You might say that the city of Milwaukee has gone through somewhat of a business renaissance in recent years. To wit: Tourism, high-tech and construction industries are booming; the downtown Riverwalk area is being transformed into a tourist and shopping Mecca; and the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce's Future 50 program annually recognizes 50 local small-business owners for their entrepreneurial achievements.
Not that the city that news anchor Peter Jennings dubbed the "jewel of the Midwest" had much to complain about. Lively ethnic and music festivals; plentiful water recreation on Lake Michigan; and friendly, safe neighborhoods make for a truly high quality of living.
Limited access to capital and a dwindling labor force continue to present challenges for Milwaukee entrepreneurs. The city is making inroads, however, thanks to innovative welfare-to-work programs. And the Milwaukee Economic Development Corp.'s Capital Access program, in which state and local government match cash to a reserve fund designed to back risky loans, has helped more than 300 businesses since its inception in 1992.
The area's transformation is giving new meaning to the city's slogan: "Genuine Milwaukee"--and locals certainly have reason to be genuinely proud of this city.
This article was originally published in the October 1997 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: 20 Best Cities For Small Business.
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