$1M in Ignite Wisconsin Funds to Bolster Area Startups

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The state of Wisconsin is investing over $3.5 million in Ignite Wisconsin, a new initiative aimed at supporting and strengthening some of the state's fastest-growing startup sectors. About $1 million of that funding will go to startups in Northeast Wisconsin, with UW-Green Bay and New North leaders speaking on campus about the new support.

Why it matters

This investment in Ignite Wisconsin demonstrates the state's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in regions like Northeast Wisconsin that are home to a growing number of tech startups and small businesses. The funding is expected to help these startups increase collaboration, spur innovation, and attract more talent, capital, and economic opportunities to the area.

The details

Ignite Wisconsin is a new initiative announced in Gov. Evers' State of the State address that will provide over $3.5 million in grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to four consortiums across the state. Approximately $1 million of that funding will go to startups in Northeast Wisconsin, with UW-Green Bay and New North leaders speaking on campus about the new support and how it will benefit local entrepreneurs.

• Ignite Wisconsin was announced in Gov. Evers' State of the State address.
• UW-Green Bay and New North leaders spoke about the new initiative on campus on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

What’s next

The Ignite Wisconsin funding is expected to help startups in Northeast Wisconsin increase collaboration, catalyze innovation, and create an environment that will attract more talent, capital, and economic opportunities to the region.