6 Entrepreneurs Receive the $10,000 Bounceback Grant after joining Ambition Center MKE

Ambition Center MKE's Blog

By Marcell Jackson - August 10th, 2022

"For people of color who prefer to work from home, inclusive coworking spaces don't just offer a place to work—they cultivate community."

Quote from Black-Owned Coworking Spaces Are Providing a Safe Haven for POC (here).

What is Ambition Center MKE?

Ambition Center opened almost one year ago in response to the widespread work-from-home impact induced by the pandemic and the lack of coworking spaces on the northside of Milwaukee. At the time, Ambition Center was the fourth Black-owned coworking space to open in Milwaukee.

Ambition Center is the northernmost coworking space in the city and is unapologetically centered on Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) but also open to allies. Since the doors opened, we've fostered networking and collaboration among local business owners and professionals.

In addition to internal collaboration, the members of Ambition Center receive business coaching and strategic connections through Riverworks Development Corporation.

Photo from the Riverworks Business Etiquette Workshop at Ambition Center MKE.

Who are the 6 Entrepreneurs that received the Grant?

Thanks to the Riverworks letter of support and Ambition Center's mission to bring businesses to the northside of Milwaukee, six entrepreneurs received the $10k Bounceback Grant. The ambitious members that received the grant funds are:

The BounceBack grant allowed me to purchase needed equipment and supplies for my class/course offerings and other services as well as assist in alleviating some of the cost of having and maintaining a necessary and needed office space outside of the home. Grants like these are extremely helpful (especially for BIPOC individuals and service-based organizations) because it allows small business owners like me an opportunity to focus on growth and expansion for long-term sustainability.

Teresina Simmons, RN - Founder & CEO of Regal Aspire, LLC

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"Bounceback Grant is the first grant I’ve ever received. Above all, this grant has covered my rent in its entirety — which allows me to save business earnings and reinvest in my company. It established a great sense of credibility for illGraphic Branding.

Secondly, the Bounceback grant has funded new equipment/software which has, not only, increased productivity and production quality, but also, expanded services available for my clients!

The remaining funds are being used for the development of illGraphic Branding’s Curriculum in hopes of teaching the idea of branding to youth throughout the city of Milwaukee!"

Mark Peterson, Jr. - Brand Strategist & Graphic Designer at illGraphic Branding

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The grant helped me cover a lot of business costs, get an office space, obtain business insurance, get more supplies, promotional flyers, and pay employees!

Greg Stevenson - CEO of Fountain of Life Home Healthcare

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The Main Street Bounceback program has opened doors for my business and increased sales!

Marvin Walker - CEO of Marvin L. Walker & Associates, Inc.

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Receiving the Main Street Bounceback grant helped me achieve my next phase business goals. Being a recipient of this grant has also positioned me to become a change agent within my community, and I am very Thankful for that!

ChaBria Smith - CEO of Advisory Living & Learning Agency

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Receiving these funds allowed me to sustain business operations for my startup, create jobs in the community, and most importantly--empower other entrepreneurs in Milwaukee!

Marcell Jackson - CEO of Ambition Center

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What is the Wisconsin Bounceback Grant?

The Wisconsin Tomorrow Main Street Bounceback Grant Program aims to provide one-time assistance to new and existing businesses opening a new location or expanding operations in a vacant commercial space.

The Main Street Bounceback Program has been extended through December 31, 2022. You can learn more about the Bounceback Grant (here).

Still Haven't Visited Ambition Center MKE?

What are you waiting for? We are open Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for tours! We are located at 530 E. Vienna Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212. See you soon!

Photo by Justin Gordon/Carvd N Stone.