Entrepreneur-In-Residence

Are you the next Milwaukee Public Library Entrepreneur-in-Residence?

Innovative and community-focused entrepreneurs are invited to submit proposals for a six-week Entrepreneur Residency with the Milwaukee Public Library! We are looking for experienced and creative individuals who are interested in supporting the next generation of Milwaukee entrepreneurs.

The Milwaukee Public Library Entrepreneur-in-Residence will create workshops and offer one-on-one coaching to support aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur-in-Residence Details:

Six-week residency between June-August 2026, with a $3,000 stipend
The resident will lead a minimum of six workshops or events
The resident will host weekly office hours in the Business Commons at Central Library

Required Qualifications:

Committed to developing Milwaukee’s small business community by mentoring and inspiring new entrepreneurs
Proven record of starting a successful small or medium-sized business in the Milwaukee area
Three or more years of successful business experience
Excellent communication skills
Experience evaluating business ideas and plans
Must be available to collaborate on program development at least four weeks prior to the start of the residency

EIR Desired Qualifications:

Bilingual English, Spanish, Hmong, or American Sign Language

Deadline to submit proposals is Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Past Entrepreneurs-In-Residence

June-July 2024 Milwaukee Public Library Entrepreneur-in-Residence -
Eli Rivera.

Eli Rivera, Co-founder/CEO at The Way Out, is a justice-impacted serial entrepreneur, Associate Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF), Google Latino Founders Fund Recipient, and Google Sales Academy Graduate.

March-April 2026 Milwaukee Public Library Entrepreneur-in-Residence -
Dr. Shakkiah Curtis.

Dr. Shakkiah Curtis, Founder & CEO of The Pink Hustle, Owner of SPINN MKE Indoor Cycling Studio, and CEO of Her Fitness and Finances LLC.