Join the Get Set Summit on October 18–19 at New Omega Church in Racine for two days of hands-on resources designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are. Attendees will have access to workshops, business banking resources, professional headshots, on-site LLC filing assistance, and more.
Nine Racine County entrepreneurs celebrated their graduation from the first phase of the BizStarts Racine on October 8, 2026, at Gateway Technical College’s iMET Center, marking another milestone for the program. Presented by RCEDC in partnership with the BizStarts Institute, BizStarts Racine helps aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs build the skills and connections needed to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
The 262 Founder Pitch brings together entrepreneurs, regional leaders, economic development organizations, and higher education partners to spotlight the innovative companies emerging across Southeast Wisconsin. On November 10, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Kenosha Innovation Center, 13 startup finalists will take the stage to showcase their companies, build connections, and compete across three categories highlighting innovation and community impact.
Applications are open now through September 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM for early-stage companies ready to showcase their ideas. Startups in all sectors are encouraged to apply, especially those innovating in advanced manufacturing, biohealth, clean energy, and technology. To be considered, applicants must submit a 2-minute pitch video and a pitch deck as part of the application process.
The City of Racine and its Community Development Authority (“City”) is pleased to announce this offering of a key downtown development site consisting of approximately 1.63 acres of developable land (“Site”). The City considers the Site an asset to the economic growth of the City. Located on Lake Avenue, the Site has significant development value with incredible unobstructed lakefront views. It is within walking distance to Festival Park, Main Street, and the broader downtown Racine district.
This year-long program has been successful for many years in Milwaukee and now BizStarts will be available in the City of Racine. Join us on September 4, 2025 at Gateway Technical College’s SC Johnson iMET Center in Sturtevant.
Nine Racine County entrepreneurs celebrated their graduation from the BizStarts Racine program on October 9, 2025, at Gateway Technical College’s iMET Center—marking the completion of another successful cohort. Presented by RCEDC in partnership with the BizStarts Institute, this year-long program supports aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into sustainable businesses.
On November 12, 2025, Southeast Wisconsin’s top entrepreneurs gathered at the Kenosha Innovation Center for the Pitch Perfect Competition, showcasing the region’s brightest startup talent from Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties. The event highlighted innovative ideas and fostered collaboration across the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Kenosha, WI – The Southeast Wisconsin Pitch Perfect competition will spotlight the region’s top entrepreneurial talent on November 12, 2025, at the newly opened Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC). This event is a collaborative effort by the economic development organizations of Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties to elevate and invest in promising startups shaping Wisconsin’s innovation economy.
This year-long program has been successful for many years in Milwaukee and now BizStarts will be available in the City of Racine. Join us on September 4, 2025 at Gateway Technical College’s SC Johnson iMET Center in Sturtevant.