Entreprenuers
This application is for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand within the Cesar Chavez Drive, Historic King Drive, Historic Mitchell Street, Near West Side, North Avenue/Fond du Lac and Riverworks corridors and surrounding neighborhoods. A map of the program area is located on the business resource page.
Program Process
1) Application
2) Finalist Selection
3) Interviews
4) Awardees Notified
5) Business Planning*
Awardees will receive business coaching to complete an approved business plan with relevant financial projections
6) Space Match Preparation*
Applicants will receive support to be matched with spaces available within the program. The number of entrepreneurs we can match to spaces is limited to the number of commercial spaces available. Entrepreneurs must have a business plan approved by Brew City Match partners before being matched with a property.
7) Financing*
Once an entrepreneur has a plan and an approved space, applicants are eligible to receive:
~Grants from Brew City Match Partners for property design, build out, marketing, limited rent and equipment, and technology advancements
~Grants from the City of Milwaukee for build-out and signage
~Connections to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) who can provide loans for property build out, business operations, and more.
8) Grand Opening
*Depending on the place a business is in when applying, an awardee may skip phases 5 and/or 6.
How it works
All entrepreneurs must submit a completed application per business to be considered.
Once Applications close, the Selection Committee will choose finalists and notify them to schedule an interview.
Once the interviews are complete, the final Awardees will be notified, assigned to a phase, and connected to their Brew City Match tour guide.
Applicants will be notified within thirty days of the most recent deadline. Anyone that is not selected is welcome to apply for a future round.
As awardees build their business, they will have access to new resources and advance to the next phase.*
*No resource is guaranteed.
For questions, contact Travis Spell LISC Program Officer, at 414-930-1743.