About the Competition
Rev-Up MKE is a small business pitch competition that provides local entrepreneurs the opportunity to receive small business coaching, technical assistance and tailored resources — helping them build sustainable, resilient businesses in Milwaukee’s Near West Side.
In 2025, The Booth was named the Rev-Up MKE winner! Announced live on Monday, September 8, at The Rave/Eagles Club, the event featured fifteen finalists showcasing their business ideas in an expo-style format to judges and community members.
Grand Prizes
1st place winner
- $5,000 cash prize
- 3-to-6 month lease for a white-box space in Concordia 27
- 3-to-6 month Fruition MKE co-working membership
- Business coaching
- In-kind services (small business mentorship, marketing and communications, etc)
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners
2nd place winner
- $1,500 cash prize
- 3-to-6 month Fruition MKE co-working membership
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners
Audience Choice Award winner
- $500 cash prize
- 3-to-6 month Fruition MKE co-working membership
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners
Emerging Venture Award winner
recognizing a promising business idea that is not yet launch-ready but demonstrates strong potential for impact, sustainability, and growth, will receive:
- $1,000 cash prize
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners
Judging Criteria
What’s New in 2025?
Pre-Event Technical Support
All selected finalists will participate in three group consultation sessions ahead of the event. These sessions are strongly encouraged and will help refine business plans, develop pitch presentations and prepare participants for expo day.
Presentation Requirements
Before the pitch event, finalists must submit an outline of their business. On the day of the expo, each entrepreneur will host a booth and engage with judges, investors, residents and attendees. Participants are encouraged to create a compelling display with visuals, accurate information and product samples.
Refreshed Format
The 2025 Rev-Up MKE competition will feature an engaging, expo-style format. Each entrepreneur will host a booth to showcase their business idea and interact with event attendees. A panel of judges will circulate, evaluate and select the competition winner. Attendees will also get the opportunity to vote for their favorite business to determine the Audience Choice Award winner.
Questions?
If you have any questions, contact Maria Gonçalves Ramos at revup@nearwestsidepartners.org or (720) 341-5222.
2025 Rev-Up MKE Photos
