Application period open!

Deadline Oct. 31

Drop in for weekly virtual office hours using Microsoft Teams from 9 to 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, August through October 2025.

Open the Program Information flyer for links to each Office Hours session.

Join us for a conversation about the Ignite Wisconsin Grant!

The Entrepreneurship & Innovation team will be sharing details about the grant program and how it can support your ideas. We’ll also answer your questions and help you explore how Ignite could be a fit for you.

  • Kenosha – Tuesday, Sept. 2 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
    Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy
    2222 63rd St., Room 107, Kenosha, WI 53143
  • Milwaukee – Tuesday, Sept. 2 | 4–5:30 p.m.
    Wantable Café
    123 E. Walker St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
  • Eau Claire – Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 3:30–5 p.m.
    The Coven
    131 S. Barstow St., Suite 202, Eau Claire, WI 54701
  • Green Bay – Thursday, Sept. 4 | 3–4:30 p.m.
    UW Green Bay, Atrium of the STEM Innovation Center
    2019 Technology Way, Green Bay, WI 54311
  • Madison – Monday, Sept. 8 | 10:30 a.m.–Noon
    WEDC @The Hub
    2352 S. Park St., Suite 303, Madison, WI 53713
  • Stevens Point – Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 3:30–4:30 p.m.
    Ameta Center at Mid-State Tech College
    5000 Coye Dr., Stevens Point, WI 54481
  • La Crosse – Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
    UW La Crosse County
    212 6th St., Suite 2200, La Crosse, WI 54601

Fostering a dynamic environment for startups

Dense, well-connected entrepreneurial ecosystems—where entrepreneurs, institutions, and support organizations collaborate seamlessly and productively—are proven to catalyze innovation, reduce barriers to entry, and accelerate learning. Such ecosystems also elevate regional and sector-based reputations, helping to attract even more talent, capital, and entrepreneurial activity.

To support the goal of increasing Wisconsin’s startup and capital density, WEDC created Ignite Wisconsin, a new program that will offer funding support for consortia based in regions across Wisconsin to support those consortia’s efforts to boost entrepreneurship.

Ignite Wisconsin: The details

We’re looking for the best and brightest ideas on how to support the innovative startups and brilliant ideas Wisconsin produces. Since the best ideas are built through collaboration, we’re looking for partners to help plan, support, and create new ways of building thriving ecosystems for high-growth startups.

Applicants must collaborate with ecosystem partners in a formal or informal consortium.

Consortia may use the funds for:

  • Entrepreneur support and technical assistance Direct business funding
  • Programmatic and space support
  • Marketing, storytelling, and consortium operations

Applicants should clearly identify how their proposed activities will contribute to the goals of:

  • Increasing early-stage investment in Wisconsin
  • Establishing or expanding incubators, cohorts, and technical assistance for startups
  • Launching or expanding entrepreneur-in-residence and fellowship programs
  • Enhancing commercialization and innovation activities
  • Sharing the stories of Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial success

To learn more and apply

WEDC expects to award four to six grants in the first year of this program, with individual grant amounts ranging from $200,000 to $2 million.

Team members in WEDC’s Division of Entrepreneurship and Innovation are available to provide feedback and guidance for anyone considering submitting an application. We encourage reaching out well in advance of the application deadline to ensure adequate time for providing and incorporating the team’s input.

Application deadline: Oct. 31, 2025