The St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care will host a free incubator program on Thursday for businesses on the north side of Milwaukee. The incubator will connect startups and small businesses with mentors and teach them about branding and financing to stimulate growth.
Sponsored by Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper II and the Marketplace Business Improvement District 32, the incubator will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 8 at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus campus at 2450 W. North Avenue.
The theme of the program will be “building from within” and it will give participating businesses a chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of bankers, lawyers, investors and entrepreneurs.
Event organizers are hoping it will help local businesses find financial backers for their ventures.
Here’s a list of participating entrepreneurs and the business ideas they plan to pitch:
- Jonathan Cousin is designing an automated hydroponic gardening system to grow food for restaurants and food-insecure households.
- Jamila Olivia Pugh is building a program called “You Can: Dream Abroad,” which would provides international travel opportunities to high school students.
- Jesse Colas operates a general contracting company that provides construction services for banks and insurance companies.
- Marvin Jones will pitch his idea for a shared kitchen, or commissar, for food trucks, caterers and healthy cooking classes.
- Laneice McGee is heading up a program called “Future Entrepreneurs Moving Ahead,” which is aimed at exploring entrepreneurship options for kids.
- Brandi Iberia Austin will pitch her idea for “Saved and the City,” a community-based radio talk show that will provide answers and resources for various community needs, including personal development, spiritual awareness, and small business support.
- Sheneta Hamilton will present her plan to sell Afro-centric attire and accessories.
- Ara V. Jackson will pitch a plan to sell live flowers embossed with messages and edible gifts as well as promotional products.
- Marshall Harley will pitch his business “Green Source Juice Bar Café and Lounge.”
- Taletha Thompson will present her plan for “Kid Chauffeur USA,” a transportation service for children ages 4 to 17.
- Nakita Deberry will present a plan for a residential and commercial cleaning service.
- Yvonne Martin will present ideas for a spa promoting health, relaxation and meditation techniques.
- Sonja Conner will pitch a residential home care business plan.
- Barbara Green wants to open a travel agency and T-shirt shop.
- Charmaine Fowlkes will pitch her ideas for a winery producing local small-batch craft wines.
- Valerie Guerin will present on crafting classes called “Crocheting for All Ages.”
For more information, visit the event webpage.
