Innovative “Pop-Up MKE” retail spaces open for business in three locations

(Milwaukee, June 8, 2018) Pop-Up MKE, a public and private partnership focused on economic development and entrepreneurship, is proud to announce the first round of businesses selected to occupying three vital commercial corridors near downtown Milwaukee.

Entrepreneurs selected reflect the local community, and offer unique products and services. “This is a great opportunity for businesses to test their market and products, while being supported to generate public interest in their business in a low risk, supportive environment,” said Beth Haskovec, Coordinator of PopUp MKE with LISC Milwaukee. All three PopUp Mke locations will be open for business by Friday, June 8, 2018.

Pop-Up MKE is coordinated by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) in partnership with the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WBBIC), the City of Milwaukee, and MKE United.  Pop-Up Mke is part of a larger initiative, funded by Chase, aimed at building capacity and supporting urban entrepreneurs, which includes additional partnerships like the Milwaukee Urban League and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin. .

Pop-Up MKE collaborates with the City of Milwaukee’s White Box Grant program to improve storefronts along Historic King Drive, Cesar Chavez Drive, and the North Avenue and Fond du Lac Business Improvement Districts for the business owners that will be selected for this short-term, retail opportunity with long-term rewards.

The following businesses will be featured in round one:

Cesar Chavez BID Businesses 1008 S Cesar E Chavez Dr.

Monash Natural Blends provides a variety of custom-made aromatherapy products to enhance your emotional and physical well-being. Their ingredients originate from ethical and sustainable companies that provide organic and wild-crafted products.

In My City 365  A Milwaukee positive clothing brand that empowers one to be self-confident and proud of their city.

Launch Party, Friday, June 8^th from 5-8pm – 1008 S. Cesar Chavez Drive- Monash Natural Blends: https://www.facebook.com/events/1978733062200360/?active_tab=discussion

Historic King Drive BID Businesses 339 W. North Ave.

Beloved Masterpieces LLC offers community painting lessons, to inspire self-expression through the arts, and community building that leads to healing.

Natural “E” Beauty is a brand of beauty products that focuses on encouraging everyone to embrace who they are naturally. It is a virtual platform that empowers people to define who they are and understand their value.

Launch Party: Friday, June 8^th from 6-8pm- 339 W. North Avenue- You’re Beautifully Beloved (Natural E. Beautiful and Beloved Masterpieces): https://www.facebook.com/events/455000984925960/

Marketplace BID Businesses 1615 W. North Ave. 

Asili Naturals offers all-natural skin and body care products made with fresh plant-based and cruelty-free ingredients. Free of harmful and synthetic chemicals and made in the USA.

Bella’s Treasures offers clothing, jewelry that inspires beauty, fun energy, life and happiness. Bella’s Treasures is a boutique that brings back that old school flare.

More information on launch events, business hours and products can be found on Facebook @PopUpMke.

Launch Party: Saturday, June 16^th from 2-7pm- 1617 W. North Avenue- Asili Naturals: https://www.facebook.com/events/620548998321620/

A Ribbon-Cutting for the program will be held Wednesday, June 13^th at 10am at 339 W. North Avenue with public officials, partners, and investors.

About LISC: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is the recognized leader in neighborhood development. LISC provides programs, tools and investments that help communities thrive. Since 1980, LISC national has marshaled $13.7 billion from investors, lenders and donors to foster the revitalization of more than 300 urban neighborhoods and rural communities. Since 1995, LISC Milwaukee has invested $140 million in the central city by mobilizing resources for neighborhood revitalization and investing these funds through grants, loans and technical assistance to neighborhood-based community development efforts. Visit:  www.lisc.org or www.lisc.org/milwaukee.

About JPMorgan Chase:JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.6 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of customers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

About WWBIC: Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. (WWBIC) is a leading, innovative economic development corporation “Putting Dreams to Work.” WWBIC’s primary focus is on women, people of color and low income individuals, providing direct lending and access to fair and responsible capital, quality business education, one-on-one technical business assistance and education to increase financial capability. In 2017 WWBIC celebrates 30 Years of Impact and has directly lent over $60 million in micro and small business loans with a current loan portfolio of $17 million and 500 active borrowers. Visit: www.wwbic.com

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.