The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is steering over a quarter of a million dollars ($284,500) toward two Sheboygan County organizations that promote entrepreneurial ventures. The two are among fourteen organizations chosen around the state as recipients of the latest round of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants that will share the approximately $1.6 million award for 2025.
WEDC CEO and Secretary Missy Hughes made the announcement, stating that “Entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving Wisconsin’s economy forward,” and, “…with the help of our partners, entrepreneurs will be able to bring new ideas and businesses to life.
Lakeland University will receive $84,500 in order to fund programs that fill critical gaps in Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem through an inclusive, year-round approach. This “a la carte” model allows founders to engage at any stage, addressing key challenges with tailored programming, such as Patentpalooza, an angel investment event, and innovative workshops, alongside a seed micro-fund, a community design studio (located at Jake’s, A Lakeland Community in downtown Sheboygan), and a capital access literacy platform.
Also included in the latest award is “Accelerate Sheboygan County”, a program of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation. Receiving $200,000 in this latest round, “Accelerate” is an initiative aimed at expanding entrepreneurial support for rural, underrepresented, and underserved populations in Sheboygan County, with a focus on the consumer packaged goods sector. Integrating on-demand education, mentorship, and industry-specific programming, AccelSC fills critical gaps in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering economic growth and innovation.
The WEDC’s Entrepreneurship Partner Grants were created in 2021 to assist organizations that provide training, financing, mentorship, and technical support to startups across the state. The current round of grants will assist an estimated 600 individuals and/or businesses representing Ashland, Bayfield, Brown, Chippewa, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Iron, Jackson, Jefferson, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Pierce, Polk, Price, Sawyer, Sheboygan, St. Croix, and Walworth Counties.
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