Small Business Development
Small Business Development
The City of Milwaukee's small business development programs are designed to support and safeguard the interests of emerging and small businesses. This program serves as a gateway for small businesses to engage in and compete for city contracts.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program
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.
Residents Preference Program (RPP)
The City of Milwaukee helps underemployed and unemployed residents access employment opportunities through its Residents Preference Program (RPP). RPP certification promotes the use of City residents in a contractor’s or developer’s workforce on certain City-funded construction and private development projects.
Community Engagement and Compliance in Development Agreements
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 city residents.