Beyond the grants: early data from FOR-M program

Methodology and Scope of Analysis
This analysis examines the outcomes of 52 companies that received $10,000 grants through the FOR-M program to support business growth. Each company was reviewed to determine current operational status, using publicly available information and direct outreach.

It’s important to note that this snapshot reflects only those companies that received grant funding through FOR-M and does not represent the entire FOR-M program or the full spectrum of businesses it supports.

A closer look at the data

While the FOR-M cohort currently shows an 85.7% survival rate, this figure requires context. Many of the grants were awarded within the past year, meaning a substantial portion of these companies are still in their earliest phases. In addition, the analysis is based on the year a company received its grant, which may not align with the company’s actual founding date. These factors limit the ability to make direct comparisons to long-term national startup failure rates.

According to U.S. Census data, nationally, about 90% of startups eventually fail, with 10% failing in the first year, roughly 50% shutting down within five years, and 70% no longer operating by year ten. Most startups survive between 2 to 5 years, and only around one-third raise outside capital. The majority are self-funded, often starting with an average bootstrapped investment of around $3,000.

According to Poeschl, FOR-M was not initially designed to produce investor-ready companies, but rather to serve as an early-stage entry point for tech entrepreneurs.

“FOR-M was not necessarily created to pump out a bunch of investable companies,” he said. “It was designed to be the first step for tech startup entrepreneurs.”

He described the program as a space for individuals with existing ideas or industry insights to take next steps.

“We’re not in the business of generating ideas,” he said. “We support people who already have insights, passion, or knowledge, and help them move forward—whether that means refining their concept, creating a prototype, or learning to communicate what they’re building.”

Over time, FOR-M’s scope has broadened.

“It has become a platform more than a program,” Poeschl said. “We’re now building the foundation for more creative ways to support entrepreneurs—from first customer relationships and mentorship to future investment models.”

The program has served more than 350 founders since launch.

“We can’t go to a startup event without seeing 20 to 30% of the people coming from the FOR-M network,” he said.

According to the MKE Tech Hub Coalition, grant recipients have collectively raised more than $3.75 million in follow-on funding, participated in pitch competitions, and advanced to accelerator programs such as gener8tor. Many recipients come from historically underrepresented backgrounds and have credited FOR-M as a valuable support mechanism in their early stages.

With more than 350 founders served and a growing alumni network, FOR-M is positioned to continue shaping Milwaukee’s early-stage tech scene. How these businesses evolve in the coming years will determine the full return on this public and philanthropic investment.