Help being offered for area business startups
(WLUK) -- Northeast Wisconsin business startups have a chance to get a helping hand through a new partnership involving Microsoft and local colleges and business groups.
Madison-based gener8tor is offering its gBETA program to 10 local companies per year. gener8tor says the program offers individualized coaching and access to a national network of mentors, potential customers, corporate partners and investors.
“Emerging companies need more than just a great idea to take off. They need great coaching, a strong network of partners, and financial investors,” Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, said in a news release. “gBETA’s accelerator program gives startups the boost they need to be successful, ultimately creating more jobs in Northeast Wisconsin.”
“Northeast Wisconsin has all of the raw materials needed to build a high growth startup ecosystem. This vision is shared by Microsoft, UW-Oshkosh Business Success Center, Venture Center at Fox Valley Technical College, WiSys, UW-Green Bay Cofrin School of Business and Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation. We are excited to work with this broad and diverse coalition to support entrepreneurs in Northeast Wisconsin,” Maggie Brickerman, managing director of gBETA, said in a news release.
Organizers hope to use the program to spark technology, drive local economic growth and spur innovation in various industries, including traditional Northeast Wisconsin sectors such as paper, agriculture and manufacturing.
