Business Spotlight - January 2023
Greeting Friends and Neighbors:
The Riverworks Business Development HUB provides technical assistance to local entrepreneurs and businesses. Our business development specialists provide business coaching and strategic budgeting sessions to help find funding and grant opportunities that fit their needs. Our monthly business spotlight highlights some of the amazing work and accomplishments of these entrepreneurs. Please check out these businesses and support local whenever possible!
To learn more about the Riverworks Business Development HUB click here.
Rooted MKE
To kick off our Business Spotlight series for 2023, we’re highlighting Rooted MKE, a BIPOC children’s bookstore and literacy center located at 5312 W Vliet St. Started in 2022 by founder, Ashley Valentine, Rooted MKE’s mission is to provide BIPOC youth a reflection of themselves through their curated selection of books. They aspire to be a community space where families gather, appreciate shared experiences centered around literacy, and nurture Milwaukee’s youth in a safe, inclusive space.
Rooted MKE offers a wide range of titles that feature black and brown protagonists, as well as books in various languages. In addition to the bookstore space, Rooted MKE offers classes, events, and tutoring services that provide opportunities for eager young minds to learn a new craft, skill, or subject.
" There are not many spaces in Milwaukee for black and brown youth to experience literacy. I want to change that. Rooted MKE started as an 'it would be cool if...' dream for my community. Those sown seeds have been watered and are ready to blossom." - Ashley Valentine
Rooted MKE is currently working on expanding the business to a larger, more accommodating space in 2023. So, if you’re looking for a good book to share with your little one, head over to Rooted MKE for a unique experience you won’t soon forget!
If you are interested in being featured on the Business Spotlight, please contact Serah Washington.
That’s amazing to hear! Rooted MKE sounds like such a valuable space for the community, especially for young readers who deserve to see themselves represented in literature. I love that they not only provide diverse books but also offer classes and tutoring—it’s so important to create spaces where kids feel seen, heard, and supported. I’ll definitely have to check them out next time I’m in the area! Thanks for sharing this spotlight. ragdoll hit