Latest Round of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants Support Startups Across Wisconsin
MADISON, WI. MARCH 21, 2025 – In a significant boost for the entrepreneurial landscape of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded nearly $1.3 million in the latest round of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants (EPG). Eight organizations dedicated to supporting startups across the state will benefit from this funding, which aims to enhance technical and financial assistance for budding entrepreneurs.
The Importance of Entrepreneurship in Wisconsin
“Entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving Wisconsin’s economy forward,” stated Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. This sentiment underscores the critical role that innovation and new business ventures play in economic growth. By providing essential resources and support, these grants enable entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable businesses, fostering job creation and community development.
Overview of the Entrepreneurship Partner Grants
Launched in 2021, the Entrepreneurship Partner Grants were designed to assist organizations that offer training, financing, mentorship, and technical support to startups throughout Wisconsin. This funding is crucial for nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly for those who may face barriers to entry in the business world.
Recipients of the Latest Round of Funding
The following organizations have been awarded grants in this round, each with unique initiatives aimed at empowering entrepreneurs:
Doyenne Group, Madison — $98,000
The Doyenne Group is committed to supporting businesses statewide, particularly those led by women and other traditionally underserved entrepreneurs. The grant will fund the Doyenne Triple Threat Venture Training, a 20-week virtual cohort experience held twice a year, designed to equip participants with essential business skills and knowledge.
UWM Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, Milwaukee — $97,000
Partnering with the UWM Research Foundation, the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center aims to advance innovation and entrepreneurship within the university and the broader Milwaukee community. The grant will support various entrepreneurial assistance activities, particularly those related to artificial intelligence, a rapidly growing field.
BizStarts Milwaukee, Inc., Milwaukee — $200,000
BizStarts Milwaukee is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the Milwaukee area through educational programming. With this grant, the organization plans to expand its reach to Racine and Kenosha, introducing new initiatives such as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence Program and Bi-Weekly Power Circles to enhance support for local entrepreneurs.
StartingBlock Madison, Inc., Madison — $200,000
StartingBlock Madison will utilize the grant to implement a comprehensive series of pre-accelerator and accelerator programs through October 2025. These programs will focus on key sectors of Wisconsin’s economy, including advanced manufacturing, food and beverage, and agriculture and sustainability, ensuring that startups are well-prepared to thrive.
Food Finance Institute, Madison — $190,900
The Food Finance Institute specializes in helping food-focused businesses develop sustainable and investible business models. The grant will facilitate the Food Finance Fellows program, providing training, resources, and coaching to entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry, fostering growth and innovation.
Rock County Jumpstart, Beloit — $200,000
Rock County Jumpstart aims to empower Black and Latino entrepreneurs by equipping them with STEM knowledge to launch innovative businesses. The grant will support the development of a replicable STEM curriculum tailored for startups and establish a workspace for entrepreneurs to create and innovate.
Urban League of Greater Madison, Inc., Madison — $100,000
The Urban League of Greater Madison will collaborate with gener8tor to host accelerator programs for both early-stage and later-stage entrepreneurs as part of the Black Business Hub Accelerator Program. A portion of the funds will be allocated for mini grants to support participants, enhancing their chances of success.
FOR-M Foundation, Inc., Milwaukee — $200,000
The FOR-M Foundation, operating as the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, will use the grant to continue offering the FOR-M Incubator and Financial Awards programs. These initiatives provide comprehensive support for early-stage tech startups in Southeastern Wisconsin, guiding them from the idea stage to securing funding.
Conclusion
The latest round of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants represents a significant investment in Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By supporting organizations that provide essential resources and training, WEDC is fostering a vibrant environment for innovation and business development. For more information on the program and its impact, visit the Entrepreneurship Partner Grant page.
As these organizations embark on their funded initiatives, the future looks promising for entrepreneurs across Wisconsin, paving the way for new ideas, businesses, and economic growth.
