Near West Side Partners, Inc. (NWSP) announced today that its inaugural Rev-Up MKE competition winner, Pete Cooney of Pete’s Pops, will bring a “Pop-Up Popsicle Stand” to Near West Side Partners anchor institutions, Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors, to debut the “Near West Side” popsicle for organization employees.

Pete’s Pops is a local, Milwaukee company offering fresh fruit and cream popsicles, otherwise known as paletas, in many unique flavor combinations. The small business, run by Marquette University alumnus Pete Cooney, is currently partnering with another Near West Side organization, Milwaukee Center For Independence (MCFI), to utilize their commercial kitchen. To celebrate his commitment to the Near West Side community, Pete recently unveiled Pete’s Pops’ new “Near West Side” popsicle flavor, sweet tea lemonade. A portion of each Near West Side pop sale this summer will be donated to support the work of Near West Side Partners.

Rev-Up MKE is a small business competition to promote local business development and increase neighborhood employment in the Near West Side. The competition provides an opportunity for start-up entrepreneurs to expand or start a business and get the support needed to make it successful in the Near West Side community. As part of the competition, six finalists will receive hands-on business training from the Near West Side anchor institutions in preparation for a “Shark Tank”-style live pitch event. The final winner will receive significant resources to support their new venture, which will be located in a Near West Side storefront.

Applications are still open for the 2017 Rev-Up MKE competition. Interested entrepreneurs can visit www.nearwestsidemke.org/revupmke for more information or to apply.