Intention is to provide rapid response to prevent closings like Stella’s and Manna House
MADISON – Senator Spencer Coggs announced that he will be working with members of the business community, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, and the new administration to form an “Economic Strike Force” to provide support for struggling businesses in Wisconsin.
“Recently two popular restaurants in Milwaukee (Stella’s and Manna House) closed their doors abruptly. In both cases, having access to financial or industry expert resources might have averted what were two unfortunate business losses in our community. These owners probably didn’t need a hand out, but they could have used a hand up,” said Sen. Coggs.
The new Scott Walker administration starts next January and has pledged to make Wisconsin open for business. “I want to give Governor Walker an opportunity to have his ‘open for business’ concept equate to a fair deal for small and minority businesses in Wisconsin,” continued Sen. Coggs.
Starting this week, Sen. Coggs will solicit input from businesses, individuals, and government officials throughout the state as to the most common questions and concerns that lead to business failure in Wisconsin. It is intended that the Strike Force will serve as a clearinghouse to direct appropriate resources to struggling business owners.
“Access to resources tends to be the greatest need for many small and minority business owners. In addition to employing 80 percent of Wisconsin’s workforce, many businesses are overwhelmed because they are often owned and managed by just one person. When times get tough they need all the assistance we, at the state level, and others can provide for them,” said Sen. Coggs.
The Strike Force’s guidelines indicate that they will bring together resources currently offered by both the government and the private sector and hopefully serve as an ombudsman for businesses seeking assistance.
“The road to economic recovery is by supporting businesses that will then be able to hire back the talented workforce that has been left idle. With the escalating black male unemployment, this is a key component. By providing technical support to small and minority owned businesses, we can provide low-cost support for small businesses that will put Wisconsin back to work,” said Sen. Coggs.
