Only 4% of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. survive past the startup stage, even though 20% of Black Americans start businesses.
Coworking and shared office spaces are redefining the concept of collaboration. Combining resources, services, or knowledge can help two businesses accomplish more than one. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a unique city with over 600 Black-Owned Businesses (according to MKE Black directory).
Did you know that Black Americans are more likely to start businesses than any other ethnic group? In 2018, Wisconsin ranked number 10 in the States With the Fastest-Growing African-American-Led Companies (Inc. 5000).
However, we know that being part of a growing market does not guarantee a fair share of the economic gains. An article from American Express reports that “47% of African-American small business owners run their businesses by themselves."
Forming partnerships with Black-Owned businesses, consultants, and organizations is critical for the sustainability of Black businesses' trajectories. Small business owners can land bigger contracts and expand into other markets by seeing each other as potential partners instead of competitors.
Ambition Center MKE is creating an environment that is non-competitive where diverse business owners can come together to connect, share strategies, and empower one another.
What is the Collaboration Corner?
Ambition Center MKE pillars are Coworking + Culture. A core part of our culture is collaboration. The Collaboration Corner is Ambition Center MKE’s way of highlighting ambitious professionals with a strong connection to Milwaukee.
Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners are invited into the space in hopes of forging stronger community connections as they share their expertise and resources with the public for free.
Who was Featured in the Collaboration Corner in 2021?
Ambition Center hosted its first Collaboration Corner two weeks after opening. The events were hybrid (in-person and online) to have a greater reach.
Workshop: Building Business Credit
Entrepreneur: Bill Toombs, Jr. is the Founding Member of Capital Business Suite. Bill has helped hundreds of small businesses scale using business credit.
Website: https://capitalbusinesssuite.com/
Workshop: Starting Your Website
Entrepreneur: Megan Bruzan is the owner of Milwaukee Web Designs and helps individuals get their website started and gain confidence in bringing their idea or business into the world.
Workshop: Creating Financial Foundations
Entrepreneur: Latanza Parnell is an Accountant and the owner of Parnell Accounting Solutions and provides accounting and other services for service-based businesses.
Workshop: Starting Your Nonprofit
Entrepreneur: Rashidah Butler-Jackson is a Certified Nonprofit Management Consultant and the owner of RBJ Community Consulting and helps community organizations and social entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and reach their full potential.
Website: https://www.rbjcommunity.com/
Workshop: Scaling for Success
Entrepreneur: Travis Spell is an Author, Speaker, Coach, Entrepreneur, and the Business Development Manager at Riverworks Development Corporation.
Website: www.RiverworksMKE.org
Can I be Featured in the Collaboration Corner in 2022?
Yes. Ambition Center MKE is always looking for experts in the Greater Milwaukee Area to share their knowledge with our members and the public. Please submit this interest form to be considered.
And, yes, you can promote your business during your session. We are doing our part to provide the event space and platform to share your expertise as well as your services.
What is Ambition Center MKE?
Ambition Center MKE is the most diverse and inclusive, and northernmost shared office and coworking space in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of January 2022, we are one of four Black-owned coworking spaces in the city of Milwaukee. Our vision is to empower and grow the ideas of professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives by providing local access to technology, resources, mentorship, and strategic connections.
We are located at 530 E. Vienna Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212. We offer private offices, general coworking space, a media room, event space, and conference rooms. The team would love to meet you. Use this link to book a tour today! Stay Ambitious! -Ambition Center Team Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Comments