Wisconsin’s economic regions and key industries

Wisconsin’s economy is shaped by a network of nine regional economic development entities, each working to support existing businesses while attracting new enterprises and talent. For entrepreneurs and investors in scalable, high-growth startups, understanding these regions and the industries that define them can provide valuable insight into where opportunities lie.

Wisconsin’s economic regions

MKEStartup.News is headquartered in Milwaukee and focuses on scalable, high-growth startups in the Milwaukee 7 (M7) region. M7 serves as the regional cooperative economic development platform for southeastern Wisconsin, covering Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties. Since its inception, M7 has secured 123 project wins, resulting in more than 26,000 jobs, a combined payroll of $1.6 billion, and $4.21 billion in new capital investment.

The other economic development regions in Wisconsin are:

Madison Region is an eight-county region that contains the University of Wisconsin. The organization has a focus on accelerating strategic business growth with a focus on bio-health, renewable energy, and technology.

New North is an 18-county region representing northeastern Wisconsin, including Green Bay’s growing startup ecosystem.

Grow North represents eight counties in the Northwoods region.

Centergy is the Central Wisconsin Alliance for Economic Development which represents five counties and 332,000 people living in central Wisconsin.

Momentum West represents 10 counties in west central Wisconsin.

Prosperity Southwest represents six counties with an emphasis on innovations coming from UW- Platteville.

Vision Northwest is a 10-county alliance formed in 2012.

7 Rivers Alliance is a tri-state alliance that includes 9 Wisconsin counties, as well as counties in Minnesota and Iowa.

A significant initiative launching in 2025 is the “innovation triangle,” an alliance between Milwaukee 7, the New North, and the greater Madison area, aiming to drive collaboration across industries and regions.

Key industries driving Wisconsin’s economy

Wisconsin’s economic strength is built on a diverse mix of industries, many of which present opportunities for high-growth startups:

• Manufacturing: Contributing nearly 19% of the state’s GDP, Wisconsin is a leader in manufacturing, particularly in machinery, food processing, and industrial equipment.
• Agriculture: Best known for dairy production, the state also leads in ginseng cultivation and cranberry crops.
• Biohealth: With strong research institutions and biotech companies, Wisconsin is advancing in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and health technology. With the introduction of the Biohealth Tech Hub, Wisconsin is positioning itself as a nation leader in medical innovations.
• Water Technology: Milwaukee has positioned itself as a global leader in water research and sustainable water solutions with the support of organizations like UW-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences and The Water Council.
• Energy, Power, and Controls: The state is a hub for companies developing innovative energy solutions and industrial automation.
• Food and Beverage: Wisconsin’s rich agricultural base supports a thriving food production and processing industry represented by Food and Beverage Wisconsin (FaB).
• Forest Products: With vast timber resources, the state remains a key player in the paper and wood products industries.
• Tourism: 1 in 21 jobs in Wisconsin are sustained by tourism. In 2023, Wisconsin tourism generated $25 billion economic impact, reaching all 72 counties.
• Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate: Known as FIRE, this sector includes banking and employed an estimated 237,353 Wisconsinites in 2024.

Opportunities for startups and investors
With a strong foundation in manufacturing, agriculture, biohealth, and emerging tech industries, Wisconsin offers a diverse and dynamic business environment. The state’s regional economic development organizations provide resources, networking opportunities, and funding support to help businesses thrive.

For entrepreneurs looking to scale, Wisconsin presents a compelling case with its skilled workforce, innovation-driven institutions, and business-friendly policies. The upcoming innovation triangle—linking Milwaukee 7, the New North, and the Madison region—will further strengthen collaboration and investment in high-growth sectors.

By tapping into regional strengths and leveraging Wisconsin’s expanding economic ecosystem, startups can find the support and infrastructure needed for long-term success.