Racine Sun

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is touting the new home for businesses that his state has become under his stewardship.

“We've made Wisconsin the top state for directing ARPA aid to businesses and economic development, and our investments are paying off,” the governor posted on Twitter recently. “Between 2019 and 2021, there have been nearly 21,000 new businesses started in Wisconsin, an increase of 42%.”

As Wisconsin increases its number of businesses the Department of Financial Institutions puts the overall number in the state at 71,151, up from 50,277, with the largest increase coming between 2020 and 2021, a 24.3% increase.

With at least part of the surge attributed to how the state has moved to invest COVID-19 relief dollars as a share of total funds in small businesses, prompting the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities Research to rate the state tops in the nationally country in that area and second for spending in academic advancement, Wisconsin Technology Council President Tom Still insists he isn’t surprised. 

"We've put close to probably about $600 million into assisting small businesses here in Wisconsin, and I think that's one of the things that we're starting to see it bearing fruit," he told WisBusiness.com.

Wisconsin Startup Coalition co-founder Matt Cordio is also a fan. 

“This is exciting news for Wisconsin as startup companies create net new jobs in the economy,” he said in a statement, quoted by WisBusiness.com. “Policymakers should work to foster a supportive environment for these new companies by investing in talent attraction, workforce development, and creating a more attractive tax and regulatory climate in the state.”