PURSUE YOUR IDEA.

GET PLUGGED IN.

FOR-M is your first step to creating a tech startup company in Milwaukee. 

YOU HAVE AN IDEA.

YOU HAVE THE DRIVE.

WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE?

FOR-M helps you solidify the startup idea that’s been bouncing around in your head. We’re a community-run initiative to help you understand your next steps and help you get connected into Milwaukee’s tech ecosystem.

We’ll be your guide into the tech startup space. And whether or not you have experience in this type of work, we’re seeking new founders from all corners of Milwaukee. Let’s take the leap together. You bring your unique insights and deep passions. We’ll help with the rest.

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Supporting an early-stage company is supporting outrageous courage. When a founder can be part of a community of support, the likelihood for success is so much greater. That’s what makes FOR-M and MKE Tech Hub exceptional. They truly put their time, experience, money, and guidance in the hands of the community of MKE founders where it is needed most: early stage development.

Dr. Grace Hameister

Food FIXR
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Early-stage funding sends a supportive message to founders: that their ideas are seen and valued, their innovations are worth developing, and that Milwaukee is the place to bring these visions to life. Funding early-stage tech startups also drives economic growth in our community.

Katie Schober + Leah Rosenbaum

STEAM Milwaukee

CHANGES FOR 2025!

FOR-M is still a free, lightweight resource for tech startup founders to get plugged into the local ecosystem, but things will look a little different this year! We’ve made the program more accessible, flexible, and valuable to everyone that participates. 

INCUBATOR SCHEDULE

FOR-M SCHEDULE FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2025:  

Kickoff Dinners (every other month)

Start your FOR-M journey with a small group of your fantastic fellow founders sharing dinner, stories, and support.

Option 1:

Monday, March 3rd 5:30-7:30pm at Ward4

Option 2:

Monday, May 5th 5:30-7:30pm at Ward4

Virtual Coaching Sessions (monthly)

Get plugged into to community by connecting with other founders and local subject matter experts sharing advice, feedback, and introductions.

Monday, March 17th 6:00-8:00pm via Zoom

Monday, April 21st 6:00-8:00pm via Zoom

Monday, May 19th 6:00-8:00pm via Zoom

Monday, June 16th 6:00-8:00pm via Zoom

Founder Showcase (twice per year)

It’s our big community event where you get to show off your progress, make connections, and become an official FOR-M alumni!

Wednesday, June 25th 6:00-9:00pm

Downtown MKE Location TBA

 * Please note that you must attend a Kickoff before you can attend our virtual coaching sessions. 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Virtual Learning Content (accessible 24/7)

We’ve got a library of resources that will help you get your foundation set – from customer profile to business model to pitching your idea!

Founders Day (monthly)

We welcome you to join us for our monthly open coworking and connections sessions – join anytime during the day 9:00am-5:00pm at Ward4. See full schedule here>>>

WANT TO JOIN FOR-M?

Applications for our tech startup incubator program are OPEN! 

This program has limited spots and operates on a rolling schedule…so apply today and secure your seat! 

Apply Now

Want to coach FOR-M founders?

Sign up to coach

Want to refer someone to FOR-M?

Submit your referral

Want to be more involved?

Join us for Founders Day

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Email the FOR-M facilitators Joe or Maggie to schedule a one-on-one chat!
joe.poeschl@mketech.org • maggie@wepivot.org

FOR-M is an initiative of the MKE Tech Hub Coalition in collaboration with We Pivot to support and grow Milwaukee’s tech startup ecosystem. We Pivot creates the conditions where all individuals are included, fulfilled, and empowered resulting in a tech industry that is reflective of our community.

Additional Resources 

Use the tool below from Start In Wisconsin to explore more resources available.

Get Connected

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