Joyce’s House Education Center Wins “Rev-Up MKE”

MILWAUKEE – Near West Side Partners (NWSP) is thrilled to announce Mercedez Butts’ Joyce’s House Education Center has been named the winner of the Rev-Up MKE small business competition. The winner was announced on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the conclusion of a “Shark Tank”-style live pitch event in which all five finalists presented before a panel of judges and the public at The Rave/Eagles Club.

“Joyce’s House Education Center will join the community of Rev-Up MKE winners and other entrepreneurs who see the value and potential of growing their businesses right here in the Near West Side,” said Lindsey St Arnold Bell, Executive Director of NWSP. “NWSP is so excited to welcome a new education center to our neighborhood of neighborhoods!”

Joyce’s House Education Center offers a variety of programs in GED preparation and testing, personal development, and career advancement. The minority, women-owned test center offers programs designed to meet the needs of adult learners at different stages of their lives.

“I’m excited about expanding into the Near West Side and impacting lives right here. Let’s bring it home for Milwaukee!” said Mercedez Butts, founder of Joyce’s House Education Center. “I’m just so shocked. I’ve worked so hard, I’m so grateful, and I’m just ready to keep changing lives right here.”

With the support from winning Rev-Up MKE, Joyce’s House Education Center hopes to bring accessible education classes to Milwaukee’s Near West Side, connecting with adult learners who desire to prioritize furthering their education and Milwaukee employers who are looking to upscale their workforce.

A number of other awards were given out to finalists and other participants:

• Hope 4 Faith Resale Boutique was named as the runner up and recipient of $4,000 in start-up funds;
• Joyce’s House Education Center was also named the “Town Bank Audience Choice” winner and will receive an additional $1,000 to support their growth; and
• Rashida’s Creations LLC was granted $1,000, provided by Sodexo Marquette.

“Rev-Up MKE is pivotal to the small business community in Milwaukee,” said Jay Mack, President and CEO of Town Bank. “We see the influence that entrepreneurship brings to our community, and are happy to continue supporting local entrepreneurs through programs like Rev-Up MKE that provide a renewed sense of hope for the future of the Near West Side, and Milwaukee as a whole.”

As part of the evening, guests enjoyed the Taste of the Near West Side, which included complimentary food samples and drinks from Near West Side businesses, including Daddy’s Soul Food and Grille, Lisa Kaye Bistro & Catering, Buffalo Boss, A Goodman’s Desserts, Pete’s Pops, Sodexo, and Molson Coors.

Background on Competition
Leading up to this announcement, all five finalists have been participating in hands-on business training, with technical assistance and mentorship the Near West Side Mentor-In-Residence.

“We were thrilled to have such a great group of finalists, who have done tremendous work to prepare for the live-pitch event,” said Kelsey Otero, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Marquette University and project lead for the Rev-Up MKE competition. “We know that each and every one of our finalists would be a great addition to the Near West Side and wish all of them great success.”

Joyce’s House Education Center will receive significant resources to support its venture, which will be located in a Near West Side storefront, including:

• $10,000 start up business funding from Town Bank;
• Over $25,000 in in-kind services (architectural renderings, accounting set up, small business consulting, free legal audit and communication support); and
• Advertising and recognition from Near West Side Partners.

Judges from the event included:

• Alison Hanrahan, Community Affairs Manager at Molson Coors Beverage Company
• Brittney Rodriguez, Founder, Celani Skin & Wellness, 2024 Rev-Up MKE winner
• Quinn Long, Owner of Clearcur Solutions
• Miguel Maldonado, Business Development Officer at Town Bank

“The Near West Side has been home to some of Milwaukee’s greatest entrepreneurs,” said Otero. “We are proud to welcome and support the next generation of entrepreneurs in the Near West Side through the Rev-Up MKE program.”

For more information about the competition and photos from the event, visit us online at: www.nearwestsidemke.org/revupmke/

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.