Daijah Wade
Name of your business
Walking Jerk
Is there any history behind the name chosen
The Walking Jerk. It’s a play on words
What is the purpose of your business
To serve the community with transitional, plant-based food that is simple, familiar, and meat/dairy free.
How do you feel about being at the Hub
I enjoy it a lot! It’s easier for customers to find us, easier for us to interact with customers and it is more intimate than a food truck.
Short comment to a long-term goal
“Get brick and mortar for the Walking Jerk for the community to sit down. This will provide more opportunity for healing.”
Sam Rikkers
WEDC Deputy Secretary and COO
What is the name of your business?
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Is there any history behind the name chosen?
WEDC was created by state law in 2011 to serve as Wisconsin’s lead economic development agency, replacing the former Department of Commerce.
What is the purpose of your business?
WEDC is committed to building an economy for all, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
How do you feel about being located in the Hub?
When WEDC decided to move into the Black Business Hub a couple of years ago, we chose the location because we wanted to be part of a growing community where we could connect with our neighbors, learn about their needs, and see the results of our investments.
We consider our partnership with the Urban League one of our most important. The relationship we have with Dr. Anthony and his team has helped us set priorities and, especially, helped us to understand how to best support entrepreneurs and startups in traditionally underserved communities.
Since moving into the Hub, WEDC and ULGM have partnered to help train entrepreneurs and invest in startups in the Madison area, including some businesses that are located here in the Hub! It’s incredible to see participants in these programs realizing their dreams, and we are excited to be a part of their successes!
Short comment for your business’ long-term goals.
“We are committed to making Wisconsin a place where businesses, communities, and people can grow and prosper. There’s no better place to see that happening every day up close than in the Hub!”
Krystal Oby
Name of Your Business
Williams Oby Law Group (a/k/a Krystal Williams-Oby LLC). The name honors my family legacy, with “Williams” paying homage especially to my mother, Annette Polly Williams, whose resilience gave me the courage to build my own practice. The “Group” reflects the network of affiliated solo attorneys serving communities across Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago, united under a shared commitment to justice and service.
Purpose of Your Business
Faith is at the center of what I do. I know legal issues can be stressful, so I work to give practical, personalized legal assistance to churches, nonprofits, business leaders, and families; and I’m always happy to pray with clients if they want. My hope is to offer more than traditional legal services – I want people to feel heard, supported, and cared for, especially when navigating complex legal issues.
How Do You Feel About Being at the Hub?
I love it! The Hub is not just a beautiful, professional workspace, but also a vibrant community where businesses and people feel a true sense of belonging, making the Hub an ideal environment for black-owned businesses.
Short Comment to a Long-Term Goal
My long-term objective is to broaden my firm’s services across the Midwest by partnering with attorneys who share our values and vision in the region.
