The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) today launched a new website, www.InWisconsin.com, to help new, growing and relocating businesses find available economic development resources.
InWisconsin.com is intended to serve several audiences. It features a searchable database (ConnectED) of programs, incentives and tools throughout the state that are available to existing Wisconsin business and entrepreneurs. It provides information to site selectors and other economic development professionals exploring business opportunities in the state.
In addition, the site helps Wisconsin’s more than 600 regional and community economic development organizations share information and co-market the state’s business climate through a self-service portal that provides access to In Wisconsin-branded marketing materials.
“InWisconsin.com promotes Wisconsin as a great place to start, locate and grow a business,” said Kelly Lietz, vice president of marketing for WEDC. “We’ve designed the site to connect business leaders and economic development professionals with the resources they need to maximize their business development efforts. Every page of our site includes a call to action, whether it is program information, economic development tools, or contact information for the specialist most qualified to assist with the inquiry.”
WEDC worked with the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute to include a cost comparison tool that allows site selection consultants and others to compare Wisconsin against competitor states using a variety of key data points. The site also includes current international market reports for 24 countries compiled by WEDC’s market development partners to assist Wisconsin companies in expanding their markets globally.
The new website contains more than 435 pages of business development information, organization news and press releases about Wisconsin business development activity; dozens of downloadable information resources; and 270 links to economic development partner organizations throughout the state. Built-in reporting will allow WEDC to capture, track and measure interest in business development opportunities in Wisconsin.
Nelson Schmidt, WEDC’s Milwaukee-based marketing agency, led the eight-month site development plan. The costs for developing the site, which included planning, design, research, copywriting, design and testing, were $450,000.
The WEDC also is referring companies to www.wisconsinbiz.com, a business development resource that was developed by BizTimes Media LLC.
