Wisconsin’s cluster accelerators highlight innovative business development approach

30 Apr 2018


Wisconsin’s cluster accelerators highlight innovative business development approach

Supporters of Wisconsin’s statewide startup ecosystem understand the key to success is delivering the right resources to the right entrepreneurs at the right time and in the right place.

Wisconsin’s industry development strategy leverages a versatile investment tool—the Targeted Industry Project Program administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)—to support catalytic initiatives in industry sectors with the greatest potential for significant job growth. Participants in such projects include private business, industry consortia organizations, educational institutions and economic development stakeholders. One example of such an industry-focused investment is the establishment of a center of excellence that acts as an anchor for education, R&D, talent attraction, commercialization and more.

Startups within Wisconsin’s targeted industries can also benefit from WEDC’s Seed Accelerator Program, whereby WEDC works with an entity representing the industry sector to support a cohort-based accelerator program tailored to the specific needs of businesses in that industry. Seed accelerator participants receive business development coaching, mentorship, investor access, funding, technical expertise and other resources to refine their product and move toward commercialization.

Continue to full article to view examples of Wisconsin’s industry-specific seed accelerators.