Business Resources

South Milwaukee is Open for Business!

The City of South Milwaukee has several distinct districts, both shopping and industrial, with recent significant investment in its Downtown District along Milwaukee Avenue, known to the community as "The Avenue". Openings of niche businesses,  Milwaukee Avenue beautification and streetscaping, adaptive reuse of the iconic Bucyrus Club building into a restaurant, event space and museum, are to name just a few.  

South Milwaukee is conveniently located near the growing commercial and industrial corridor along I-94. Come be part of our walkable and growing community that is steeped in heritage, tradition, and culture!

Downtown District Map

Business Occupancy

Starting a new business in the City of South Milwaukee requires an Occupancy Permit. Contact the economic development manager ideally before you sign a lease to learn about available spaces and the steps for obtaining an occupancy certification. 

The city has various local grants available for new businesses starting out as well as for exterior and interior improvements and signage.   

Application Links

Business Occupancy Application 
Process of Opening a Business in South Milwaukee
Sign Application
Other Permits
Parklet & Pedlet Application and Requirements

Other Resources

There are various resources available to entrepreneurs through local organizations, providing educational support and financial incentives. Business Resource List (PDF) Also refer to the Business Planning Guide provided by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.  Become a member of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, partnering South Milwaukee, Cudahy and St. Francis. 

BIZStarts

Located in Milwaukee, they support entrepreneurs with coaching, personalized mentoring and connection to resources.

KIVA

Kiva lenders have shown their commitment to providing financial assistance to all by making 0% interest loans through a crowdfunding approach, up to $15,000 to entrepreneurs in the U.S.   https://www.wwbic.com/kiva/

Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)

WWBIC offers business loans, quality business and financial wellness training, and one-on-one coaching. Loans are available for start-up and existing businesses up to $350,000. They are an SBA lender and follow SBA guidelines. For additional information on WWBIC Lending https://www.wwbic.com/business-lending/

SBA 504 Loans

Finances fixed assets such as commercial real estate or equipment. Low, fixed interest rates for up to 25 years with 10% down payment.  LINK

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 

The area SBDC is at UW-Milwaukee, offering no-cost, confidential consulting and business education for entrepreneurs. SBDC is supported by U.S. Small Business Administration.

For more information email sbdc@uwm.edu or call 414.227.3240

Wisconsin BAR Association Free Legal Assistance

The Wisconsin Bar Association, in partnership with the Marquette Law School offers a free small business legal consulting service. LINK