May 12, 2025

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Announces New “Building Bridges” Small Business Development Program

The Building Bridges commercial corridor activation program will establish a small business liaison to provide resources to support small businesses across Milwaukee County

MILWAUKEE – Today, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced his new “Building Bridges” small business development and commercial corridor activation program. County Executive Crowley discussed this new initiative during a meeting of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Committee on Community, Environment and Economic Development.

The Building Bridges program will create a new small business liaison position to provide technical support and grants to small businesses across Milwaukee County. The goal is to expand resources to establish or grow brick-and-mortar businesses in Milwaukee County while fueling commercial corridor revitalization.

“During my State of the County address, I called on my administration to build bridges between small businesses, entrepreneurs, small business support organizations, and municipalities seeking to fill commercial corroder spaces. Because in partnership, we know we can fuel local economic development,” said County Executive Crowley. “Under my direction, Milwaukee County is taking a stronger approach to supporting small businesses, growing our economy, and creating job opportunities for workers in the process. Through this new effort, I am looking forward to strengthening and uplifting small businesses across Milwaukee County.”

Milwaukee County Economic Development was recently awarded $200,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for this program, which will be used to provide grants of $10,000 to qualifying small businesses. A vital part of the Building Bridges program will be the creation of a four-year, limited-term small business liaison position focused on fostering communication, collaboration and partnerships between municipalities and the local business community. Any additional funds would be utilized on commercial corridor activation, marketing, branding and website development and maintenance.

The full Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors will consider approving the program in the weeks ahead. More information is available HERE.

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