Discover the latest economic development news happening in Racine County! Some features from this edition include Microsoft’s investment in the community, RCEDC’s Leadership Council exploring career connections for young talent, BizStarts Racine’s third cohort graduation, and more.
Get confident with your day-to-day bookkeeping. Join CLA for the second session of our QuickBooks Online Training Series, presented by RCEDC and RAMAC, on January 22, 2026, 5–6:30 PM at Gateway Technical College’s SC Johnson iMET Center auditorium. This session covers managing customers and vendors, invoicing, payments, bills, and bank feeds, with hands-on practice in entering and matching transactions.
Microsoft joined the Village of Mount Pleasant in 2023 and is building two datacenters that will support the company’s global cloud operations. Alongside construction, Microsoft is making meaningful investments that benefit Racine County residents, students, and the environment.
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.
Smallman Tools & Equipment, founded by Nick Smalley, has acquired a commercial property at 732 S. Pine Street in Burlington to support the company’s continued growth. After launching the business in 2023 and transitioning from a mobile tool distributor to an independent supplier serving customers across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, Smalley is expanding retail, online, and mobile sales operations while creating a centralized hub for inventory and administration. The project was supported through a partnership between RCEDC and Community State Bank, utilizing a Community Loan to help position the business for long-term success and expansion.
At the October 14, 2025, RCEDC Leadership Council meeting, local educators in a panel discussion highlighted how Racine County high schools are equipping students for future careers and fostering connections with area employers.
ABOUT THE EVENT Women In Technology Wisconsin Inc., in partnership with Microsoft, presents AI in Motion—bringing…
Located along I-94, in the fast-growing corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee, Racine County is the ideal place to live, work and do business. Check out the latest development insights, news, and resources in this edition of the RCEDC Development Newsletter.
According to a recent analysis by the Badger Institute, Racine County experienced the highest rate of new construction in Wisconsin for 2024—posting a 4.83% increase in property value from net new construction (after accounting for demolitions). This growth rate is nearly three times the statewide average of 1.65% and almost double that of the next-highest county, Adams, which came in at 2.94%.