Ignite Wisconsin
Forecasted
Ignite Wisconsin supports collaborative consortia building startup ecosystems, funding capital access, technical assistance, and commercialization to grow Wisconsin’s early-stage, high-growth businesses.
Funder: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $200,000–$2 million per award for 12–36 months; 10% cash or in-kind match
Summary: Supports collaborative consortia building Wisconsin entrepreneurial ecosystems for early-stage, high-tech, high-growth startups.
Key Information: A nonprofit with a formal Wisconsin presence must lead the consortium; application requires WEDC invitation.
Description
Ignite Wisconsin is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Division of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. It supports collaborative, founder-centric ecosystems that help scalable, high-growth startups access networks, capital, and technical assistance. The program seeks to increase Wisconsin’s startup and capital density through coordinated regional and sector-based efforts.
Funding can support emerging ecosystems that are seeding ideas and piloting models, as well as mature initiatives expanding their reach and scaling services. Priorities include increased early-stage investment, expanded incubators and technical assistance, entrepreneur-in-residence and fellowship programs, commercialization, and storytelling about Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial successes. WEDC defines high-growth startups as companies with potential to scale quickly, create significant economic impact, and serve markets beyond their local community.
