Cultivating business growth

Milwaukee-based JCP Construction received a $1.54 million impact investment loan from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation in 2022 to support growth and job creation. This investment demonstrates how the Foundation catalyzes change when the traditional financial system is not meeting the community’s full needs. The infusion of capital helped position the already successful family owned, Black-owned company for a range of new projects and opportunities. 

  • Booked more than $35 million in upcoming work
  • Awarded remodel of 19 Advocate Aurora clinics in Milwaukee County
  • Awarded two Associated Bank remodels
  • Partnering with CG Schmidt on ThriveOn King historic redevelopment
  • Partnering with Findorff on Center for Black Excellence and Culture development in Madison
  • Partnering with VJS Construction on Washington Park Urban Ecology Center project
  • Partnering with Miron Construction on FPC Live/ Milwaukee Bucks live entertainment facility in Milwaukee’s Deer District 

“As far as the outlook, we feel great. This is the biggest backlog of future work that we’ve ever had, so it’s fortunate that we’ve had that infusion of capital from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. That provided a vote of confidence in working with JCP as a client, and these are all great projects and joint ventures to be a part of,” said Clifton Phelps, JCP co-owner.

JCP was also able to expand its professional office and field team with several new hires.

“The missing puzzle piece to broader economic participation and growth isn’t talent, or creativity, or effort – it’s external investment,” said Kenneth Robertson, Foundation executive vice president, COO and CFO. “The Foundation is stepping in to make resources – its own and those from donors – more accessible in communities where the practices of traditional lenders have often raised additional barriers for businesses and entrepreneurs. We’re glad to be in position to support the success of a firm that is both locally grown and known for providing career opportunities to underrepresented groups that historically aren’t given chances to advance in the construction industry, which strengthens our community overall.”

About JCP

JCP was established in 2008 by brothers Clifton, James and Jalin Phelps. With a central office on King Drive and a commitment to employing a workforce that reflects the community they serve, the company is an important part of Milwaukee’s diverse business ecosystem. JCP has a range of capabilities in the field, including pre-construction services, general contracting, subcontracting and construction management. 

JCP has contributed to some of the most recognizable projects in Wisconsin, including the Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport remodel and the Northwestern Mutual tower and commons, and significant community projects such as Outreach Community Health Centers’ clinic addition and the ThriveOn Collaboration’s ThriveOn King project.