North Side Business Incubator Focus: Building from Within
A brand-new business incubator has found the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and thriving on Milwaukee’s near north side. Twenty residents will present their business ideas, ranging from an art studio to a native plant nursery, at a free incubator workshop set for Wednesday, June 29, 1:30 to 5 p.m., at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Avenue.
Sponsored by Milwaukee Ald. Russell W. Stamper II, St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care and Marketplace Business Improvement District (BID) 32, the incubator is designed to help jumpstart locally owned businesses that can generate income for the 15th Aldermanic District. Unlike “Shark Tank”-style incubators that award the single best business idea, this event is designed to give as much help as possible to all 20 participants.
“We have some great ideas to work with to help our district grow,” said Stamper. “Revitalizing a community requires significant support and commitment from residents and businesses, and I’m happy to see that this is happening. Our district is growing both economically and socially, and the best way to build a community is to do it by building from within.”
The incubator will give budding small business owners who live in the 15th District a chance to present their ideas to a panel of bankers, lawyers and investors. Participants will also receive coaching on developing a business plan and possibly find backers for their ventures.
Because of high demand, organizers are planning a second business incubator for later this summer.
Selected from dozens of applicants, the 20 entrepreneurs and their business proposals include:
Thomas Iverson-Intergenerational art studio with classes for all ages
Janice Johnson-Canvas painting parties
Ashley Valentine-Children’s bookstore and creative arts space
Jessica Justiniano-Personal care for the elderly and people with disabilities
Maurice Sharpe-e-sports arena that will host video game release parties and tournaments
Ara Jackson-Customized floral arrangements with live flowers embossed with messages
Taikeyria Davis-Family-oriented residential group home
Edna Hale-Biodegradable bedding for the healthcare industry
Lakisha Rollins-Temporary housing for women with minor children
Jack Pickett-Carpentry and home improvement services
Jessica Spraggins-Job development/training and resale center
Lagail Hunt-Personalized beauty and hair supply baskets
Leola Williams-Outpatient substance abuse and mental health clinic
Sharon Adams-Perennial nursery, featuring lilies, bulbs and native plants
Jeanette Richardson-Training center for health care workers
Antwon Perkins-Computer sales, services and website and graphic design
Troy Burkes-Graffiti removal, yard maintenance and snow removal
John Anderson-Full-service home and commercial remodeling
Robert Coleman-Residential and commercial building remodeling
Hazel Hicks-Security for homes, businesses and special events
