Uptown businesses can pitch for a year of free rent

Milwaukee's Uptown area is trying a pitch contest to bring businesses into vacant storefronts on West North Avenue, between Sherman Boulevard and 60th Street.

The effort starts with a community meeting on Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Milwaukee French Immersion School, 2360 N. 52nd St., where residents can say what shops or services they want nearby.

Five business workshops are planned in October and November before the pitch competition. The program runs through UW-Whitewater's RenewTowns, and this is its first time working in Milwaukee.

Rent help for the winners will come from Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. Residents are expected to vote on pitches in December, with those results going to judges and organizers for a final decision.