Office of African American Affairs
Affordable land and leasing costs, abundant fresh water, an educated workforce, low business costs and easy access to financing, technical assistance and efficient transportation have helped local businesses succeed and grow.
Find information about things to do and happenings in the City of Milwaukee.
Office of Equity & Inclusion
The city’s small business development programs are designed to assist and protect the interests of emerging and small businesses. We serve as a gateway for small businesses to engage in and compete for city contracts.
The City of Milwaukee's Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program is designed to enhance the emerging small business community by maximizing support services, contract opportunities, and financial resources to the small business community.
The City of Milwaukee helps underemployed and unemployed residents gain access to employment opportunities through its Residents Preference Program (RPP). The RPP certification is designed to promote the use of city residents as part of a contractor’s or developer's workforce on certain city-funded construction and private development projects.
The City of Milwaukee prioritizes community engagement and workforce equity through contract compliance in private development agreements. This commitment requires developers to meet standards for local hiring, apprenticeships, as well as the inclusion of local small businesses. Through these efforts developers actively engage City of Milwaukee residents, including those residing in high-poverty areas, in employment opportunities on construction projects. By upholding these standards, the City of Milwaukee fosters community involvement, supports local small businesses, and ensures the benefits of development extend to all city residents.
About OEI
City Hall, 200 E. Wells Street, Room 606, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
@ OEI General Email
414-286-5553
TDD: 414-286-8547
414-286-8547
Business Development Staff @ Dontreal Teague, Business Inclusion Program Coordinator