations.
Economic Impact and Goals
Crowley emphasized that the initiative aims to activate vacant storefronts, create jobs, and uplift small businesses throughout the community. “This initiative will help activate vacant storefronts, create jobs, and uplift small businesses throughout our community,” Crowley stated. The program also seeks to establish a network of contacts for future economic development efforts, as noted by Economic Development Director Celia Benton.
Criticism and Challenges
Historically, Milwaukee County has not focused on stimulating economic development through grants, which has led to some skepticism regarding the effectiveness of such programs. Critics argue that while the grants provide immediate relief, they may not address the underlying issues of access to capital that many small businesses face, particularly those owned by marginalized groups.
Official Statements
Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson remarked, “This new round of Building Bridges grant recipients will uplift the creativity and determination that make our community thrive.” The county administration is also hiring a small business liaison to enhance communication between the county, municipalities, and entrepreneurs.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Building Bridges program has been praised for its support of local businesses, there are concerns about the sustainability of such funding initiatives. The county's reliance on state funding for future rounds of grants remains uncertain, and the long-term impact of these grants on the local economy is yet to be fully assessed.
What's Next
As the county seeks additional funding sources, the success of the current grant recipients will likely influence future economic development strategies. The Building Bridges program may serve as a model for similar initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses in other regions.
