INNOVATION PROSPERS WITH OUR STATE’S SUPPORT
Making great ideas into better realities is possible in a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem like Wisconsin’s. Built on a foundation of constant improvement and advancement, our state strengthens new business innovation through supporting startups from seed to growth stage.
We know there can be obstacles along the path from idea to commercialization. WEDC’s entrepreneurial programs are designed to further advance startup activity by supporting the full path from startup to commercialization. By working with our statewide network of partners, our initiatives spur entrepreneurial activity by providing direct capital infusions and incenting investments through angel and venture tax credits, mentoring, training and other important resources. Plus, you’ll have access to the location you want, the talent you need, and the investment in research and development that will keep your business at the forefront of innovation.
WEDC PROGRAMS
CAPITAL CATALYST PROGRAM
Matching grants to seed funds managed by local communities and other eligible entities to provide capital to high-growth startups and emerging growth companies.
ENTREPRENEURIAL MICRO-GRANTS
Grants to support business planning and strategy for Wisconsin entrepreneurs and small business owners, administered through the Center for Technology Commercialization.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT PROGRAM
Grants to nonprofit organizations or communities to support promotion of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial education, mentoring or training programs; and facilitation of business development of financial services.
QUALIFIED NEW BUSINESS VENTURE (QNBV) CERTIFICATION
Helps drive investment to innovate early-stage Wisconsin companies by allowing investors to claim a 25 percent tax credit on the amount they invest into a QNBV-certified business.
SEED ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
Grants to organizations that operate nonprofit mentor-driven business modeling training programs to provide funds to participating startups.
SBIR/STTR MATCHING GRANT
Grants to stimulate technological innovation by supporting technology-based Wisconsin small businesses, administered through the Center for Technology Commercialization.
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LOAN PROGRAM
The program provides direct financial assistance to startup and emerging growth companies in Wisconsin that are developing and commercializing innovative products and services at critical stages in their development.
WISCONSIN INVESTMENT PILOT
The WIP Program is intended to provide capital to those companies that have the potential to add to Wisconsin’s economic base over the long term by attracting and retaining a high-wage, high-skill workforce and establishing a unique competitive advantage.
WEDC SUCCESS STORIES
MARKETPLACE, the state’s premier gathering for minority, woman and veteran business owners, brings together current and aspiring business owners with service providers and buyers and is growing each year. Read More
Read Story
Since its inception in 2004, more than 2,600 entries have been received for the Governor’s Business Plan Contest, with winning companies receiving about $1.7 million in cash and services. Read More
Read Story
MARKETPLACE, the state’s premier gathering for minority, woman and veteran business owners, brings together current and aspiring business owners with service providers and buyers and is growing each year. Read More
Read Story
Since its inception in 2004, more than 2,600 entries have been received for the Governor’s Business Plan Contest, with winning companies receiving about $1.7 million in cash and services. Read More
Read Story
SEED – START – SCALE
UNIVERSITY COMMERCIALIZATION PROGRAMS
UW-Madison: Discovery to Product
UW-Oshkosh: Alta Resources Center
UW-System: Ideadvance Seed Fund
Statewide: University of Wisconsin Law School Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic
WEDC CAPITAL CATALYST SEED FUNDS
Milwaukee 7 Capital Catalyst Fund
MENTORING
Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem includes accelerator programs that provide startups with the tools they need to be successful. Supporting entrepreneurs in Wisconsin means sustained engagement and mentorship to ensure long-term success.
INNOVATION/RESEARCH PARKS
University Research Park, a UW-Madison affiliate, is an internationally recognized research and technology park that supports early-stage and growth-oriented businesses.