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WHY GIVE?

  • Empower Local Entrepreneurs

    Your support equips aspiring food entrepreneurs with the tools and training they need to launch and grow successful businesses.

  • Fuel Community Transformation

    By giving, you’re helping to revitalize underserved neighborhoods through sustainable economic development and job creation.

  • Invest in Lasting Impact

    Every donation supports long-term solutions that uplift families and create generational opportunities.

  • Promote Economic Equity

    Your generosity helps close opportunity gaps, giving entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds a chance to thrive.

  • Foster Innovation

    Support programs that inspire creativity and drive in the food industry, leading to unique businesses that enrich our communities.

  • Partner in Mission

    Join a movement dedicated to making a tangible difference in lives through collaboration, mentorship, and empowerment.

Make a donation.

At PRISM EDC, we are committed to empowering food entrepreneurs and revitalizing communities through sustainable economic development. Your generous donation helps us provide vital resources, training, and opportunities for small business owners to thrive, creating lasting impact in underserved communities.

Every contribution makes a difference!

Community Meals "It has really become not only a way of continually serving the community, but it's a way of really empowering our entrepreneurs, giving them experience and helping them generate some revenue”

Leo Ries, Former Executive Director of PRISM EDC

"Upstart has built this environment of collaboration and sharing. There's something special about the environment that they've built here.”

Mike Moeller, Owner of Milwaukee Chip Co.

"I encourage more people to learn about Upstart Kitchen if you're an entrepreneur, especially, but if you're somebody that just wants to support entrepreneurs who are coming from the ground level to provide goods and services in Milwaukee, this is a place you ought to know”

Milwaukee Mayor Cavelier Johnson

 FAQs

  • Prism EDC is a nonprofit organization that exists to provide the Sherman Park community with access to resources that result in sustained economic growth and entrepreneurial development, specifically focusing on food-related economic development and community service. 

  • Prism Economic Development Corporation empowers communities through innovative programs like UpStart Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen supporting food entrepreneurs; Cultivate, a hydroponics program teaching sustainable farming to address food insecurity and create workforce opportunities; and the Medical Meals Program, which provides nutritious, medically tailored meals to improve community health outcomes. Together, these initiatives drive economic growth, sustainability, and well-being for all.

  • Looking to get involved with Prism's impactful programs?

    • For Cultivate, reach out to Grian at grian@youcultivate.org.

    • To learn more about UpStart Kitchen, contact Portia at portiawhipps@prismedc.org.

    • For general inquiries about Prism EDC, email onboarding@prismedc.org.

    We’d love to connect with you!

  • To apply for Upstart Kitchen contact portiawhipps@prismedc.org

  • We support entrepreneurs through UpStart Kitchen, PRISM's first initiative designed to empower food industry entrepreneurs in Milwaukee. Here's how we help:

    • Shared Commercial Kitchen: UpStart Kitchen offers a clean, accessible, and fully equipped commercial kitchen for current and aspiring food service entrepreneurs. The facility includes deli and hot food prep spaces, as well as ample storage options (cold, dry, and freezer). Entrepreneurs have access to professional-grade equipment such as ranges, cooktops, griddles, convection ovens, rack ovens, stand mixers, holding cabinets, deep fryers, blenders, and food processors.

    • Mentoring and Training: Entrepreneurs receive mentoring, coaching, and industry-specific training to help them navigate the food industry and small business operations. This support is provided in collaboration with other organizations to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.

    Through these services, UpStart Kitchen acts as a catalyst for increasing access to local, healthy, and affordable food while fostering food-related employment opportunities in Milwaukee.

  • Yes, we offer financial and operational support to help members succeed:

    • Financial Assistance: Grants for new members in UpStart (e.g., kitchen fees), small microloans for licensing and operations, and support for MBE, WBE, and Food Handling Certification.

    • Training Opportunities: Hands-on training in food prep, packaging, and delivery, as well as guidance in developing catering services (marketing, pricing, food prep, serving, etc.).

    • Discounted Resources: Access to catering equipment rentals at reduced rates.

    • Skill Development: Cooking classes to expand the knowledge and skills of both members and the public.

  • Follow us on social media @prismedc and subscribe to our mailing list here.

  • You can contact us at onboarding@prismedc.org for more information.