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Business Spotlight - June 2020



Business Spotlight - June 2020


With everything going on around us, it is important to stand strong - as individuals and as a community! Check out some of our local businesses below, and consider supporting them if you are able. We must be flexible and creative as we find ways to adapt to a "new normal," and the following businesses are testament to the strength and resiliency in our community. Stay safe, stay well, and let's get through this together. 



Centro Cafe & Bar Centro

Pat Moore had a dream of opening a small Italian restaurant on E. Center Street in Riverwest, the neighborhood he called home. His wife, Peg Karpfinger, who had a landscape architecture business, joined him in this dream and they bought a building and began renovating it. In June of 2009 they opened Centro Café. Still going strong after 10 plus years, they opened Bar Centro, next door, in 2019. Using many locally sourced products, and having local employees, Centro looks forward to being able to open again. They are currently only doing take out orders. Please visit their website for more information. Learn More...




D & S Homez

This is the story of Sarah Clifton, a home care worker, and Dianne Dallas, a property manager of several buildings throughout the city. They crossed paths when Dallas was managing a property that Clifton was working in and they quickly became friends. It wasn’t long before their conversations became entrepreneurial. Clifton shared that funding exists to care for people who are disabled and/or elderly. And Dallas was managing 66 tenants and suggested that starting a business together seems like a logical next step. They could provide desperately needed quality services caring for people in the community and make a living doing it. They joined forces and became partners in business starting D&S Homez, LLC. Several prime opportunities to care for more people crossed their paths and they took strategic steps to evolve their business.



Spike Brewing

At Spike Brewing, located at 3866 N Fratney St, they take pride in their craftsmanship and ingenuity. Their team works tirelessly to deliver products that not only meet the demands of their customers, but exceed their expectations. Everything they make is designed, welded and assembled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, so you can be confident that you are only minutes away from getting the answers you need or a custom product you've dreamed up. They like to think their commitment to the customers speaks volumes about what makes Spike different—some might say their products speak for themselves.


Truly Spoken Cycles

Aytan Luck opened Truly Spoken Cycles in the fall of 2008 on Center and Bremen. They moved to they current location at 600 E Center Street in 2011. This locally-owned bicycle store features Jamis bikes (although currently the supply chain is behind a few months) a great selection of used bikes, accessories and repair products. Please give them a call 414-263-BIKE or visit their website.



Wenniger Compressor Co.

Wenniger Compressor Co., located at 3435 N Buffum St, is your all-in-one expert for air compressor sales and service. They stock and supply a wide range of parts from top industry brands like ELGI and other OEMs, and their well-trained and licensed techs deliver complete service for pneumatic systems—including air end rebuilds!  Wenniger has been a leading compressor repair company in Wisconsin. In 2020, Wenniger was recognized by the Milwaukee Awards Program as the Best of 2020 Milwaukee for Compressor Repair and Sales, and in June, LG recognized them as an Authorized Dealer. Wenniger Compressors has a reputation for being a hardworking, diligent and trust worthy business within Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin.



KRS Hair & Wax Studio 

Kimberly and Christopher Wilder own and operate this local full service salon since 2005. Many ask what KRS stands for. It is For Kimberly, and their daughters’ Rai and Symonne. The salon is known for natural hair care, lash and hair extensions along with cuts and color for all texture and ethnicities. Their aesthetician is rated one of the top waxers in the City of Milwaukee. Please call them at 414-265-7919 or visit their website for more information or to make an appointment. Learn More...



WEDC We're All In Grant

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will issue 30,000 grants of $2,500 to Wisconsin small businesses to help them get back on their feet amid disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, WEDC’s We’re All In Small Business Grant aims to assist with the costs of business interruption or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages and inventory.


APPLICATION PERIOD 8:00 a.m., Monday, June 15 – 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, June 23.


BE PREPARED Applicants are encouraged familiarize themselves with the eligibility requirements that can be found here. Gathering the necessary documents prior to applying will also help streamline the process:


1) 2018 or 2019 federal tax return or business. Applicable tax returns are:

-IRS form 1065 Partnership Return (no K-1s required)

-IRS form 1120 Corporation Return (no schedules required)

-IRS form 1120S S Corporation Return (no K-1s required)

-IRS form 1040 (sole proprietors) and the following:

Schedule C, Profit and Loss from Business


2) A signed and dated W-9 form available here


3) A letter or email of acknowledgement from a community organization indicating your business was in operation in February 2020. The letter or email can be from any of the following:


LETTER OF SUPPORT

As part of this grant, businesses are required to get a letter of support from a local community organization. If you would like Riverworks to provide this support letter, please reach out to Kate with you business name, address and confirmation that you were operating in February of 2020.

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