STARTUP AND INNOVATION SUPPORT

Why Supporting Local Startups Matters

Milwaukee's economic story has always been one of creation and innovation. From our historic breweries to pioneering machine shops, our region has consistently produced entrepreneurs who transform ideas into thriving businesses. Today, this entrepreneurial spirit remains the backbone of our economy — driving job creation, fostering innovation, and generating sustainable economic growth across southeastern Wisconsin.

The MMAC Commitment

Building Milwaukee's Entrepreneurial Future

At the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC), we've launched a comprehensive initiative to promote startups and entrepreneurship throughout the Milwaukee region. Our mission goes beyond simply supporting individual entrepreneurs — we aim to transform Milwaukee's reputation as a premier destination for founders and venture capital investors.

Our Strategic Goals

We're working to cultivate a better-informed and more connected Milwaukee startup community by:

• Creating greater awareness of resources available to entrepreneurs at every stage of growth
• Building stronger connections between established businesses and emerging startups
• Elevating Milwaukee's profile in the national conversation about innovation hubs
• Developing a more robust pipeline of support for entrepreneurs navigating critical growth phases

Our Action Plan

To achieve these ambitious goals, we've implemented several key initiatives:

• Sharing Stories. Celebrating Growth and Innovation.
  MKEStartup.News spotlights entrepreneurial funders and founders reshaping our economic landscape. We connect established leaders like you with Milwaukee's next wave of market disruptors through compelling stories and strategic insights. Discover the value networks powering our innovation economy — where your established success meets emerging talent, creating Milwaukee's entrepreneurial future.
• Mentorship Infrastructure
  Piloted the Venture Mentoring Service — pioneered by MIT — which strategically matches Milwaukee startups with corporate mentors who provide invaluable guidance and connections
• Leadership Integration
  Added startup expertise to MMAC's Board of Directors, ensuring entrepreneurial perspectives are represented in our region's most influential business organization

We're dedicated to helping entrepreneurs navigate the path from concept to market leadership while creating an ecosystem where innovation thrives.

Resources for Milwaukee's Comprehensive Startup Ecosystem

BizStarts - Empowering through Entrepreneurship

BizStarts serves as a comprehensive resource for entrepreneurs at every stage of development. Their holistic approach includes:

• Personalized one-on-one consultations
• Market opportunity assessment
• Team evaluation and development
• Financial preparation and capital readiness planning

Whether you're launching a local retail operation or developing a scalable technology startup, BizStarts provides the connections and guidance needed to succeed in southeastern Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Venture Mentoring Service (MKE VMS) - Free, Confidential Mentoring for Milwaukee Entrepreneurs

As the Milwaukee region gains momentum as a destination for startup founders and investors, developing the next generation of high-growth companies is essential for continued economic prosperity.

The MMAC has partnered with our entrepreneurship community to establish the Milwaukee Venture Mentoring Service, based on MIT's internationally recognized mentorship model. This program strategically connects entrepreneurs with carefully selected mentor teams to accelerate startup growth and increase success rates.
Learn more about MKE VMS →

MKE Startup News - Your Inside Look at Milwaukee's Innovation Community

LEARN MORE >

Launched through collaboration between the MMAC and a coalition of startup founders and investors (led by former Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele), MKE Startup News increases awareness of our region's entrepreneurial achievements while tracking economic impact. The platform features:

• Compelling profiles of the founders and funders driving Milwaukee's startup renaissance
• A comprehensive economic data tracker developed by the Wisconsin Policy Forum measuring Milwaukee's progress in innovation and economic growth

Have a story idea? Submit it here > 

gener8tor Milwaukee - Where High-Growth Startups Find Funding, Mentorship and Market Acceleration

This premier program invests in five high-potential startups per cohort, accepting companies across all industries and business models.  Learn more about gener8tor Milwaukee →

FOR-M by MKE Tech - Navigating Milwaukee's Tech Landscape

Designed as an entry point for technology startups in Milwaukee, this community-driven initiative helps entrepreneurs understand their next steps while connecting them to Milwaukee's growing tech ecosystem. Explore FOR-M →

Cluster Industry Accelerators - The Water Council ​

​Discover Water Council programs →
As a global hub for water technology innovation, The Water Council (an MMAC affiliate) offers specialized programming including:

• BREW 2.0 Accelerator: A post-accelerator program helping water technology companies build connections and scale operations
  
• Tech Challenge: Connecting freshwater technology innovators with industry professionals from leading corporations
  
• Pilot Project: Facilitating real-world application testing for water technology innovations

Cluster Industry Accelerators - Food Finance Institute (FFI) Fellows Program

Supporting food-focused entrepreneurs through comprehensive business modeling and financing strategies designed specifically for scaling food companies. Apply to the FFI Fellows Program →

Why Supporting Milwaukee Startups Matters

When established businesses, investors, and community leaders actively engage with our startup ecosystem, they:

• Create new job opportunities throughout the Milwaukee region
• Diversify our economic base, building resilience against industry-specific downturns
• Attract outside investment and talent to southeastern Wisconsin
• Establish pathways for innovation that benefit existing businesses through partnerships and acquisitions
• Strengthening Milwaukee's reputation as a forward-thinking business destination

Get Involved Today

The success of Milwaukee's entrepreneurial ecosystem depends on active participation from business leaders like you. Whether through mentorship, investment, partnership opportunities, or simply staying informed about local innovation, your engagement helps build a stronger economic future for our entire region.