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.
FASETTO
Superior, Wisconsin
To begin shaping the future of file-sharing, Fasetto first needed to attract startup funding.
WEDC PROGRAMS
WEDC SUCCESS STORIES
Designed to advance the statewide climate for entrepreneurship, the Entrepreneurship Support Program supports activities such as prototyping assistance, legal services and outreach to entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
A variety of grants and funding mechanisms has helped Madison-based Thalchemy enhance its technology that enables more efficient and accurate processing of sensory data.
Eagle Technology's international strategy has evolved as it has grown and leveraged statewide resources to develop and execute an export plan to achieve additional productivity and profitability.
In developing and marketing its innovative CultureTrax product, Madison-based Cellara benefited from the support of BioForward and resources offered by the WEDC.
TOTAL IMPACT IN 2016
SEED – START – SCALE
WEDC NEWS
Conagra Brands expanding Birds Eye Foods operations in Beaver Dam
Conagra Brands, owner of Birds Eye, a leading brand in frozen vegetables, is expanding operations at its Beaver Dam facility—a project expected to create about 140 full-time jobs over the next five years. Read More
WEDC minority business development director receives statewide award for leadership
WEDC Minority and Small Business Development Director Seyoum Mengesha has been named a recipient of the 2019 Golden Champion Award, which honors leadership in minority business development in Wisconsin. Read More
WEDC awards nine grants to support entrepreneurship programs throughout Wisconsin
WEDC has announced that nine organizations have been awarded a total of $500,000 in grants to help develop or expand innovative programs aimed at advancing the climate for entrepreneurship throughout the state. Read More
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“The QNBV Program played a direct role in keeping these investment dollars in Wisconsin and working to grow Wisconsin jobs.”
“The QNBV program has definitely helped Esker to attract qualified angel investors. These tax credits are looked on favorably by investors, which has resulted in a level of funding that enabled the company to hire full-time employees and purchase much-needed equipment and development tools.”
“We brought the company here because Wisconsin has a rich biotech and entrepreneurship understanding. WEDC encourages this type of critical technologies that contribute strongly to the economic development of the state. We came to Wisconsin to be part of the biotech hub they support.”
“I’d like to thank WEDC for this additional investment, which will help ensure that Whitewater continues to be a hotbed of entrepreneurial spirit. The many startups that this program has already assisted is truly amazing. We’ve supported many new innovative businesses that would not have had a chance to get started without this very timely help.”
“Working with WEDC has brought a level of support from the state of Wisconsin that I was hoping to receive when moving my startup company from Washington, D.C., to northeast Wisconsin. As my company continues to grow and create more jobs in Green Bay, I am glad to have WEDC on our side.”