The Bucyrus Foundation gifted the city funding to use for economic development and revitalizing the downtown district. The generous gifts is also for continuing the Foundation's civic commitment.
Several grants are available to assist businesses and enhance the city's older downtown commercial buildings, to attract people, grow businesses and create welcoming space.
Civic Grant
This annual program allows for nonprofit organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to address a community need, improve community support, solve a problem, or enrich the people of South Milwaukee. Submit a Letter of Interest to the city's economic development staff to receive preliminary approval.
Letters of Interest are due March 1st each year, emailed to elang@smwi.org. Applications are due April 30th each year
This grant program is for enhancing the attractiveness of South Milwaukee's business districts and to promote commercial vitality and increase economic activity in all commercial districts.
This grant provides one-time assistance in the amount of $5,000 for new and existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space on Milwaukee Avenue between the 800 and 1300 blocks. Grants may be awarded prior to receiving a Certificate of Occupancy.
There are many buildings in the downtown district that are non-compliant with modern building codes and that the cost of these improvements often falls to new entrepreneurs looking to establish small businesses. Through this program, the city provides matching grants to encourage interior improvements resulting in a finished or close-to finished space.