Milwaukee — BizStarts is proud to honor founder Dan Steininger as he transitions from active board service to the new role of Founder and Emeritus Chair. Dan is currently President of the Daniel Hoan Foundation.
A catalyst for entrepreneurship in Milwaukee, Dan founded BizStarts in 2008, building the organization from a bold idea into a thriving ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs, funders, educators, and community partners. Over his tenure, Dan launched signature programs, expanded mentorship networks, and helped countless startup teams move from concept to scalable venture. Under his stewardship, BizStarts became a recognized local and regional hub for inclusive innovation and early-stage support.
Board Chair Lara Lee offered a heartfelt tribute: “Dan’s energy, strategic insight, and unwavering belief in founders transformed Milwaukee’s startup landscape. His passionate commitment to excellence, belief in human potential, and genuine desire to contribute are embedded in the BizStarts culture and will continue to fuel our mission. The thousands of entrepreneurs whose lives have been changed by BizStarts are a tribute to Dan’s vision, and his legacy is woven throughout the fabric of this community.”
Dan Steininger thanked the BizStarts Board for the recognition, and commented: “BizStarts is in excellent shape, with a seasoned board, strong leadership, talented staff, and a thriving community of founders and supporters. I’m proud of what we’ve built, and am now ready to turn my full attention to the important work of the Daniel Hoan Foundation. As President of the Foundation, I’ve been fully engaged in conducting community-wide annual contests to improve Milwaukee City and County since initiating the lighting of the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge, and I’m excited to further propel the initiatives we now have in flight and in the pipeline.”
