08 Apr Urban League of Greater Madison breaks ground on $25.5 million Black Business Hub
State Rep. Shelia Stubbs and Urban League of Greater Madison President and CEO Dr. Ruben Anthony
Hundreds and hundreds of community leaders, stakeholders, politicians, business leaders, and more gathered in cold April weather on Friday afternoon to see a historic day in Madison — the launching of the Urban League of Greater Madison’s $25.5 million, four-story Black Business Hub in South Madison that has plans to become the Madison region’s premiere enterprise center devoted to incubating, accelerating, and networking diverse businesses and entrepreneurs.
Urban League of Greater Madison President and CEO Dr. Ruben Anthony said the Black Business Hub and the Urban League, which hopes to be ready to open in early 2023, will help create “a new pipeline of businesses to not only serve South Madison but to serve Dane County and the region as a whole.”
“Over the past couple of years, I’ve heard from so many people who have indicated that they want to start a business, but most simply need a little help, or they need a start, they need a push. Well, I’m here to tell you the day that help is on the way. We are getting ready to make it happen here in South Madison,” Anthony told the crowd. “We are getting ready to put a shovel in the ground today. So many of you have answered the call and have risen to help this project be possible.”
The Hub will be home to retail and other businesses owned by Black and other entrepreneurs of color ranging from start-ups to established businesses looking to expand and/or take on storefront locations for the first time. The Hub will also integrate mission-based commercial and retail uses including a wide variety of innovative economic and entrepreneurship activities including food, personal care, financial services, entertainment, technology, co-working space, a rentable commercial kitchen, and much more.