BREW Program Details

12-month STARTUP ACCELERATOR to help launch your business

This program is strategically designed to help entrepreneurs get their ideas launched into a business. Past winners include businesses focused on water quality and quantity, from sensors and laboratory solutions to software and hydropower.

Each year up to 6 participating startups receive:

Capital & Follow-on Investments

• Up to $50,000 in investments
• Introductions to venture capital and corporate investors
• Pitch training and opportunity to pitch at BREW Tank, the water technology version of Shark Tank, and WEFTEC

Physical Ecosystem

• Low cost space in the Global Water Center located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for 12 months
• Access to the Global Water Center’s Flow Lab, wet lab space and conference rooms
• Access to demonstration sites within the Milwaukee region including Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Reed Street Yards’ Water Technology Business Park, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences and City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works

Business Training & Mentorship

• Business Model Canvas and operations training through the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Institute for Water Business
• Mentorship from dozens of area water technology experts, BREW advisors and preferred partners
• Connections to portfolio network
• Customer development accountability coaching

Talent

• Access to faculty, researchers and students from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and local Technical Colleges
• Opportunity to share job and internship openings with The Water Council’s network

Access to Water Network

• Publicity across local, national and international media outlets through The Water Council
• High exposure to multinational corporations, global trade missions and international dignitaries who look to Wisconsin for innovative water technology solutions
• Complimentary one-year membership to The Water Council providing access to networking events, programming and diverse water technology network including the Small Business Channel
• Complimentary one-year access to The Water Council’s Global Water Port, an online, globally-focused water research and collaboration platform to enhance connectivity between individuals and companies seeking innovative solutions