Employer firms are businesses that hire at least one employee, setting them apart from sole proprietorships with no staff. They play a vital role in economic health, as small employer firms with fewer than 500 employees account for roughly half of the U.S. private-sector workforce. Data from sources such as the Federal Reserve and the Census Bureau help track their performance, costs pressures, and ownership demographics, providing important insights into broader economic conditions.
Jumpstart South Central Wisconsin is an equity-focused economic development organization committed to expanding opportunity for business owners who have historically had the lowest levels of employer firm participation in Rock, Jefferson, Green, and Walworth counties. We strengthen the regional economy by supporting these business owners with community-informed training, business development support, technology integration, and nonprofit capacity-building. Our mission is to address barriers to business growth, foster innovation, and support the transition from sole proprietorships to employer firms that build lasting community wealth. Through our programs and partnerships, we help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain businesses that contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and thriving South Central Wisconsin economy.
Our mission is guided by three core pillars that define our approach and drive measurable outcomes across South Central Wisconsin:
- Entrepreneurship Development – Training and mentorship for small and microbusiness owners.
- Technology Integration – Equipping founders with emerging tech skills through our Tech Tank initiative.
- Nonprofit Capacity Building – Supporting new and growing nonprofits through training and fiscal sponsorship.
