MILWAUKEE – Near West Side Partners, Inc. (NWSP) today announced twenty finalists selected as part of the eighth Rev-Up MKE competition. This year’s program will introduce a refreshed, expo-style format where each finalist will host a booth showcasing their business ideas to judges and interact with event attendees.
“Our new expo-style event will give finalists the opportunity to connect even more deeply with community members while networking in a comfortable environment,” said Lindsey St Arnold Bell, Executive Director of NWSP. “Join us to explore new businesses and cast your vote for which organizations you’re excited to see come to Milwaukee’s Near West Side!”
A review committee selected twenty finalists based on the strength of their applications and the quality of their business ideas. Each finalist will receive business training and support in the weeks ahead as they prepare their presentations for judges and event attendees.
“The last seven years of Rev-Up MKE have welcomed amazing new businesses to our community, such as CeLani Skin and Wellness and Joyce’s Legacy Learning Center, which have become well-known throughout Milwaukee and continue to positively impact our city,” said St Arnold Bell. “Near West Side Partners is excited to provide local entrepreneurs with more long-lasting connections and an invaluable entrepreneurial ecosystem this year.”
After the judges deliberate during the competition, they will select the winner and runner-ups. In addition, attendees will vote for their favorite business to win the Audience Choice Award. Doors will open to the public at 5:15 p.m. at the Rave for the event.
Returning this year to Rev-Up MKE is banking partner Town Bank, who will provide funding support for the winning finalist and is sponsoring the Rev-Up MKE event.
“We know firsthand that a key factor in establishing a sustainable business is having a robust support system to uplift entrepreneurs,” said Jay Mack, President & CEO, Town Bank and Wintrust Wisconsin Market Head. “As a proud sponsor of Rev-Up MKE, we deeply value the spirit of entrepreneurship. We are excited to continue to support entrepreneurs as their business ideas illuminate the future possibilities in the Near West Side community.”
FINALISTS
Brilliantaires | Roberta Steward
Brilliantaires is a pharmacy technician training program that partners with pharmacies and healthcare employers to match students with employment opportunities.
Queen Crown Essentials | Brianca Grace Beverly
Queen Crown Essentials is a premier hair care brand dedicated to providing high-quality, inclusive products, from nourishing shampoos to intensive treatments, that celebrate the beauty of all hair textures and types.
Señorita’s Beauty | Johanna Uribe
Señorita’s Beauty creates body cream with clean, effective formulas made for sensitive skin, targeting dryness, eczema and irritation that offer a lifestyle of softness and strength.
TheresaDoMyNails | Theresa Langdon
TheresaDoMyNails is a manicurist who performs individualized services and is an instructor for aspiring manicurists.
Wonder + Woo | Zelda Corona
Wonder + Woo is a line of non-alcoholic spirits and elixirs, crafted to elevate mood, enhance senses and celebrate cultural ritual.
BethMayhem | Bethany Turner
BethMayhem is a local bakery that serves an array of cookies and cakes, including a range of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. BethMayhem also offers specialized dessert catering services and DIY baking classes catered to all ages.
Thrift-Tee Business | Trinity Mason
Thrift-Tee Business gives pre-worn garments a second life by selling quality secondhand clothing and teaching customers how sustainable choices benefit our communities and the planet.
Rofo Enterprise, Corporation | Randall Flann
Rofo Enterprise is the creator of the patented RoFo Headgear – a wearable beverage dispenser that keeps your drink ready at all times to prevent spills, drops and misplaced beverages.
Arty’s Sweet Talk Cupcakes | Artaynia Westfall
Arty’s Sweet Talk Cupcakes offers vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free desserts daily, providing customers with delicious treats that don’t compromise their health goals.
Faraja Company | Brittany Thomas
Faraja Company provides professional alterations, tailoring and custom design services, in addition to sewing classes for all skill levels.
The Booth MKE | Benjamin Biddle and Molly Howard
The Booth MKE provides a premier, interactive 3D photo booth experience for weddings, corporate functions and private events.
Kreative Fruitz | Imani Raiyne and Raejeena Moore
Kreative Fruitz is a fruit art and wellness brand that offers fresh fruit catering, edible fruit sculptures, DIY fruit art kits, fruit-based vinaigrettes and seasonings and education workshops for schools, corporations and events.
Blu Mountain Co. LLC | Alissa Miller
Blu Mountain Co. LLC is a lifestyle brand offering handcrafted leather goods, accessories, and apparel – from bottle opener keychains to leather patch hats – that celebrate Midwestern pride, craftsmanship, and culture.
CTOAN Co. | Jodyann Morgan
CTOAN offers small-batch, hand-poured soy candles, 3D-printed planters, stickers, coloring sheets and cross-stitch pages that celebrate body positivity.
ASUDEM LLC | Taylor “Amina” Warren
ASUDEM MKE is a loc-focused hair school in Milwaukee dedicated to preserving the art, culture and care of natural hair with in-person training on loc styling and community classes for individuals learning to care for their locs.
Wishy Washy Laundry | Brittini Patterson
Wishy Washy Laundry is a premium laundry delivery service that picks up, washes, folds and delivers clothing back to clients – giving them time back in their busy schedules.
Milwaukee Rag | Miguel and Francisco Aguilar
Milwaukee Rag is an upcycled textile brand that repurposes discarded fabrics into durable items, such as bags, home goods and accessories that combine style and sustainability.
Moda Headwraps | Tolu Ojesina
Moda Headwraps reimagines the traditional African headwrap into a modern, two-piece satin-lined design that is easy to style and celebrates African heritage.
Delectable Swirls | Priscilla Ferra
Delectable Swirls specializes in homemade cinnamon rolls and pastries made with high-quality ingredients, offering classic favorites and creative seasonal flavors.
Art Tours MKE | Brad Anthony Bernard and Erik Eide
Art Tours MKE is a locally owned tour company showcasing Milwaukee’s vibrant and diverse art scene, connecting residents and visitors to the city’s public art, street murals, independent galleries, historic institutions and local artists shaping Milwaukee’s cultural landscape.
BUSINESS TRAINING & LIVE PITCH EVENT
The program will culminate with an expo-style format on September 8, hosted at the Rave/Eagles Ballroom, where each finalist will host a booth, showcasing their business idea and interacting with attendees. The winner – who will be announced that evening – will receive significant resources to support their new venture, which will be located in a Concordia 27 storefront, including:
- $5,000 in cash for operational costs or business investment;
- Business coaching and consulting;
- Social media and marketing support;
- In-kind services and mentorship; and
- Media outreach and social media recognition from Near West Side Partners.
Additional details about the program and the expo-style event are available on the NWSP website here.
NWSP would like to thank this year’s Rev-Up MKE sponsors for their generous support. In particular, NWSP is grateful to Town Bank, the presenting sponsor for the Rev-Up MKE competition. In addition, J&J Fish and Chicken, Centers for Independence (CFI), Mandel Properties, Ritz Holman, Marquette University High School, Concordia 27 Apartments, Advocate Aurora, Greenfire, David J. Frank, Penfield Children’s Center, Mueller Communications, and Matt Talbot Recovery Services have generously partnered with NWSP to support this event.
ABOUT NEAR WEST SIDE PARTNERS, INC.
Near West Side Partners (NWSP) is a non-profit organization that works to revitalize the Near West Side of Milwaukee in four key focus areas: safety, housing, attracting and retaining businesses, and promoting the well-being of our neighbors. NWSP was founded through the support of business and civic leaders, including the organization’s five anchor institutions – Aurora Health Care, Harley-Davidson, Marquette University, Molson Coors and Potawatomi Ventures.
