CBEI Central Wisconsin Fall 2025 Report

Downtown Entrepreneurship Trends

2020-23 New Business Openings by Sector

• 44.6% of jobs in small businesses are housed in downtowns • 91% of tenants in downtowns are non-chain local establishments • From 2020-23, Women represented more than 38% of startups, or 51% including jointly owned businesses, including more than 20% of businesses in all sectors. Ͳ First-time entrepreneurs represent the bulk of new business activity and are twice as likely to be found in rural areas and in the retail and restaurant sectors. Ͳ Half of new business owners, and 70% of women-led startups are actively involved in the community , serving on a municipal or civic board or committee. Ͳ 35% of new businesses received some type of local financial support. However, urban businesses were twice as likely to receive local financial assistance as those in rural communities.

Entertainment 2%

Professional Service

Hospitali ty 2%

12% Bar 4%

Restaurant 17%

Civic 0%

Personal Service 25%

Retail 38%

Loans/Funding Business One Stop Shops Incubators or Accelerators How to Support Entrepreneurs

Networking Activities Education & Technical Assistance One on One Advising

11

Small Business Development Stages

BUSINESS IDEA BUSINESS PLAN OPENING/ OPERATING

EXPANSION AND GROWTH

22

Center for Business and Economic Insight

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