MKE Black Launches 2026 Innovation Series to Equip Milwaukee Entrepreneurs for the Future
Image courtesy of MKE Black.
MILWAUKEE, WI – MKE Black is proud to present the Small Business Innovation Series, a seven-week program designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow through practical training, expert guidance, and meaningful connections. Beginning August 3 and continuing every Monday from 5:30–8:30 p.m. through September 22nd, the series features leading business experts sharing actionable strategies in Branding, Facebook and Instagram Advertising, Email Automation, Accounting, Wealth Creation and more.
Featured speakers include:
- Nadiyah Johnson, Founder of Milky Way Tech Hub
- Ajamou Butler, Founder of Heal the Hood
- Joshua Albrecht, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Milwaukee
- Cheryl McMurty of McMurty Financial Services
- James Bell of Northwestern Mutual
- Darvin Moore of GCH Solutions
- Other respected business leaders and experts from across Wisconsin
Working Hours Sessions are back this year! All attendees are invited to Working Hour Sessions held every Tuesday and sponsored by Sherman Phoenix. These hands-on working sessions encourage participants to bring their laptops and apply what they learned the night before with guidance from experienced mentors and business experts. Rather than just learning new strategies, entrepreneurs will leave having implemented cutting edge strategies that move business forward.
In addition to weekly training, participants will have the chance to win business coaching, financial advising packages, Visit Milwaukee business memberships, social media coaching with JMatt, business innovation setup packages, visa gift cards, iPads and so much more. Attendees can enter the live pitch competition where they can showcase their businesses and win thousands of dollars in cash prizes.
The 2026 Innovation Series is sponsored by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and made possible through the generous support of:
- Forest County Potawatomi Foundation
- Greater Milwaukee Foundation
- BizStarts
- Ernst & Young
- Weyco Group
- Northwest Side Community Development Corporation
- Many other community partners committed to strengthening Milwaukee’s small business ecosystem
“Our goal is simple,” said Asha Sawyers, Executive Director of MKE Black. “We want every entrepreneur who attends to leave with new knowledge, valuable relationships, and practical tools that help them grow their business. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and when they succeed, Milwaukee succeeds.” Registration is now open, and space is limited.
For more information and to register visit Innovation Series.
Event Details
WHO: MKE Black
WHAT: Small Business Innovation Series
WHEN: Every Monday & Tuesday Beginning August 3rd until September 22nd at 5:30pm
WHERE: Sherman Phoenix 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53216
The Innovation Series is free and open to the public with registration. For more information or to register visit: Innovation Series.
About MKE Black
MKE Black is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to celebrate, promote, empower, and advance Black businesses, events, and culture in the greater Milwaukee area by providing resources, connections, and awareness in everyday life.
About Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @WEDCNews to learn more.
About Greater Milwaukee Foundation
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and was among the first established in the world. For more than a century, the Foundation has been at the heart of the civic community, helping donors achieve the greatest philanthropic impact, elevating the work of changemakers across neighborhoods, and bringing people and organizations together to help our region thrive. Racial equity is the Foundation’s North Star, guiding its investments and strategies for social and economic change. Leveraging generations of community knowledge, cross-sector partnerships and more than $1 billion in financial assets, the Foundation is committed to reimagining philanthropy, catalyzing systems change, convening and following community voice, and building inclusive culture to transform our region into a Milwaukee for all.
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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