Milwaukee, WI – On Thursday, July 29, 2021, the Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) and partners will host the Live & Revive Business Summit in the Westlawn Gardens neighborhood on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side. The event will feature resources and speakers to support startup small business entrepreneurs, established businesses interested in adding a second location, and continued business recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. All entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to attend and register at www.mke-cni.eventbrite.com.
“Local businesses are more vital to our neighborhoods than ever,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “This business summit will provide valuable information, resources and networking to help businesses stabilize and grow as they continue to navigate through pandemic recovery.”
In addition to breakout sessions and a panel discussion with successful small business owners, attendees can learn about low-interest loans and façade grants through the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, as well as new retail space openings along the busy W. Silver Spring Drive commercial corridor.
“The Westlawn Gardens neighborhood is growing fast with hundreds of new apartments opening during the next two years, as well as new retail spaces to serve those and neighboring households,” said Common Council President Cavalier Johnson, whose aldermanic district includes Westlawn Gardens. “This presents an exciting opportunity for businesses to establish a foothold in a neighborhood on the rise.”
“It takes a leap of faith to start a small business, and making sure we help set up entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to succeed is crucial and can help make all the difference,” said Alderwoman Chantia Lewis. “This event will provide the opportunity for local business owners to learn from those who have stepped out before them, learned invaluable lessons, and pass that knowledge along to help set others up for success.”
The Choice Neighborhood Initiative is a multi-faceted neighborhood transformation plan in and around the Westlawn Gardens neighborhood on Milwaukee’s Northwest Side. The CNI plan is supported by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development CNI grant and includes construction of over 700 new mixed-income housing units and investments in local economic development, supportive services for neighborhood residents, and new amenities to serve community needs. The business summit is hosted by several CNI partners, including the City of Milwaukee, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp., and Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership.
COVID-19 health precautions will be in place for this in-person event, including the use of masks for all attendees while indoors.
Interview Opportunities: Business entrepreneurs who have utilized CNI resources to grow their businesses, CNI and elected officials, event presenters.
What: CNI Live & Revive Business Summit
When: In advance of and during the event
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Where: Victory Manor, 5556 W. Silver Spring Drive
Summit Breakout Sessions:
– Be Your Own Boss: Launching Your Start-Up Business presented by small business consultant Bevelyn Johnson
– Exploring Expansion: Preparing to Open a Second Location presented by Gregory Martin, Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
– Magic Money: Making the Most of Low-Interest Loans and Other Funds to Grow Your Business presented by Tiffany Miller, co-owner of The Bronzeville Collective
Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion: Moderated by Alderwoman Chantia Lewis with panelists Basia Rose of Basia Rose Designs; Latrece Nelson of Prenasis Hair Gallery; and Chrishella Roche of Vibez Creative Arts Space
