Waukesha County Center for Growth Celebrates 10 Years of Driving Economic Impact

The Waukesha County Center for Growth is proud to celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2026, marking a decade of advancing business and strengthening communities across Waukesha County.

Established to lead countywide economic development efforts, the Center for Growth’s mission is rooted in its Business Growth Strategy, which supports primary employers, delivering measurable results, and fostering a competitive, collaborative business environment. For ten years, the Center for Growth has served as a trusted partner to businesses and municipalities, working to retain, expand, and attract companies that bring new investment and quality jobs to the region.

A core focus of the Center for Growth’s work is building strong relationships with primary employers and connecting them to the resources they need to grow. From site selection assistance and workforce solutions to navigating incentives and financing tools, the Center for Growth acts as a strategic connector, linking companies to capital, talent, and development opportunities. The organization also serves as the economic development arm for many local municipalities, providing professional expertise, business outreach, and strategic guidance that strengthens tax base growth and supports industrial and commercial development.

A keystone of this work is the GROW Fund, the Center for Growth’s gap financing tool designed to advance business expansion and workforce housing projects. By offering flexible capital that complements traditional lending, the GROW Fund helps projects move forward that may not otherwise be possible, supporting both economic growth and community development.

“Over the past ten years, we have built a strong foundation of partnership, accountability, and measurable results,” said Therese Thill, Executive Director of the Waukesha County Center for Growth. “Our focus has always been clear, to support our primary employers, strengthen our municipalities, and ensure Waukesha County remains one of the most competitive and business-friendly regions in the Midwest. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited about the opportunities ahead.”

As the Center for Growth enters its second decade, the organization remains committed to driving investment, supporting employers, and enhancing the long-term economic strength of Waukesha County.