Kenosha has long been an engine of economic innovation. From its early days as a manufacturing powerhouse—home to one of the country’s first automobile plants—to its continued role as a hub for industry and entrepreneurship, the city has consistently adapted to changing economic landscapes. Today, that legacy is being reimagined through the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood (KIN), a transformational project aimed at fostering economic growth, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
The project focuses on 107 acres of vacant land that was the site of the former AMC/Chrysler plant, which employed 14,000 people at its peak. After Chrysler declared bankruptcy in 2009, the site was vacant for years. Now, KIN is stepping in with a bold vision to transform this land into a mixed-use district featuring public greenspace, education facilities, community support programs, and leading-edge startup businesses.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for this community. The work has been done to create a vision and build alignment around it—that is transformational.”
Kelly Armstrong, President of KIN
A Vision for the Future
KIN is an independent 501(c)(3) organization focused on four key areas: real estate development, entrepreneurship, workforce upskilling, and the Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC).
According to Armstrong, the initiative is about more than just physical development—it’s about creating an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive. “We’re not building a business park. We’re rebuilding a neighborhood that will have residential areas and future-forward jobs driving it as an economic driver,” Armstrong said.
The project is one of the key economic development initiatives in the region. “The investment in this area is already over $158 million, and that doesn’t include what’s happening in downtown Kenosha or along the I-94 corridor,” she said.
The Kenosha Innovation Center and KICstart Program
At the heart of KIN is the Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC), designed to be a collaborative space that fosters connectivity between Milwaukee and Chicago’s entrepreneurial ecosystems. KIC will house a mix of startups, established companies, and innovation-driven organizations, creating a dynamic environment for cross-industry collaboration.
“We want this to be the physical place of connectivity,” Armstrong explained. “We think we’re perfectly situated to connect Milwaukee and Chicago’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.”
One of its key initiatives is KICstart, an entrepreneurship program aimed at connecting startups to resources, mentorship, and funding. While still in its early stages, KICstart will serve as the central hub for entrepreneurs in the region.
“We don’t want to replicate services that already exist in the ecosystem. What we look to do is connect those services, be that central resource, and fill any gaps in the marketplace,” she said.
In November, KIC will host Pitch Perfect, a pitch competition for startups headquartered in Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties. Sponsored in part by Chase Bank, the competition aims to provide funding and visibility for emerging businesses in the region.
“We’re launching this with a pitch competition. It will be our first major event in the new space. It’s a chance to knock on the door and see who’s there in the region,” Armstrong said.
Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development
Strategic partnerships are a driving force behind KIN’s mission. The organization is working closely with educational institutions, local businesses, and workforce development programs to ensure that Kenosha’s residents have access to the skills needed for high-growth industries.
“We want to ensure Kenoshans have access to future-forward jobs through our partnerships with higher education institutions,” Armstrong said.
The first education facility to open in KIC is LakeView Technology Academy, a STEM-focused choice school offering dual-credit courses in healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and in-demand trades. Through a partnership with Gateway Technical College, the school not only prepares students for careers in these fields but also provides opportunities for adult learners looking to upskill.
A New Era for Kenosha
With a rich history of innovation and a growing network of partnerships, KIN is poised to reshape Kenosha’s economic future. The initiative not only honors the city’s industrial past but also lays the groundwork for a dynamic, inclusive future where businesses and individuals alike can prosper.
“We’re perfectly located to be a connector between Milwaukee and Chicago. We want to leverage that position to build something that benefits the whole region,” Armstrong said.
To learn more about KIN and the Kenosha Innovation Center, click here.
Read more at mkestartup.news.