ESTABLISH A BUSINESS

Through Brew City Match, entrepreneurs in the Near West Side and other participating neighborhoods can be connected to financing and business training resources. If you are looking to jump-start a new business, expand an existing company, or identify a new location for your business, consider applying for the program.

Applications and additional information are available at brewcitymatch.com.

The City of Milwaukee’s Facade Grant program provides financial assistance to businesses and commercial property owners renovating the street-side storefront of their buildings. The program is reimbursable, and the project must be approved prior to the project’s beginning. The grant amount is limited to no more than 50% of the total of the eligible improvements, not to exceed $5,000 per storefront.

Additional information can be found online. To access a credit application, visit https://city.milwaukee.gov.

In an effort to maximize the impact of City funds on the Near West Side, BID 10 will consider requests to provide up to an additional $4,000 for this purpose. Contact Anne Marie Gunn (ccc@nearwestsidepartners.org) for more information.

The Signage Grant Program was established by the City of Milwaukee to provide business owners with a financial incentive to add signage to commercial buildings in order to better promote their business to patrons and potential customers. This program can provide up to $2,500 towards the cost of approved signage, provided that the project budget exceeds $2,000.

Additional information can be found online. To access a credit application, visit City of Milwaukee Commercial Revitalization Grants Application.

In an effort to maximize the impact of City funds, BID 10 will consider requests to provide up to an additional $1,500 for this purpose. Contact Anne Marie Gunn (ccc@nearwestsidepartners.org) for more information.

The White Box Grant Program provides targeted financial incentives to recruit new businesses to vacant commercial/retail tenant spaces in commercial buildings. This incentive offers reimbursable grant funds up to $10 per square foot with a maximum grant in the amount of $25,000. The grant may not exceed 50% of the total white-box eligible project costs. The White Box Grant Program cannot be used in conjunction with the RIF program. 

Applications and additional information about the City’s White Box Grant program is available at https://city.milwaukee.gov.

In an effort to maximize the impact of City funds, BID 10 will consider requests to provide up to an additional $4,000 for this purpose. Contact Anne Marie Gunn (ccc@nearwestsidepartners.org) for more information.

The Retail Investment Fund (RIF) program is a reimbursement incentive program through the City of Milwaukee for retail development projects. The size of a RIF grant is determined by the size of the project, associated private investment, and anticipated job creation numbers. RIF projects require a matching contribution that is in excess of the amount of the RIF reward.

Applications and additional information about the City’s Retail Investment Fund (RIF) program is available at https://city.milwaukee.gov.

In an effort to maximize the impact of City funds, BID 10 will consider requests to provide up to an additional $4,000 for this purpose.

Business Improvement District 10 will consider issuing grants to Near West Side businesses for the following activities: education and consulting grants, public art projects, and security equipment. Grants may be made available to owners of commercial properties listed on the BID assessment roster and their tenants.

• Security Cameras: BID 10 will consider reimbursable grants up to $1,000.00.
• Education and Consulting: BID 10 will consider reimbursable grants up to $500.00.
• Public Art: BID 10 will consider reimbursable grant up to $1,000.00.

Projects must be completed within 18 months of written approval by the BID 10 Board. All grants are subject to funds available in the annual budget. The BID Board has ultimate discretion on funding decisions and may grant more or less than outlined guidelines.

Please contact Anne Marie Gunn (ccc@nearwestsidepartners.org) for more information about applying for BID 10 grants.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) administers the Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HTC) program that applies to certified historic buildings. Under the program, owners of eligible buildings may receive a state income tax credit for up to 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures. Several downtown Milwaukee properties have been rehabilitated through the use of HTCs which has resulted in a significant tax base and job growth, as well as the further stabilization of historic buildings and neighborhoods. 

Additional information about Historic Preservation Tax Credits can be found on the WEDC Website.

Near West Side Partners is proud to launch a small business loan program in partnership with Town Bank. Town Bank can help by providing creative financial solutions, personalized service and quick loan decisions for businesses in the Near West Side.

Additional information about Town Bank Small Business Loans can be found online. To access a credit application, visit www.TownBank.us/Credit or email TownBankSmallBusiness@townbank.us.

Milwaukee’s Near West Side has several construction-ready redevelopment sites located in Opportunity Zones that are prime for development. Learn more about the investments and development projects that are complete or under construction, and the featured sites that demonstrate why the Near West Side is an attractive option for Opportunity Fund investment.