After seven years of energizing Milwaukee’s Near West Side with fresh ideas, local pride and entrepreneurial ambition, Rev-Up MKE is transforming.
In light of economic shifts and deeper community reflection, NWSP is reimagining what it truly means to support small businesses. Businesses need more than one-time funding to thrive. They need long-term visibility, recurring customers and a sense of belonging. That’s why this year’s Rev-Up MKE is offering more than a cash prize. It’s offering an ecosystem of support.
From popsicles to pop-ups, the Rev-Up MKE alumni remind us what sustainability in the neighborhood looks like, Pete’s Pops, our very first winner, still sweetens our celebrations, Brittney Rodriguez of CeLani Skin and Wellness now calls the Concordia 27 building home and Lisa Kaye continues to share her critically renowned dishes in the Near West Side. Their prize may be spent, but the relationships and momentum they built endure.
What’s New in 2025?
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.
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 will 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.
This year, the winner of Rev-Up MKE will launch their business in a dedicated rent-free pop-up space at Concordia 27, providing a unique opportunity to grow their business in a high-traffic location, with ongoing coaching and community engagement.
In addition, the 2025 Rev-Up MKE 1st place winner will receive:
- Business coaching and consulting
- Social media and marketing support
- In-kind services and mentorship
- $5,000 in cash for operational costs or business investment
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners
The 2nd place winner will receive:
- $1,500 cash prize
- 3-to-6 month Fruition MKE co-working membership
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners
The Audience Choice Award winner will receive:
- $500 cash prize
- 3-to-6 month Fruition MKE co-working membership
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners
The Community Impact Award winner, to be recognized as a business whose mission supports community well-being, will receive:
- $1,000 cash prize
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners
Apply Today!
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to test, grow, or expand your business in a welcoming, high-visibility environment, this opportunity is for you.
The deadline to submit an application to present your business idea in this year’s Rev-Up MKE Expo-Style Pitch Presentation Event is August 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Learn more on the Rev-Up MKE page.
All applicants must be 18 years old or older and reside in Southeastern Wisconsin. The business must be a start-up or expansion, and it must commit to launching in the Near West Side.
Businesses already located in the Near West Side (unless expanding) or those in the following categories: alcohol, payday loans, pawn, tobacco, guns, or cash-for-gold, need not apply.
