Near West Side Partners Announces 9th Rev-Up MKE
Applications now open for Milwaukee’s interactive entrepreneur showcase and pitch competition — culminating September 16 at The Rave.
Photo courtesy of Near West Side Partners, Inc..
MILWAUKEE – Near West Side Partners, Inc. (NWSP) has opened applications for the ninth 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 2026 Rev-Up MKE competition will once again 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.
“Every year, I am energized by the excitement and passion that new entrepreneurs bring to Rev-Up MKE,” said Lindsey St Arnold Bell, Executive Director of NWSP. “Seeing the range of businesses and people who want to be part of what we are building on the Near West Side reaffirms why this work matters. Each new participant adds something distinct to the vibrancy and character of our community.”
This year’s Rev-Up MKE creates a 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.
First Place Prize Package: $5,000 cash and business support
This year, the First Place 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;
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners.
The prize for Second Place is $1,500 cash. Additionally, the community will be able to vote for an Audience’s Choice $500 winner on the night of the competition.
Town Bank will provide funding support for the winning finalist and is sponsoring the Rev-Up MKE event.
“We believe deeply that small businesses are the backbone of strong, healthy neighborhoods,” said Jay Mack, President & CEO, Town Bank and Wintrust Wisconsin Market Head. “Incubating and supporting small business growth is one of our core strategic commitments, and Rev-Up MKE is a natural extension of that work. We are proud to invest in the entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the Near West Side.”
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:
- The Booth MKE (2025), a premium photo booth experience, hosted a 6 month pop-up residency at Concordia 27;
- Joyce’s House Education (2024) offers a variety of programs in GED preparation and testing, personal development and career advancement;
- Celani Skin and Wellness (2023) provides healing and holistic modality at an affordable rate for working-class individuals in the Near West Side and made a permanent home at Concordia 27;
- A Goodman’s Desserts (2019) bakes up mouth-watering treats and scores big as a supplier to the Milwaukee Bucks!
- Lisa Kaye Catering (2017) continues to expand operations;
- Pete’s Pops (2016) manufactures and sells popsicles out of its flagship location on Vliet Street, with additional seasonal locations in Bay View, West Allis and Whitefish Bay.
Pitch Night: September 16, 2026 at The Rave
The competition culminates on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at The Rave (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233). This exciting evening will bring together Milwaukee’s entrepreneurial community, neighborhood residents, business leaders and civic champions to celebrate the finalists and crown the Rev-Up MKE 2026 winner.
Each finalist will host an expo-style booth where they engage directly with attendees before presenting to the judges panel. The energy and passion on display each year make Pitch Night one of the Near West Side’s most anticipated community events — a celebration of innovation, grit and neighborhood pride.
How to Apply
Applications are available on the Near West Side website: nearwestsidemke.org/RevUpMKE. Applications are due by July 5th at 11:59 p.m. Finalists will be announced in early August and will present their business ideas on September 16th 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.
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