There is a plethora of empty storefront space in Milwaukee and business leaders see potential in it.
The Burleigh Street Community Development Corporation and the nearby Fondy / North Economic Development Corporation are each trying to convince prospective business owners that their respective neighborhoods are ideal locations to open up shop.
Both development corporations are holding small business start-up competitions along with workshops and business information sessions.
"We have open store fronts and that's really what brought us to this competition," Renee Lindner of the Burleigh Street CDC says.
The Fondy Neighborhood also has a lot of empty storefronts as well as vacant buildings.
"When I did outreach with some of the business owners in the area, a lot of them are leaving. So, we want to try to keep them there in the area and bring more people," Jessica Justiniano of Fondy / North EDC says.
The2015 Milwaukee Small Business Week takes place June 1 - 5. More information about the Burleigh Street CDC contest can be found here.