DoorDash, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, and the City of Milwaukee hosted a Local Business Workshop, bringing together entrepreneurs from local businesses for a day of hands-on training.

At the Workshop, participants received hands-on training on DoorDash tools and advertising, education on AI-powered business solutions, and received DoorDash ad credits to put what they learned into action immediately. 

“Milwaukee's local businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods, and City Hall is committed to making sure they have every opportunity to succeed," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “This Workshop is a great example of what's possible when local government, industry partners, and companies come together around a shared goal. I’m proud of our city’s partnership with DoorDash and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association to give our local businesses the support they need to grow right here in Milwaukee.”
 
“Running a restaurant or small business in today’s environment is no small feat, and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association is making sure our business owners have access to tangible resources that truly make a difference,” said Kristine Hillmer, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. “We’re grateful to partner with DoorDash and the City of Milwaukee to bring this Workshop to our community. Events like this give business owners something tangible to walk away with: real tools, new connections, and a clearer path forward.”
 
“From permits and fees to delays that keep businesses from growing, small business owners face challenges that most people don’t often hear about,” said Mike Pomerantz, Head of National Policy Engagement for DoorDash. “Today’s Workshop was our way of showing up for Milwaukee businesses with practical, immediate support to tackle those obstacles. We're proud to work alongside the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and Mayor Johnson's office to address the barriers that slow too many businesses down.”
 
“Before today, I had ideas to take my business to the next level, but I wasn’t sure where to start,” said Leo Farfan, owner of Anytime Arepa GF Kitchen. “Between the trainings and the people I met, the DoorDash Local Business Workshop gave me a roadmap to grow and the confidence to follow it. I'm leaving here ready to get to work."
 
The Workshop series is also part of DoorDash’s Unlocking Main Street campaign, pairing on-the-ground support for entrepreneurs with a policy agenda aimed at reducing the barriers they face to opening and growing their businesses.
 
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA) is the voice of Wisconsin’s essential restaurant and hospitality sector. We represent over 7,000 restaurant locations statewide, from seasonal drive-ins, supper clubs and neighborhood bars to fine-dining and large resorts. Most of our members hold alcohol licenses.
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation (WRAEF) advances the industry by supporting workforce development, education, and training initiatives that help build a strong, skilled hospitality workforce across the state.
Key Facts about Wisconsin’s Restaurant Workforce & Economy:

• Major Employer: Restaurants employ 9% of Wisconsin's workforce, making our industry vital to the state’s economic health.
• Independent Core: Over 75% of our members are independent restaurants and restaurant groups, underscoring our commitment to local small business owners. Twenty percent of our members are locally owned franchisees of major hospitality brands.
• Community Cornerstones: Beyond jobs and hospitality, restaurants are the cornerstones of their neighborhoods. They actively support local schools, teams, charities, and churches through regular fundraising and donations, providing safe, vital meeting places for every community need.