Emerging Business Enterprise Program

Welcome to the Emerging Business Enterprise Program

The City of Milwaukee's Emerging Business Enterprise Program (EBEP) is a multi-faceted direct service provider. The staff has a communication network with each of the city's contracting departments to ensure that the opportunities in commodity procurement, construction, service orders and professional services are available to small and emerging businesses.

We work to enhance the emerging small business community by maximizing support services, contract opportunities, financial resources to compete in the public and private sector markets.

Objectives & Services

EBEP was created to assist and protect the interest of emerging and small business concerns. We take steps to promote and encourage full and open competition in the City of Milwaukee so emerging businesses may successfully compete in a free market as independent business owners. We also work to establish mentor-protégé relationships between small businesses and those businesses in the mainstream marketplace.

In addition, we provide:

• Technical and Financial Assistance, as it pertains to business expansion, and overall development in certain areas.
   
• A Resource List with information on business training and educational programs with various institutions and organizations.
   

History & City Ordinance

In 2002, Chapter 360 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances was revised to utilize city-certified Emerging Business Enterprises (EBE) in all contracting activities.

The revision was approved by the Common Council and signed by Mayor John O. Norquist, setting an annual 18% EBE utilization requirement for each contracting department, and all other operating departments when contracting based upon authority.

Click here for full text of Chapter 360 of the Milw. Code of Ordinance as of Aug. 20, 2002.  -
 

Important Information!