Near West Side Partners Announces 8th Rev-Up MKE

MILWAUKEE – Near West Side Partners, Inc. (NWSP) has opened applications for the eighth Rev-Up MKE competition, inviting local entrepreneurs to leverage small business coaching and support before pitching their business idea to the community and having an opportunity to operate a 3-to-6-month pop-up storefront in Concordia 27, among other prizes.

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. Then, a panel of judges will circulate, evaluate and select the competition winner. Attendees will also have the chance to vote for their favorite business to determine the Audience Choice Award winner. This interactive approach is intended to create meaningful discussions about new businesses to stimulate the neighborhood’s economic growth.

“Each year, Rev-Up MKE gets bolder and more exciting – and this year is no exception,” said Lindsey St Arnold Bell, Executive Director of NWSP. “Our new interactive showcase format will add a fun, new twist, creating a more engaging experience for visitors and more impactful for our entrepreneurs. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite finalist or looking for your new favorite local business, this year’s Rev-Up will provide a fresh perspective to this celebration of innovation and community spirit.”

For the 2025 competition, Rev-Up MKE is creating a refreshed, robust ecosystem to support the finalists in launching sustainable, resilient businesses in the Near West Side. Through mentorship, technical assistance and tailored resources, finalists gain the tools for their businesses to thrive.

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 engaging coaching and community engagement. In addition, the first-place winner will receive:

• $5,000 in cash for operational costs or business investment;
• Business coaching and consulting;
• Social media and marketing support;
• In-kind services and mentorship; and
• Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners.

“Town Bank is looking forward to collaborating with Near West Side Partners to provide local entrepreneurs with a launchpad for success,” said Jay Mack, President & CEO, Town Bank and Wintrust Wisconsin Market Head.”

Small businesses have been the heartbeat of our community. We are excited to take local businesses to the next level – backed with guidance, visibility and community.”

Town Bank will provide funding support for the winning finalist and is sponsoring the Rev-Up MKE event. Since the launch of Rev-Up MKE in 2016, a number of competition finalists have officially opened – and expanded – their businesses in the Near West Side:

• Joyce’s House Education offers a variety of programs in GED preparation and testing, personal development and career advancement;
• Celani Skin and Wellness provides healing and holistic modality at an affordable rate for working-class individuals in the Near West Side and is opening a space at Concordia 27;
• Pete’s Pops manufactures and sells popsicles out of its flagship location on Vliet Street, with additional seasonal locations in Bay View, West Allis and Whitefish Bay;
• Lisa Kaye Catering continues to expand operations and is now operating its new location on Vliet St. in the Near West Side later this year; and
• A Goodman’s Desserts bakes up mouth-watering desserts at a kitchen space in the Ambassador Hotel.

Applications are available on the Near West Side website, as well as at the Near West Side Partners’ office, located in Concordia 27 at 801 N. 27th Street.

Applications are due by Aug. 3 at 11:59 p.m. Upon review by a panel of judges, finalists will be informed and announced in mid-August and will present their business ideas on Sept. 8 at the Rave.

ABOUT NEAR WEST SIDE PARTNERS, INC.
Near West Side Partners (NWSP) is a non-profit organization that works to revitalize the Near West Side of Milwaukee in four key focus areas: safety, housing, attracting and retaining businesses, and promoting the well-being of our neighbors. NWSP was founded through the support of business and civic leaders, including the organization’s five anchor institutions – Aurora Health Care, Harley-Davidson, Marquette University, Molson Coors and Potawatomi Ventures.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.