Racine County Economic Development Corporation

08/27/2026

🚨 Just 1 Week Until BizStarts Racine Begins! 🚨

Have a business idea you've been thinking about launching? Already running a business and ready to grow? There's still time to apply for the next BizStarts Racine cohort, which kicks off September 3 at Gateway Technical College's SC Johnson iMET Center.

This six-week program provides aspiring and current entrepreneurs with expert-led training, one-on-one mentoring, valuable business resources, and a proven framework to help launch or scale a successful business. Scholarships are available based on need.

Don't miss your chance to gain the tools, connections, and confidence to take your business to the next level.

✅ Applications are still being accepted
📅 Begins September 3, 2026
📍 Gateway Technical College's SC Johnson iMET Center, Sturtevant

See how BizStarts Racine helped entrepreneurs like Angel Garcia of S4 Electric LLC and Miranda Cook of Icing Queens turn their goals into reality, then apply today to take the next step in your own business journey: https://rcedc.org/bre/bizstarts/

Thank you to Associated Bank and CLA for sponsoring BizStarts Racine.

08/26/2026

🏡 New Homeownership Opportunities Could Be Coming to Racine

A proposed development at the former Giese Elementary School site could bring 34 new owner-occupied homes to Racine, helping address workforce housing needs and expand attainable homeownership opportunities for local employees.

The project includes plans for down payment assistance, infrastructure improvements, and priority purchasing opportunities for Racine Unified School District and City of Racine employees.

Expanding housing options for workers is an important part of attracting and retaining talent, strengthening neighborhoods, and supporting Racine County's long-term economic growth.

Read more: https://rcedc.org/34-home-development-advances-at-vacant-racine-school-site/

Racine Unified Schools City of Racine, Wisconsin Government

08/26/2026

🚨 One Week Left to Apply for the 262 Founder Pitch! 🚨

Are you building the next big idea in Southeast Wisconsin? Applications for the 262 Founder Pitch close on September 1 at 11:59 p.m., and time is running out to apply.

This is your opportunity to pitch your company, share your vision, and connect with investors, mentors, industry leaders, and startup champions from across the region. Startups in all sectors are encouraged to apply, particularly those innovating in advanced manufacturing, biohealth, clean energy, and technology.

Only approved applicants will be invited to pitch live at the November 10 event at the Kenosha Innovation Center, where prizes will be awarded in Intelligent Manufacturing, Biohealth, and Local Impact.

Learn more & apply by September 1: https://rcedc.org/event-262-founder-pitch/

262 Founder Pitch is powered by: Carthage College, Chase, Gateway Technical College, Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, RCEDC, Tech-Prize, University of Wisconsin-Parkside Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Wisconsin Technology Council, WWBIC

08/20/2026

Congratulations to Kristin McManmon on this well-deserved recognition! Her leadership at Ascension All Saints Hospital continues to strengthen healthcare access, workforce development, and quality career opportunities that benefit Racine County and the region.

🎉 Congratulations to Kristin McManmon, President & CEO of Ascension All Saints Hospital, on being named one of the Milwaukee Business Journal's 2026 Women of Influence!

This well-deserved recognition reflects Kristin’s leadership, commitment to expanding access to healthcare, and dedication to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals through workforce partnerships, education initiatives, and community-focused programs.

As a Racine County Leading Employer, Ascension All Saints Hospital provides high-quality, patient-centered care to communities across Southeast Wisconsin while offering meaningful career opportunities in a mission-driven environment. With a strong culture of compassion, collaboration, and professional growth, Ascension All Saints continues to be a top employer in Racine County.

We are proud to celebrate Kristin’s achievement and the positive impact she and the Ascension All Saints team make in our community every day.

Read Kristin’s Women of Influence interview:
👉 https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/c/women-of-influence-2026/45431/women-of-influence-kristin-mcmanmon.html

Learn more about Racine County Leading Employer Ascension All Saints Hospital and explore open positions:
👉 https://greaterracinecounty.com/business-careers/leading-employers-industries/ascension-all-saints-hospital/

08/20/2026

EVENT: Procurement Bootcamp – Essentials Edition

Are you a small business owner or a company looking to secure corporate or supplier contracts?

Join The Business Council Inc.'s Procurement Bootcamp – Essentials Edition on September 24 to gain the knowledge and tools needed to pursue procurement opportunities with corporations, institutions, and other large organizations.

Designed for small businesses looking to strengthen their contracting strategy, this interactive workshop will cover the procurement process, contract readiness, relationship building, and resources to support business growth.

📅 September 24, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
📍 MATC Mequon Campus

👉 Learn more and register today through The Business Council: https://tbcmke.events/

08/18/2026

RestoreMore Inc. has built a reputation across Southeastern Wisconsin by helping homeowners and businesses recover from fire, water, and mold damage. As the company continued to grow, it invested in a permanent facility in the City of Racine, creating a long-term home for its operations and positioning the business for future success.

RCEDC helped connect RestoreMore with SBA 504 financing to support the purchase and renovation of its new facility, and we're grateful to Barry Fries and Johnson Financial Group for their partnership in helping make this investment possible and supporting business growth in Racine County.

This project highlights how the right financing tools can help local businesses invest in their future, strengthen their presence in Racine County, and continue serving customers for years to come.

Read the full success story: https://rcedc.org/restoremore-establishes-a-permanent-home-in-the-city-of-racine-with-sba-504-financing/

Learn more about available financial tools for Racine County businesses: https://rcedc.org/finance-solutions/

City of Racine, Wisconsin Government Business Lending Partners

08/12/2026

Ready to turn your business idea into reality or take your growing business to the next level?

Applications are now open for the 4th cohort of BizStarts Racine, a hands-on entrepreneurship program designed to help local business owners launch, grow, and succeed. Participants gain access to expert-led training, one-on-one mentoring, business resources, and a proven framework to test ideas and build confidence.

📅 Six consecutive Thursdays | Sept. 3 – Oct. 8, 2026
🕓 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 Gateway Technical College's SC Johnson iMET Center
💲 $500 (Scholarships available based on need)

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your business and connect with fellow entrepreneurs in Racine County.

Learn more and apply today: https://rcedc.org/bre/bizstarts/

Thank you to Associated Bank and CLA for sponsoring the BizStarts Racine program.

08/11/2026

🚀 Pitch the Future. Build the 262.

Are you building the next big idea? Applications are now open for the 262 Founder Pitch, a startup competition connecting entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, industry leaders, and innovation champions from across Southeast Wisconsin.

Startups from all industries are encouraged to apply, with special recognition for innovations in advanced manufacturing, biohealth, clean energy, and technology.

🏆 Compete for prizes in: Intelligent Manufacturing, Biohealth, Local Impact

📅 Applications due: September 1, 2026
📍 Pitch Event: November 10, 2026 | Kenosha Innovation Center

If you're ready to showcase your vision and grow your network, now is the time to apply.

Learn more, apply, and view last year's winners: https://rcedc.org/event-262-founder-pitch/



262 Founder Pitch is Powered by: Carthage College, Chase, Gateway Technical College, Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, RCEDC, Tech-Prize, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Wisconsin Technology Council, WWBIC

08/07/2026

🚀 Applications are now being accepted for BizStarts Racine!

Ready to launch a new business or grow an existing one? The next BizStarts Racine cohort begins September 3 and provides entrepreneurs with expert-led training, one-on-one mentoring, and a proven roadmap for success.

Need-based scholarships are available.

Learn how BizStarts Racine has helped local entrepreneurs succeed by watching a video featuring former participants Miranda Cook, owner of Icing Queens, and Angel Garcia, owner of S4 Electric LLC, along with program mentor Dr. Xochitl Gonzalez.

Learn more and apply today: https://rcedc.org/bizstarts-racine-returns-fall-2026/

Thank you to Associated Bank and CLA for sponsoring BizStarts Racine.

Reservoir Video Co.

08/06/2026

From classroom learning to real-world career exploration, Burlington Area School District is helping students prepare for the future of artificial intelligence.

Through partnerships with Microsoft, gener8tor, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and local leaders, students are gaining hands-on experience with AI while educators build the skills needed to integrate emerging technologies into the classroom. This collaborative effort is creating new opportunities for the next generation of talent in Racine County.

Read more about how local partnerships are helping students explore careers in AI: https://rcedc.org/local-partnerships-help-burlington-students-explore-ai-careers/

Experience Burlington WI City of Burlington, WI