Inspired by community. Driven by purpose.
Collaborative 523, Inc. is a nonprofit committed to cultivating a flourishing and connected Cambridge. We strive to create opportunities for businesses, strengthen community ties, and welcome visitors to experience the charm of our historic village.
MISSION
To support the growth and vitality of Cambridge by connecting businesses, individuals, and organizations with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
VISON
A vibrant and welcoming Cambridge where businesses succeed, residents feel deeply connected, and visitors are captivated by the unique, historic charm of our community.
VALUES
Community: Building meaningful connections among businesses, residents, and visitors.
Innovation: Creating forward-thinking solutions to foster growth, opportunity, and tourism.
Preservation: Honoring the history and character of Cambridge while embracing its future.
Collaboration: Partnering with stakeholders to drive sustainable economic development.
Accessibility: Providing equitable opportunities for businesses and individuals to succeed.
CAMBRIDGE STOREFRONT COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED
June 15, 2025
After months of working with and evaluating a number of innovative business concepts for our downtown Cambridge community, we're excited to announce the results of our storefront competition!
𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑: 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 - Cambridge & Co Confectionary
Deborah's chocolate and sweet confections shop opened this month inside the Galleria 214 building on Main Street. She wins one year's rent plus ongoing mentorship and support from Collaborative 523 Inc.
𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 Mustard Seed Books
Cathy Yerges' bookstore and reading room concept also came to life through the competition and opened last week! You can find this cozy spot featuring used and overstock books, games, puzzles, and new literary gifts (and plenty of room for your book club) on the second floor inside Cambridge Market Cafe.
𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: This competition was conducted in partnership with the UW-Whitewater Enactus Program as part of their RenewTowns project, which works with Wisconsin communities to drive sustainable economic growth and revitalization through business pitch competitions that offer free rent and other incentives to small businesses. The Cambridge Storefront Competition invited entrepreneurs to pitch their business concepts for our downtown area with the goal of bringing fresh, innovative businesses to Cambridge's Main Street.
𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: Our Enactus Partners Are National Champions! The UW-Whitewater Enactus team was just named the 2025 Enactus USA champion and will represent the United States at the Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand this September! Their RenewTowns project, which includes our Cambridge competition, has successfully partnered with Fort Atkinson, Cambridge, and Wauwatosa to revitalize downtown areas across Wisconsin.
Collaborative 523 Inc. remains committed to supporting all competition participants in bringing their business dreams to Cambridge.
Congratulations to our winners and our championship Enactus partners! Here's to a thriving downtown Cambridge!
RenewTowns
The RenewTowns project is an innovative initiative designed to breathe new life into downtown Cambridge by transforming a vacant space into a thriving business hub. Through a unique pitch competition, entrepreneurs and small businesses have the chance to win one year of free rent in a mixed-use building on Main Street!
