Sheboygan County’s economic development arm has engaged over 20 entrepreneurs in a new program designed to launch and scale physical products. This initiative, the Consumer Packaged Goods Blueprint Program, is backed by over $110,000 in grants and technical assistance funding. The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) partnered with Startups Built Simply to deliver this specialized support for product startup innovation, according to Wisbusiness.

Sheboygan County has historically supported a broad range of startups, but its newest significant initiative specifically targets consumer packaged goods. The specific targeting of consumer packaged goods indicates a strategic shift towards sector specialization. Previous grants went to software companies, marking a distinct change in focus.

Sheboygan County is likely to become a more prominent hub for CPG innovation, potentially attracting more specialized talent and investment in this sector. Other startup types might need to seek broader regional support as a result.

  • The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation partnered with Startups Built Simply to launch the Consumer Packaged Goods Blueprint Program, according to Wispolitics.
  • The CPG Blueprint Program supports new and established entrepreneurs in Sheboygan County in launching and scaling physical products, according to wisbusiness.com.
  • The program has engaged over 20 entrepreneurs and offers more than $110,000 in startup grants and technical assistance funding, according to wisbusiness.com.
  • Founders demonstrating strong market potential receive grants from SCEDC, funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), to support product creation and growth, according to wispolitics.com.

How Sheboygan's Startup Support Is Changing

Sheboygan County's SCEDC assisted 14 startups in 2014, growing to 21 by 2017, with an additional 31 in the pipeline, according to Sheboyganpress. The growth in startups from 14 in 2014 to 21 by 2017, with an additional 31 in the pipeline, demonstrated a diverse entrepreneurial fostering. The SCEDC previously awarded grants to software companies; for instance, Alex Suscha won first place for his AI SaaS platform 'Sourcer AI', and Tyler Heilberger took second for his family travel software 'Rosebud', according to sheboygancountyedc.