Business Resources
Milwaukee County is home to 18 different municipalities with commercial businesses opportunities. Small businesses are the backbone of our community and are key to the overall health of our neighborhoods, adding to our tax base, providing needed goods and services and creating jobs. We appreciate the VALUE businesses bring to our communities and our doors are OPEN for any discussion to help owners along their journey.
Milwaukee County Programs and Services
Building Bridges Small Business Program
The Building Bridges Small Business Program works in partnership with municipalities, business support organizations, and entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and revitalize commercial corridors across Milwaukee County.
Through dedicated support, our Small Business Liaison provides one-on-one consultations to help businesses navigate next steps, access resources, and move forward with confidence.
We also continue to expand access to tools and programming that support business startups and expansions. In collaboration with our municipal partners, limited funding is available to assist with architectural services—helping business owners strengthen financing opportunities, gain community support, and navigate code compliance for new brick-and-mortar locations.
Our doors are OPEN and we are available and eager to get the conversation started to assist you with your business needs. We appreciate small businesses dedication and investment in our community. We win, when you win and we are committed to listening to your needs and crafting support to help your business grow.
Loan Fund
Since 2013, Milwaukee County has partnered with Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to administer our revolving loan fund. The program emphasizes social programs and physical renewal, and in doing so, it has played a critical role in Milwaukee’s job creation and retention by investing in disinvested areas. Loan uses include real estate and improvements, equipment, long-term capital, and more. MEDC provides businesses with loan structuring/restructuring/closing, loan servicing and administration, portfolio status reports, and auditing services. Current loans in the portfolio vary from $25,000 to $200,000 and include businesses in Glendale, Franklin, Cudahy, West Allis, and Brown Deer.
An initial $1,000,000 trust has grown to over $1,400,000 in available funds to finance and support the development of local businesses in Milwaukee County municipalities.
To review the most recent report presented to the Milwaukee County Committee on Community, Environment and Economic Development click on the following link Milwaukee County - File #: 24-765
For more information contact:
Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation ( MEDC)
John Miller, Vice President
[email protected]
Interested in doing business with Milwaukee County?
Our Procurement Division handles purchasing or contracting for supplies, materials, equipment, infrastructure and contractual services needed by County departments, agencies and institutions. On average, Milwaukee County procures over $120 million per year. Reach out and connect with us!
To review current bids or requests for proposal go to https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Admin-Services/Bids-and-RFPs
Sign up on E-Notify to receive new bid opportunities alerts targeted specifically to your interests https://city.milwaukee.gov/News-Events/enotify
Business Certification Assistance
Our Office of Equity & Inclusion aids Milwaukee County Targeted, Disadvantaged, Woman, Minority and Small Business Enterprises (TBE, DBE, WBE, MBE and SBE) in preparing for contracting with the County.
Find out more about becoming a certified vendor or apply for ACDBE/DBE/SBE/TBE Certification at https://mke.diversitycompliance.com/Default.asp
Reach out and connect with us at: [email protected]
Milwaukee County Municipalities
As the largest and most diverse County in Wisconsin serving a population of close to 950,000 residents, we have many options available to businesses that want to invest and operate a business in Milwaukee County. Click on the links below to connect directly with the location that interests you to get started on your path to opening your doors! Reach out to our Small Business Liaison if you would like a direct referral or are wondering where do I start?
City of Milwaukee
The City of Milwaukee offers a wide range of tools and services to support businesses at every stage—from startup to expansion and relocation.
- Department of City Development — Offers a toolbox of resources designed to jump-start a new business, expand an existing company, and support business relocation, including grants, real estate, and BID/NID information.
- Red Tape Rescue — Provides guidance on permitting, zoning, regulatory issues, and the process for gaining occupancy or licensing.
- Courtesy Inspection Program — Helps identify major building and zoning code issues to reduce risk and avoid costly upgrades when reusing existing buildings.
Business Support Organizations & Partners
Milwaukee County is committed to being a resource to small businesses. Small businesses provide the heart to our community. Our County is healthier when local businesses open, grow or expand. We have a myriad of resource partners in Milwaukee County and we encourage you to get connected, continue learning and use the resources available. If you want to talk more about your specific needs or get connected, please reach out to our Small Business Consultant.
Technical Assistance
BizStarts
BizStarts brings entrepreneurs together from all backgrounds, ethnicities and beliefs to create a collaborative learning environment that embodies positivity, inspires confidence and develops people’s capacity to achieve personal success and business growth. They offer 1:1 coaching, personalized mentoring and a credentialed system of learning “Entrepreneurship in Adversity” through the BizStarts Institute.
Marquette University Entrepreneur Legal Clinic
Marquette University Entrepreneur Legal Clinic serves entrepreneurs creating new businesses in southeastern Wisconsin, with a focus on clients who can't afford qualified legal counsel. Clients must have a well-developed plan to start, or have recently started, a new business with potential to help the local economy
Milwaukee Public Library
Offers one-on-one support for business research, planning, and general inquiries.
One Stop Business Portal
Find the requirements and tools needed to start a business in Wisconsin, including registration, licensing, and step-by-step guidance for new business owners.
SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit organization that offers a network of free, expert small business mentors, they are dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA’s Wisconsin District office provides help with SBA services including funding, counseling, federal contractor certifications and disaster recovery.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Small Business Development Center at UW-Milwaukee helps entrepreneurs succeed at any stage offering no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Core offerings include: Preparing for business financing, marketing/sales and market research.
UW Extension Milwaukee County
Supports entrepreneurs with strategic planning and community-based business development.
UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic
Provides fee legal services for startup businesses across Wisconsin.
Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Provides dedicated business development services to Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota active-duty service members including the Guard and Reserve and Veterans.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
WEDC and its statewide network of partners are here to help business succeed and grow. They collaborate with other agencies, corporations, and not-for-profit minority business associations to provide financial and operational assistance, resources, statewide networking opportunities, and more. Annually WEDC hosts the Small Business Academy (May) and MARKETPLACE Wisconsin (Dec) to support and fuel business development.
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
WWBIC is a statewide nonprofit that provides access to business training and financial products for individuals who want to start, strengthen or expand their businesses. Services are open to all exploring entrepreneurship and small business owners in Wisconsin. Core offerings include: financial wellness, creating a business plan, access to capital
Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
WPI assists Wisconsin businesses helping them compete in the government markets – working with existing and new business to strengthen the defense and government industrial base by accelerating innovation, fostering ingenuity, and establishing resilient and diverse supply chains
Small Business Financing
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can provide a first access opportunity to getting your business needs financed. CDFIs are specialized community-based financial institutions with a primary mission to promote economic development by providing financial products and services to people underserved by traditional financial institutions. CDFI's are an option when banks say "No" and often CDFI's provide technical assistance offering additional supports to business owners over the life of their loan.
First American Capital Corporation (FACC)
First American Capital Corporation (FACC) offer loans from $1,000 - $250,000 serving Native American or minority owned businesses eligible to participate in SBA financing.
Legacy Redevelopment Corporation (LRC)
LRC offers a variety of financing products including emerging business, predevelopment, micro, small business and real estate loans, and subcontractors gap financing.
Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) often offers loans as part of a capital stack with a banks with a focus on supporting jobs in underserved neighborhoods
Northwest Side Community Development Corporation
Offers loans from$150,000 to $1,000,000 for commercial real estate, leasehold improvements, equipment, working capital or for start up.
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
WWBIC offers loans from$1,000 - $350,000 to both start up and existing businesses eligible for SBA financing.
Learn more about WWBIC Loans
Learn more about Kiva Crowdfunded Nano Loans
Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
Hmong Chamber offers small business loans from $1,000 to $300,000 including those for emergency/technical assistance or small real estate purchases.
Grow Your Circle of Influence
As a business owner, your network is critical. Milwaukee County is home to many ethnic and special interest Chambers, in addition to geographic Chambers, local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and Neighborhood Improvement Districts (NIDs). Chambers of Commerce are membership-based and offer a wide range of opportunities to support business growth, connection, and visibility. Multicultural representation can be found across these organizations, many of which also provide technical assistance and business support.
African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
Be a part of championing the growth and sustainability of African American owned businesses through capacity building and strategic partnerships
Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce
Committed to advancing a comprehensive self-empowerment strategy that supports intellectual, economic, and civic progress for Black Businesses grounded in unity and shared responsibility.
American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
Join a growing group of American Indian business owners in Wisconsin. Members have direct no cost access to business assistance resources, business management tools and business development opportunities.
Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Take part in advancing the success of Wisconsin's diverse business community through tailored resources, mentorship and strategic connections while building a vibrant, innovative, and united ecosystem.
Hmong Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
Membership supports Hmong and AAPI small businesses and offers financing resources, workshops and events to boost business growth and spur innovation.
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Be a part of building a community for LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses across the state and creating a welcoming & inclusive Wisconsin for all.
Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin
Advocacy, networking, microloans and resources to support the growth and sustainability of Latino-owned businesses.
Wisconsin Veteran Chamber of Commerce
Join a dedicated group improving the business climate for military connected families and their allies, business from all industries and sizes welcome. Members do NOT need to be Veteran Owned or Operated.
Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)
Dedicated to increasing the economic vitality of the Milwaukee regions business community representing over 2,000 member businesses with targeted initiatives, strategic advocacy and fostering valuable connections.