Business Development

RDC has developed a solid reputation with the business community because of the support and assistance it offers new and existing businesses. Some of these activities include:

Helping businesses secure financing for start-ups, expansion, and relocations
Using our connections to government and other community development entities to solve business problems.
Helping employers take advantage of tax incentives through programs such as the Renewal Community Zone and Economic Development Tax Credit.
Working with small business and property owners on property improvement projects including assistance in securing grant money.

If you are interested in finding out how RDC may be able to assist your business, please contact Chris Grandt at chrisg@riverworksmke.org.

Economic Development

Riverworks is involved in a number of projects to spur economic development in the area. For detail on some of them currently in the works, check out our "Projects In the Works" page at In the Works.

RDC constantly monitors available properties in the Riverworks BIDs and surrounding areas. Staff works to promote these properties to businesses with the goal of creating jobs, whether through expansion or new business altogether. Space available for businesses of all kinds in the Riverworks Center can be found on our Properties page.

Riverworks staff works with two Business Improvement Districts and collaborates with the City of Milwaukee, Foundations, Corporations, residents, and other nonprofit organizations to push investment in the Riverworks area.

For more details on how RDC works to develop the Riverworks and Milwaukee economies and how we may be able to assist in particular projects, business expansions, etc., please contact Chris Grandt at 414-906-9650 or by email at chrisg@riverworksmke.org.

Online Business Resource Center

The Riverworks Online Business Resource Center was formed to help connect Milwaukee businesses to local, state, and national institutions that support business development. The links below will help you access information and programs on a variety of business-related topics, such as business financing, starting and expanding a business, government programs, planning and permits, zoning guidelines, tax benefit programs, business counseling, energy efficiency, and more. The Resource Center is updated regularly, so be sure to check in periodically for new links.

Milwaukee Resources
BizStarts Milwaukee
BizTimes Access to Capital Directory
Choose Milwaukee - Open for Business
Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) Program
Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB)
Milwaukee Business Journal Resources
Milwaukee DCD Home
Milwaukee Department of City Development Tool Box
Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Milwaukee Planning and Permits
Renewal Community (RC) & Tax Incentives
Zoning Information

Wisconsin Resources
Economic Development Tax Credit
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
Focus on Energy
Impact Seven
Insurance Information - Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
State of Wisconsin - Build Your Business
State of Wisconsin Business Services
State of Wisconsin - Business Wizard
WE Energies - Business
WHEDA - Small Business
WI Business Development Finance Corporation
WI Entrepreneurs' Network
WI Department of Commerce
WI Department of Commerce - Small Business Employee Training Grant
WI Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP)
WI Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)

Federal Resources
Internal Revenue Service - Business Topics
Minority Business Development Agency
Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization
Small Business Administration (SBA)
United States Patent and Trademark Office

General Resources
Entrepreneur.com
Generation Growth Capital, Inc
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
Virtual Business Incubator