Second-time national recognition positions Madison as leading entrepreneurial ecosystem
MADISON, WI – November 18, 2025 – StartingBlock Madison, the region’s leading entrepreneurship hub, announced today it has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, receiving $75,000 to expand entrepreneurial support across south central Wisconsin.
StartingBlock was one of 76 organizations selected nationwide from a competitive field of applicants, marking the organization’s second recognition from the program after previously winning in 2023. The award reflects the SBA’s confidence in StartingBlock’s proven model of supporting entrepreneurs across multiple stages of development, from initial concept validation through investment readiness.
“We are thrilled that our federal partners understand and value the work that StartingBlock is doing in the Madison ecosystem,” said Scott Mosley, CEO of StartingBlock Madison. “We are looking forward to partnering with regional government, industry and university partners to further entrepreneurship in south central Wisconsin.”
The $75,000 award will enable StartingBlock to enhance support for entrepreneurs working across key regional industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, clean energy, health technology, and information technology. The funding will support entrepreneurs at various stages of business development, from foundational business model validation through advanced commercialization and scaling.
StartingBlock’s selection comes as the organization builds on demonstrated success with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s 2024-2025 Entrepreneurial Partnership Grant, which served 85 entrepreneurs. The organization is currently advancing plans for expanded programming that would serve hundreds of additional companies across the nine-county south central Wisconsin region.
The SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition supports organizations that help small businesses grow through accelerators, incubators, and other models. Winners demonstrate track records of success in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening regional economies.
About StartingBlock Madison
StartingBlock Madison is a 501(c)3 entrepreneurship hub dedicated to accelerating technology commercialization and business growth in south central Wisconsin. Through comprehensive programming, expert mentorship, and strategic partnerships across funding sources, service providers, educational institutions, and industry leaders, StartingBlock provides entrepreneurs with the resources and support needed to build successful, sustainable businesses. For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, visit startingblockmadison.org.
