Gateway to Milwaukee

14th September 2009

The Department of Economic Development is pleased to present the first issue of our e-newsletter. Please forward it to any fellow business owners, developers and/or residents you think would enjoy reading the latest news about economic development in Cudahy!

Economic Advancement Center Seeks Workshop Participants
Applications are now being accepted for the first workshop offered by the new South Shore Center for Economic Advancement (SSEAC). A consortium including the cities of Cudahy, St. Francis and South Milwaukee and the UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education and the UWM Small Business Development Center (SBDC) started the economic advancement center, in an effort to help residents looking for work or hoping to start their own businesses. The first class entitled “First Steps to Entrepreneurship” will be held Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the St. Francis Library (4230 S Nicholson Ave). The fee is $29 per participant. “This fast-paced workshop is a great starting point for anyone considering opening a business,” said SBDC Business Development Manager Laura Schmitz. “Participants will learn how to identify the risks and rewards of starting a business, as well as the various business options and marketing tactics available.” Attendees will also receive tools to calculate start-up costs, discover the value of a business plan, explore legal considerations and identify resources and next steps for starting a business. Interested applicants can register by visiting http://www.sce-sbdc.uwm.edu. First click on “Training Programs for Starting a Business” then click on “First Steps to Entrepreneurship Workshop”. The St. Francis Library session can be found at the bottom of the page. Or, call the UWM Small Business Development Center at (414) 227-3240. The SSEAC has put together a full series of seminars for small business owners in Milwaukee County. 

Mayor Ryan McCue Holding Town Hall Meetings on City Budget
You have one last opportunity to learn about the 2010 City of Cudahy budget. Mayor Ryan McCue will hold his third and final town hall meeting on Monday, September 21 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor McCue will make a presentation about the 2010 budget and talk about challenges facing the city. Then he will take questions and comments from citizens. The meeting will be held in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall, which is located at 5050 South Lake Drive.

Grant Program Helps Downtown Businesses Get Face Lifts
The response has been overwhelming to the Façade Improvement Program offered over the summer by the city and the Community Development Authority (CDA).  Ten downtown businesses and property owners are taking advantage of available design and construction grants, to improve the curb appeal of their establishments.  Watch for construction to start yet this fall. 

South Shore Business Network Seeks Members    
The new South Shore Business Network is looking to connect business owners in Bay View, St. Francis, Cudahy, South Miwaukee and Oak Creek. The goal of the network is to share information, build professional relationships, promote educational opportunities and patronize and promote each other’s businesses. To learn more about the South Shore Business Network and/or to register, go to:
http://www.cudahy4business.com/cudahyecondev/programs++projects/south+shore+business+network/default.asp.

City to Launch New Website
The most comprehensive and current information about Cudahy will soon be at your fingertips!  The City is getting ready to launch a new website – http://www.cudahy-WI.gov—replacing http://www.ci.cudahy-wi.us.  The new website will include everything residents, business owners and visitors need to know about City of Cudahy departments and services, and will eventually allow you to pay bills and fees online.  Watch for the big announcement when http://www.cudahy-WI.gov goes online! For more information about economic development in Cudahy visit our website, http://www.cudahy4business.com. The general city website is ci.cudahy.wi.us.