GREEN BAY – In a demonstration of regional collaboration, UW-Green Bay and New North, Inc. have announced their joint leadership in the Cheese Wedge Consortium, a major entrepreneurship initiative supported through a dedicated $1 million Ignite Wisconsin grant for Northeast Wisconsin.
This award specifically fuels the region’s unique strategy to accelerate high‑growth startups, expand innovation capacity and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the 18‑county New North region.
The consortium — led by New North, Inc. — builds on the organization’s longstanding leadership in Northeast Wisconsin and leverages the future Phoenix Innovation Park’s deep integration with UW‑Green Bay.
“Entrepreneurship cultivates the innovation and curiosity needed to solve real-world problems,” said New North President and CEO, Patti Habeck. “When strong partners come together with shared purpose, we don’t just support startups — we build a resilient, thriving regional economy.”
This unified platform will connect universities, corporations, investors and service providers to create an energized and coordinated pipeline for entrepreneurship.
“Supporting the community’s economic needs and driving entrepreneurship for everyone in the region are at the core of who we are,” said UW‑Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander. “This consortium amplifies our commitment to working collaboratively, advancing statewide education and economic development, and ensuring learners of all ages have access to the skills they need to succeed.”
UW‑Green Bay and New North have collaborated for years to advance economic growth, workforce development and innovation across Northeast Wisconsin.
The consortium’s design leverages New North’s established network of regional partners and deep expertise in convening business, community and government leaders; UW‑Green Bay’s emerging Phoenix Innovation Park, positioned to serve as a dynamic hub connecting universities, corporations, investors and service providers; and National accelerator gener8tor, which will deliver programming and mentorship directly to founders.
This joint platform is intentionally region-first, ensuring Northeast Wisconsin receives the strategic focus and resources needed to strengthen its entrepreneurial brand, talent pipeline and business competitiveness.
The Cheese Wedge Consortium will support:
Accelerator programming tailored to regional needs
Pre‑seed bootcamps
Corporate innovation and engagement
Equity investments for startups
Legal and housing stipends for relocating founders
Co‑working space and community-based outreach
In its first year alone, the consortium is projected to support 21 startups, engage 42 participants, fund 18 companies directly, create 46 new jobs and generate $3.4 million in regional revenue. These outcomes reflect the consortium’s commitment to building a high-impact, high-visibility entrepreneurship engine for Northeast Wisconsin.
UW‑Green Bay’s participation demonstrates its growing leadership as the region’s access‑driven university and as a driver of lifelong learning and talent development.
The partnership with New North strengthens the university’s role in solving regional challenges, opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and industry to collaborate, access to applied research and faculty expertise and the development of in-demand workforce skills.
Gov. Evers’ Ignite Wisconsin initiative invests more than $3.5 million statewide across four consortiums to strengthen high-growth startup sectors. The Cheese Wedge Consortium is uniquely positioned to elevate Northeast Wisconsin’s innovation profile and accelerate high-potential startups that will directly impact the region’s economy.
New North and UW‑Green Bay leadership will continue working closely with WEDC and local partners to ensure this investment strengthens the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and draws attention to Northeast Wisconsin as a destination for talent, capital and opportunity.
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