Startup Accelerators, Incubators, and Pitch Contests in Wisconsin

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Last Updated: Jan 21, 2025

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Pitch Competitions

2025 Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Competition
Application Deadline: January 31st, 2025

The mission of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-enabled businesses in Wisconsin. The contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert judges, mentors and possible sources of capital.

Startup accelerators

gBETA at WCTC's Applied AI Lab Spring 2025
Application Deadline: January 31st, 2025

Up to five companies from a range of verticals are selected from a competitive applicant pool to participate in the free seven-week program. gBETA's goal is that graduates will go on to participate in an investment accelerator or raise a seed round.

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​Level Set by StartingBlock​
‍Enrollment for Winter, Spring, and Fall 2025 Cohorts Available!

StartingBlock's Level Set program is an intense 6 week program designed to help you build and validate a business model.  Offered 6x per year, we help you explore the pros and cons of different business models, model revenue and get real world feedback on your ideas.​

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FOR-M Spring 2025 Incubator by MKE Tech
Application Deadline: TBD, Apply Now

FOR-M is your first step to creating a tech startup company in Milwaukee. Solidify the startup idea that’s been bouncing around in your head and understand your next steps. This program is limited to 25 founders and will begin accepting folks immediately…so apply soon!

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Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator Spring and Fall 2025​
‍Application Deadline: February 10th, 2025

‍The Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator, powered by gener8tor, invests in high-growth startups that are building products for consumers’ changing financial preferences, reimagining the client experience, advancing the digital health revolution, or creating transformational analytics and technologies.

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​gBETA Milwaukee 2025​
‍Application Deadline: TBD (Rolling Applications)

‍gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams and requires no fees and no equity.

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​gBETA Kenosha Spring 2025​
‍Application Deadline: TBD (Rolling Applications)

‍gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Each program is capped at five teams and requires no fees and no equity.

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Ignite Startup Accelerator
Application Deadline: TBD (Applications Now Open)

The Ignite Startup Accelerator is an 11-month collaborative startup accelerator to assist founders and entrepreneurs in commercializing their new venture. Ignite’s goal is to provide passionate entrepreneurs who have a strong business idea and have completed customer discovery, with the tools, resources, and connections to accelerate the commercialization of their ventures and get to revenue growth.