MAKING AN IMPACT IN WISCONSIN
Creating an environment in which companies can succeed and fuel economic growth for the state requires a positive
attitude, a commitment to the task at hand and a customer-centric approach to business development. It also requires a
common vision, which is why the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with more than 600 partner
organizations throughout the state to support entrepreneurial investment, business expansion, community development
and key industry advancement In Wisconsin®.
From raising capital for innovation to financing workforce training and expanding global markets, WEDC delivers
business solutions to meet market demands. Our priorities are formed through input we receive from the businesses
we serve. Through collaboration with government agencies and partner economic development organizations, we
aim to foster the right conditions for a strong business climate and healthy job creation in Wisconsin. Read on to learn
more about how WEDC aligns its expertise and its resources with the critical needs of Wisconsin’s economy and the
businesses operating here.
SUPPORTING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM
Research by the Marion Kauffman foundation demonstrates that net job growth in the U.S. economy results primarily from the creation of new startup firms. It is this critical role that entrepreneurs and investors fill that allows our economy to expand and create jobs. The Division of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at WEDC is focused on helping these innovators, and those who support them, through financial and technical assistance, business model training and valuable networking opportunities.
WEDC programs include Capital Catalyst, which provides capital to eligible, locally managed seed funds that finance early stage and growth-oriented companies, and businesses commercializing ideas and technologies from Wisconsin university systems & colleges. Technology Development Loans support companies that provide high-tech or innovative solutions with national or global market potential. The Seed Accelerator Program helps support business training throughout the state to ensure aspiring business owners can connect with the right resources to launch their companies
“The Qualified New Business Venture (QNBV) Program helps high-growth companies
attract the investments they need to bring their ideas to market. We helped 63 earlystage
companies leverage more than $201.8 million in private investments and grants
through this program in 2012. That’s an exciting statistic for our state, since many
of these highly technical companies create well-paying jobs and produce a significant
positive impact on Wisconsin’s economy.”
—Lisa Johnson, VP Entrepreneurship and Innovation, WEDC
“gener8tor serves as a beachhead for startup funding in Wisconsin, and we’ve been impressed by
WEDC’s responsiveness when it comes to supporting entrepreneurs in the state. The QNBV Program,
in particular, provides a solid foundation for new companies to attract the funding they need to get off
the ground.”
—Joe Kirgus, Co-founder, gener8tor
ACCELERATING BUSINESS GROWTH
It’s not a secret that when businesses in Wisconsin start up, grow and thrive, we all win. WEDC provides financial
and technical assistance to businesses in the state to help them achieve their full potential. WEDC’s Division of
Economic and Community Development understands that the more productive Wisconsin companies are, the stronger
our economy will be. That’s why, in 2013, WEDC provided direct assistance to 232 businesses and 69 communities, and
worked with regional economic development organizations and other key partners to assistant another 1,853 businesses in Wisconsin.
Numerous companies in multiple industries are finding success through expansion or relocation to Wisconsin:
- Mullins Cheese Inc., in Mosinee, is receiving up to $540,000 in tax credits as part of its project to install a third manufacturing line. The investment is expected to create 51 new jobs and retain 120.
- Walgreen Co., in Deforest, is expected to create up to 115 jobs at its distribution center as part of a $41 million expansion.
- Exodus Machines Inc., in Superior, is investing $10.7 million on a 60,000-square-foot expansion that is expected to create 250 new jobs. The project is being supported by a $1.15 million loan from WEDC.
- Gauthier Biomedical, in Grafton, is receiving tax credits of up to $500,000 to support an $11 million expansion expected to create 79 jobs.
More than $300 million was awarded through a variety of financial assistance initiatives;
including business retention and expansion loans; technology development loans;
workforce training grants; tax credits for job creation and retention; capital investments
and employee training; and early-stage business investment tax credits.
—Ryan Murray, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Secretary
EXPANDING GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
Tapping markets abroad is no longer the luxury of multinational companies. Rather, it’s an imperative for any company
seeking a competitive advantage in the 21st century. WEDC’s Division of International Business Development employs a team of experts that represent 37 countries around the world who serve Wisconsin companies interested in global growth. These experts provide vital strategy and training along with relevant foreign market insights to build or enrich a company’s exporting plan. In addition, WEDC can provide financial assistance to help businesses navigate the global marketplace more efficiently.
There is no better way to build the relationships necessary for increased global sales than to meet with potential buyers. That’s exactly why WEDC organizes and hosts trade ventures and missions to high-growth markets each year. Business leaders who attend WEDC trade ventures/missions receive high-level country briefings; pre-arranged; customized meetings with potential buyers and distributors; and actionable in-market intelligence that aligns with their export objectives. At each stop, participants take part in pre-arranged customized meetings with companies whose needs or capabilities align with their export objectives.
“Through a partnership with the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) and UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC), we have developed a valuable, three-month program called ExporTech™. The program helps businesses develop an export strategy that identifies the top three most profitable markets for its specific products or services. Last year, 21 Wisconsin businesses completed ExporTech training. They can look forward to a significant boost in international sales based on the experiences of the 70 other Wisconsin companies that have completed
the program.“
—Lora Klenke, VP International Business Development, WEDC
“The trade venture to South Africa has proven quite successful for us. We were able to achieve our first sale in the region more quickly than we had initially anticipated. Our success in this new business was achieved in no small part by WEDC’s assistance.“
—Michael Ross, Director, FACTS Product Line Gridtec Solutions
ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESS
WEDC’s business attraction processes are geared toward business success. The team within the Economic and Community Development Division works with all other WEDC divisions to make a compelling case to non-native companies to relocate or expand operations in Wisconsin.
One of the notable distinctions of Wisconsin’s economic development network is the collaboration between organizations at the local, county and state levels—including the multiple state agencies that are often drawn into a major business attraction project. Site consultant Mike Mullis, who has represented numerous large Wisconsin corporations duringmexpansion projects, has noted the ability of state and local economic development officials to listen and work together to respond to the needs of his clients.
“Our strategy is two-fold: 1. Be optimally responsive to requests for information from relocating companies and site selection consultants; and 2. Proactively identify and pursue business attraction opportunities. We strive to effectively deliver the message that Wisconsin’s business climate is improving. And, it’s clear that our efforts have succeeded in creating a strong connection between business relocation decision—makers and Wisconsin economic development resources.“
—Wade Goodsell, Business Attraction Account Manager, WEDC
“The state of Wisconsin, through WEDC and the local economic development network, is ready to do business.“
—Mike Mullis, Site Consultant, J.M. Mullis Inc.
“I would recommend anyone looking at a new facility in the Midwest to consider Wisconsin.“
—Sean Griffin, Sr. VP, United Natural Foods, Inc.
ADVANCING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Strategic investments in Wisconsin’s fastest growing and most competitive industry sectors will produce the highest
sustainable job growth and economic prosperity over the long term. WEDC works at the macroeconomic level to
assure Wisconsin further develops and sharpens its competitive advantages.
Another example of WEDC’s collaborative efforts is the Global Water Center in Milwaukee, which opened its doors
in September 2013. The Center houses water-related research facilities for universities and existing water-related
companies, and accelerator space for new, emerging companies. The Center is gaining global attention as it positions
Wisconsin as the leader in water technology.
“Our valuable partnerships drive innovation and workforce performance. Collaboration with WMEP led to the creation of the Wisconsin Profitable Sustainability Initiative, which helps small to midsize manufacturers focus on improvements resulting in the greatest ROI and a positive environmental impact. For the 151 participating manufacturers, the program is expected to result in a positive economic impact of more than $190 million
over the next five years.“
—Lee Swindall, VP Business and Industry Development, WE
“WEDC has indeed been a key financial supporter as Milwaukee’s water technology has grown and developed
as a world water hub, but what cannot be quantified is the value that all of the staff has provided as vital
advisors and champions. WEDC’s vote of confidence has been instrumental in helping the Water Council,
Global Water Center and our cluster as a whole to solidify our foundation and launch us to new heights.“
—Dean Amhaus, President and CEO, The Water Council
DEVELOPING THRIVING COMMUNITIES
Acknowledging that a vibrant downtown is critical to a community’s economic vitality, WEDC is responsible for implementing the Wisconsin Main Street Program, which advocates for the restoration of the historic character of downtowns, and the Community Development Investment Program—supporting urban, small city and rural community re/development efforts with financial incentives. Both programs enhance the infrastructure and attract new businesses to large and small communities throughout the state.
In 2013, WEDC selected 20 cities for its new Connect Communities Program, which helps local planners leverage the
unique assets of their downtowns and provides technical assistance and networking opportunities to help local leaders
start a downtown revitalization effort. Like other WEDC programs, it also provides access to additional financial
assistance for participants. Successful Connect Communities may choose to apply for Wisconsin Main Street status.
“In addition to our Main Street and Community Development Investment programs, WEDC has developed the Idle Industrial Sites Redevelopment Program, which offers grants of up to $1 million to communities for the implementation of redevelopment plans for sites of 10 acres or more that have been idle, abandoned or underutilized for at least five years. In just the first year, the state provided $5.1 million in grants to communities across the state. The grants help stimulate investment and job creation, and makes the manufacturing sites more attractive to developers, site selectors and businesses—boosting investment throughout the community.“
—Jason Scott, Community Development Director, WEDC
“The injection of funding from WEDC’s newly created Idle Industrial Sites Redevelopment Program
will be critical to bringing this project across the finish line. WEDC’s investment in the project is a
testament to the ability of the state and the city of Madison to work together toward common economic
development goals for our community and its neighborhoods.“
—Mayor Paul Soglin, on Madison’s 28-acre Royster Clark property redevelopment
