Overview

A working group of startup company funders and founders, led by former Milwaukee County Executive and MMAC board member Chris Abele, has launched a $500,000 effort to strengthen startup and entrepreneurship efforts in Milwaukee. Under the direction of the MMAC, this program offers a three-pronged approach to develop this growth-driven portion of the local economy. Through focused communication, the collection and distribution of economic data and the integration of a internationally recognized mentorship program, this initiative aims to increase the economic impact that startup businesses have on the greater Milwaukee area – and increase awareness of these efforts. The program offers: Communication Amplifying the stories of the founders and funders who make startups successful in the region by building an information platform, including the website, MKEStartUp.news. The site will include a compilation of resources for entrepreneurs. Data Adding data from PitchBook, a private market data platform, and launching a public dashboard to track the success of startup businesses in the region, supported by the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Mentorship Bringing an internationally recognized mentoring program for startups to Milwaukee in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, MMAC is working to add the expertise of startup founders and funders to its Board of Directors. We also will host informational and networking events in the future.