MADISON, WI – Today, Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Black Business Hub. Following the ceremony and the Urban League of Madison’s 10th Annual Unity Picnic, Representative Shelia Stubbs (D – Madison) released the following statement:
“Today I had the honor of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Urban League of Greater Madison’s brand-new Black Business Hub. As the Representative for South Madison, one of the most diverse areas in our city, I am excited to see how this beautiful new space dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and building community will become an asset to our district. I would like to recognize Dr. Ruben Anthony Jr., CEO and President of Urban League of Greater Madison and Co-Founder of the Black Business Hub, for his truly incredible work and vision in developing an innovative space that will elevate and celebrate Black-owned businesses in Madison. As a former County Board Supervisor, I assisted with the initial process of supporting this monumental project.
According to the Urban League of Greater Madison, it is estimated that the Black Business Hub will support at least 100 Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs and create or relocate over 150 jobs. In addition to hosting new local offices for the Department of Workforce Development, the Department of Motor Vehicles, Exact Sciences, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, and the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, the Hub will also house a mix of retail businesses, dining opportunities, co-working spaces, a rentable commercial kitchen, event spaces, a barber shop, a beauty school, and much more.
The Hub’s holistic and place-based approach to creating opportunity and resources for Black professionals and entrepreneurs will make success accessible to all. Mentorship programs, financial services, networking systems, expansion opportunities, and location along Madison’s new Bus Rapid Transit line will ensure that everyone can take part in this collaborative, community-driven space. The Hub is dedicated to helping Black business owners in all stages of development, from startups to established enterprises.
The Black Business Hub represents a huge step forward in developing a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive business environment in South Madison and beyond. This versatile, state-of-the-art center for commerce and economic development will foster opportunities not only for Black entrepreneurs, but for the whole community. I cannot wait to see how the Hub will change lives and shape future success in my district and across our state.”
