New North

What New North does

New North, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional marketing and economic development corporation headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, that serves as the designated convener for economic development across an 18-county region of Northeast Wisconsin. Founded in 2005 and operating with a small core staff of eight, the organization coordinates business attraction, talent development, broadband expansion, and entrepreneurial ecosystem support on behalf of more than 175 private investors and 300+ partner corporations, educational institutions, workforce boards, chambers of commerce, tribal corporations, and municipalities. New North is AEDO-accredited by the International Economic Development Council and holds a formal regional partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), giving it an embedded role in statewide economic development policy and federal program delivery (e.g., BEAD broadband funding).

The organization's product surface is a portfolio of programs and platforms rather than a single software product. Core offerings include the New North website, the IntelTracker regional economic-data dashboard, the NEW Launch Alliance entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Blueprint Accelerator (targeting underrepresented founders), industry-specific Talent Alliances (Manufacturing, Construction, Digital, Healthcare, Broadband, Launch), three email newsletters (daily New North News, monthly Global New North, Hires Heroes), the annual New North Summit at Lambeau Field, pitch competitions, the Workplace Excellence Award program, the Livability Northeast Wisconsin publication, and an Available Sites/Real Estate database integrated with WEDC's LocateInWI. Technology is non-proprietary: the organization leverages third-party platforms (Microsoft TEALS, SizeUp Wisconsin, Insight Publications) and standard web/dashboard infrastructure rather than developing original software.

New North's revenue model is investor- and partnership-driven rather than transactional. Funding flows from (1) private investor contributions across nine tiers (Platinum through In-Kind), functioning as recurring annual commitments, (2) the WEDC state partnership for collaborative economic development work, and (3) program-specific grants and sponsorships (e.g., U.S. Venture/Georgia-Pacific-backed accelerators). Pricing is not publicly disclosed and there are no commercial product sales; the go-to-market motion is event-driven (Summit, pitch events, trade shows) and channel-partner-driven (industry alliances, WEDC, regional planning commissions). Customer segments include business investors/employers, economic development organizations, educational institutions, job seekers/talent, entrepreneurs, and government entities.

Name

New North

Legal name

New North, Inc.

Website

https://thenewnorth.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

New North is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional economic development corporation serving 18 Northeast Wisconsin counties, coordinating business attraction, talent development, broadband expansion, and entrepreneurial ecosystem support through 175+ private investors and 300+ partner organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Economic Development

NAICS

Public Relations Agencies (541820), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employer-Led Workforce Partnerships & Sector Strategies (EDAAAOAB), Executive Leadership & C-Suite Development (EDABAAAA)

Keywords

• Regional economic development
• Talent development programs
• Entrepreneurial ecosystem support
• Business intelligence dashboards
• Broadband infrastructure initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Green Bay

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Private Investor Contributions: New North is funded by over 175 private investors including corporations and businesses in Northeast Wisconsin at various contribution levels (Platinum, Champion, Leadership, Visionary, Founding, Sustaining, Partnering, Contributing, and In-Kind).
2. State Partnership (WEDC): New North is a regional partner to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and receives state-level support and collaboration.
3. Membership/Investment Tiers: The organization offers different investment levels and opportunities to investors, with investor benefits by tier structure.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

New North is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional marketing and economic development corporation that serves 18 counties in Northeast Wisconsin. It facilitates regional economic growth through programs in business attraction and development, talent development (including veteran hiring), entrepreneurial ecosystem support (NEW Launch Alliance, Blueprint Accelerator, pitch competitions), broadband connectivity initiatives, and regional data/intelligence (IntelTracker). It is funded by a network of 175+ private investors and partners with public-sector entities such as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).

Product overview

New North, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional marketing and economic development corporation for Northeast Wisconsin's 18-county region. It does not offer a single software product but rather a portfolio of programs, platforms, and services. The core offering is the New North website (thenewnorth.com), which aggregates business intelligence, talent resources, and regional data. Key sub-products include the New North IntelTracker (real-time regional economic data dashboards), the NEW Launch Alliance (entrepreneurial ecosystem platform), the Blueprint Accelerator (startup accelerator), Talent Alliances (workforce development programs), a site selection database with Gold Shovel/Certified Sites, New North Newsletters (daily and monthly publications), the Livability annual guide, the New North Summit annual conference, pitch competitions, the New North Workplace Excellence Award, New North Hires Heroes veteran program, and Annual/Mid-Year Reports to the Community with regional metrics dashboards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• New North IntelTracker Regional business intelligence platform providing consolidated data and analytics on Northeast Wisconsin's economy, workforce, and development indicators for employers, investors, and partner organizations.
• NEW Launch Alliance Regional entrepreneurial ecosystem program that connects early-stage founders to mentors, capital, and ecosystem resources across the 18-county region.
• Blueprint Accelerator Accelerator program supporting the growth of startups in Northeast Wisconsin through structured programming and access to regional resources and mentors.
• Talent Alliances Regional workforce development alliances that coordinate talent pipeline efforts between employers, educational institutions, and workforce boards across the 18-county region.
• New North Hires Heroes Veteran hiring initiative that connects transitioning service members and military spouses to employment opportunities with regional employers in Northeast Wisconsin.
• New North Summit Annual regional conference convening investors, employers, policymakers, and regional stakeholders to align on Northeast Wisconsin's economic development priorities.
• Pitch Competition Regional pitch competition providing startups with exposure, feedback, and prize funding, supporting the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Livability Northeast Wisconsin Publication Regional quality-of-life publication used to attract and retain talent and employers to Northeast Wisconsin by showcasing the region's livability assets.
• New North Newsletter Program Recurring newsletter program comprising a Daily News email and a Monthly Investor Newsletter, keeping regional stakeholders informed of economic development updates and opportunities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92.3% of New North college graduates remain in Wisconsin after graduation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core and supporting.

• NEW Healthcare AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2026Newly formed alliance to strengthen healthcare ecosystem through collaborative three-pronged work program focusing on workforce solutions, next generation engagement, and clinical excellence.
• New North Broadband AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2023Established in May 2023 to enhance broadband connectivity across 18 counties. Assists counties in BEAD grant applications and coordinates with ISPs for broadband expansion. BEAD program provides $1.05 billion to Wisconsin.
• Greater Green Bay ChamberkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partnership to launch The Blueprint Green Bay accelerator program for entrepreneurs of color, female, and veteran-owned businesses with mentorship, technology training, and seed funding opportunities.
• NEW Digital AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Formed in 2014 to address IT talent challenges through collaboration among educators, workforce development, and industry leaders. Created 1+3 and 2+2 educational pathways and adopted Microsoft's TEALS program.
• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew North is a regional partner to WEDC and the State of Wisconsin for economic development initiatives. WEDC is the state's lead economic development organization providing loans, grants, tax credits, and technical assistance programs.
• Forward 48keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerWisconsin's premier leadership program with landmark 10th cohort. New North partnership cultivates the region's next generation of leaders through this initiative.
• TitletownTechkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation hub in Green Bay that provides startups and companies with resources, mentorship, and connections. Hosts pitch events and serves as venue sponsor for NEW Launch Alliance activities.
• U.S. VenturekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaunched the U.S. Venture Mobility and Sustainability Investment Accelerator, powered by gener8tor, providing $100,000 investments for early-stage startups focused on sustainability and mobility.
• Georgia-PacifickeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through 1915 Studios, a free accelerator for early-stage technology startups providing access to Georgia-Pacific's Neenah Technical Center with 250+ scientists and engineers.
• NEW Manufacturing AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorking to build the talent pipeline for manufacturing through collaboration with educators, workforce development, chambers of commerce, and state organizations.
• NEW Construction AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmerging association of construction trades employers collaborating with educators, workforce development, economic development, and government to promote construction careers.
• NEW Launch AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated to form a more connected, robust, resourceful, and productive entrepreneurial ecosystem across 18 counties. Connects entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, educators, and accelerators at monthly virtual meetings.
• NEW ERA (Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium of 13 public post-secondary institutions fostering regional partnerships to serve the educational needs of 1.2 million people in Northeast Wisconsin.
• Wisconsin SBDC NetworksupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides entrepreneurial how-to video series and resources for small businesses through the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center Network.
• Wisconsin SHRM CouncilsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRepresents human resource professionals in Wisconsin through the national Society for Human Resource Management, supported through the New North ecosystem.
• Insight PublicationskeyGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia partner for producing New North Report to the Community and publishes Champions of Innovation stories highlighting regional technology and business innovation.
• Bay Lake Regional Planning CommissionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides comprehensive planning, land use planning, transportation improvement, economic development, and demographic services as part of regional planning network.
• East Central Regional Planning CommissionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides comprehensive planning, transportation planning, economic development, and technical assistance to local governments in partnership with New North.
• Fox Valley Technical CollegekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical college providing workforce training and hosting programs like E-Seed Express entrepreneurship training and Veterans Innovation Accelerator.
• Kauffman Foundation (1 Million Cups)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational program supporting entrepreneurs through 1 Million Cups communities in Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin.
• CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerServed as reception sponsor for pitch events and provides professional services support.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Greater Des Moines Partnership: Regional economic development organization covering a multi-county area in Iowa. Closely comparable in structure: membership/investor-funded 501(c)(3)-style entity coordinating business attraction, talent development, and regional branding across counties — the same operating model New North uses in NE Wisconsin.
• Milwaukee 7 (MMAC / Milwaukee Regional Innovation Project): Regional economic development council for the seven-county Milwaukee metro. Peer in Wisconsin: multi-county scope, investor-funded, focused on business attraction and talent, with comparable talent-alliance and brand-marketing programs.
• Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce: Chamber/EDC hybrid serving the Madison region of Wisconsin with investor-backed programming around business development, talent, and regional branding. Directly comparable in mandate and operating model to New North.
• Greater Houston Partnership: One of the largest US regional EDCs, covering multiple counties in Greater Houston with investor-led business attraction, talent, and policy advocacy. Comparable in being a multi-county, investor-funded partnership model — though operating at a much larger scale.
• Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce: Regional chamber/EDC serving the Nashville metro with programming in business attraction, talent development, and entrepreneurship. Comparable operating model to New North at a larger metro scale.
• Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber: Multi-county regional chamber providing economic development, talent, and small business/entrepreneurial services across the Cincinnati metro. Comparable in combining business attraction, talent attraction, and entrepreneurship programs under one investor-backed nonprofit umbrella.
• Indy Chamber: Regional chamber and EDC for the Indianapolis metro, running investor-funded business attraction, talent, and small business development programs. Directly comparable to New North's structure.

Broad incumbents

• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC): State-level economic development organization that serves as New North's formal state partner. Operates in the same space (business attraction, site selection, incentives, broadband) but at the state level; comparable in function even though its geography is broader and budget far larger.

Emerging players

• gener8tor: Wisconsin-based nationally operating accelerator that partners with New North on Skills and Mobility/Sustainability accelerators. Peer in the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem; comparable as a startup-acceleration platform rather than a multi-county regional marketer.
• TitletownTech: Green Bay-based innovation venture studio and partnership of the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft. Hosts NEW Launch Alliance pitch events; comparable as a co-located entrepreneurship/innovation hub rather than a broad regional EDC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NewNorthInc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TheNewNorthRegion
• Facebookfacebook.com/newnorthinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/new-north-inc.
• Instagraminstagram.com/lifeinthenewnorth

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New North