Are you looking for social enterprises in Wisconsin to either partner with, purchase services or products from, or simply support? We’ve featured 10 top social enterprise businesses in Wisconsin in this post. The following compilation has been put together in no particular order.
1. Artisan Dental
Artisan Dental, founded in 2014 by Scott and Dr. Nicole Andersen in Madison, Wisconsin, is a Certified B Corporation. Their goal is to improve community health by offering exceptional dental care while prioritizing environmental sustainability. They provide quality oral care and support staff growth.
Through dental fees, Artisan Dental funds green conservation efforts, earning several awards for combating global warming. They excel in delivering top-notch dental services while nurturing staff development and environmental responsibility, making them a leading force for positive change in oral health and sustainability.
Connect with dental staff for additional information.
2. Hatch Art House
Hatch Art House, located in Madison, Wisconsin, was founded by Tammy Schreiter and Tammy Kirner. It first opened its doors on December 3, 2010. This social enterprise operates as an art gallery and gift shop that supports local artists by showcasing and selling their artwork.
They provide a platform for emerging and established artists to promote their work, generating revenue through art sales. This helps artists sustain their careers while fostering a vibrant arts community in Madison among those who might not otherwise be able to earn a living with their gifts.
Reach out to Hatch Art House for further details.
3. The Open Door Coffeehouse
The Open Door Coffeehouse, located in Mayville, WI, was founded by Amber Schraufnagel and is currently guided by a board of nine members and a team of volunteers. Together, they tirelessly work to meet the local community’s needs, focusing on empowering families. Their services cater to people at every stage of their journey. They offer preventive programs, mentoring, and life skills training to prevent crises.
Open Door provides intervention and restoration programs to ensure success after overcoming crises. The organization’s success stems from uniting mentors and mentees, fostering a strong community bond. They serve their mission while serving coffee to support their cause, but they also accept donations.
Connect with this social enterprise for additional information.
4. Madison Reading Project
Madison Reading Project (MRP) in Madison, Wisconsin, was founded by Rowan Childs in 2013. Childs was inspired to create this social enterprise after reading statistics about low literacy rates and the lack of reading resources among the poor. MRP promotes literacy and a love for reading among children from low-income families who might not otherwise have adequate access to books.
They provide free books, literacy programs, and reading resources to children in the community. Revenue is generated through donations, book sales, and partnerships with organizations that share their mission of improving childhood literacy.
Contact MRP.
5. Madison Community Cooperative (MCC)
The beginnings of the Madison Community Cooperative in Madison, Wisconsin, came in 1968 when the representatives of eight coops came together to form one larger entity to better serve members of their community. This housing cooperative provides affordable and cooperative housing options for individuals and families.
Each member of the cooperative contributes to the larger collective with their members contributing to the management and maintenance of the properties. They strive to develop cooperative housing and services that will serve low- to moderate-income students by providing low-cost housing convenient to Madison campuses and providing resources for underrepresented and marginalized community members.
Get in touch with MCC.
6. Project Return
Established in 1980 by community members, Project Return in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a social enterprise whose primary objective is to combat the persistently high recidivism rate in the local community. Through the establishment of job training, employment opportunities, and comprehensive support services, Project Return endeavors to empower individuals who have been incarcerated to successfully reintegrate into society.
To sustain their crucial work, this organization relies on funding from numerous local foundations, grants, and individual donations. By leveraging these financial resources, Project Return strives to equip former convicts with the necessary tools and resources to prevent reoffending and foster their seamless reintegration into the community.
Engage with this organization.
7. ULGM Black Business Hub
In 2021, the Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM) took a significant step towards fostering economic empowerment and social justice in the Black community by establishing the Black Business Hub in Madison, Wisconsin. This pioneering social enterprise is dedicated to supporting potential Black entrepreneurs through workforce development programs, job placement services, and comprehensive entrepreneurial assistance.
By offering these invaluable resources, the Black Business Hub aims to bridge the opportunity gap and empower Black individuals to thrive in their chosen fields, bolstering economic growth and fostering a more equitable society.
Initiate contact with ULGM Black Business Hub.
8. Victory Garden Initiative
Founded by Gretchen Mead in 2008, Victory Garden Initiative is a non-profit organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their mission is to foster a sustainable and socially just food system by providing the education and tools that individuals need to cultivate their own food.
Revenue to support this initiative is generated through donations, grants, and the sale of gardening-related products. With a focus on urban agriculture, food sovereignty, and community resilience, Victory Garden Initiative aims to promote the importance of self-sufficiency and provide educational resources and support to individuals and neighborhoods interested in gardening, ensuring a healthier and more connected community.
Make inquiries to this organization.
9. Core El Centro
Founded by Nancy Yañez in 2002, Core El Centro is a holistic wellness center located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It provides integrative health services to underserved individuals, aiming to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. Through a combination of client fees, grants, and donations, they generate revenue to sustain their operations.
Core El Centro’s social impact lies in its commitment to offering affordable and culturally responsive healthcare, wellness education, and healing practices. By addressing barriers that may prevent people from accessing conventional healthcare services, they strive to improve the overall well-being of their community.
Reach the representatives of this organization.
10. Sherman Phoenix
Founded in 2018 by Juli Kaufmann and JoAnne Johnson-Sabir, Sherman Phoenix is a social justice hub and marketplace nestled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This social enterprise serves as a platform for small businesses owned by people of color.
By generating revenue through business rent and event space rentals, Sherman Phoenix actively promotes economic equity. Moreover, it passionately supports local entrepreneurs while cultivating a dynamic community space that encourages collaboration, cultural exchange, and entrepreneurial endeavors. It stands as a beacon of hope, forging a path toward a more inclusive and prosperous society.
Call or message this business.
