WAUPACA, WI – Governor Tony Evers joined local and state leaders Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of the new Waupaca Business Center, calling the facility an important investment in broadband access, economic development and the future of rural Wisconsin.
The new center, located in downtown Waupaca, was made possible in part through a $4 million Flexible Facilities Program grant from the Wisconsin Department of Administration. The facility features classrooms, meeting rooms, telehealth suites, business workspaces and an audio and video production studio designed to serve entrepreneurs, remote workers, nonprofits and community organizations.
Speaking during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Governor Evers said access to reliable internet has become essential for everyday life.
“It’s 2026, and having access to high-speed internet is a necessity for how we work, learn and stay connected,” Evers said.
He said the state’s investment will help close the digital divide by giving residents access to technology and resources they may not otherwise have.
“This project will help move our state one step closer to closing the digital divide,” Evers said. “Whether it’s continuing your education, growing a business online, paying bills, finding a job or connecting with family and friends, this facility will be a critical resource.”
Evers praised the City of Waupaca and its partners for creating a space that will benefit the community for years to come.
“Families are looking for these kinds of community connections because they’re what attract new residents, encourage new businesses and create a sense of pride,” he said. “We’re all better off because of leaders like all of you who are willing to invest in your communities.”
Waupaca Mayor Brian Smith welcomed attendees to the grand opening, calling the project a milestone for the city and its economic future.
“Today is an exciting milestone for our city,” Smith said. “This center was created with a clear purpose, to provide a welcoming, accessible and professionally equipped space where entrepreneurs, small businesses, remote workers, educators and community organizations can find the tools and support they need to succeed.”
Smith said the Business Center is much more than an office building.
“It gives home-based businesses room to take the next step. It gives remote workers a reliable place to be productive. It gives nonprofits a place to gather, and it gives entrepreneurs a place to imagine what’s next,” he said.
The mayor noted that the facility includes collaborative workspaces, classrooms, meeting rooms, private offices, telehealth suites and audio and video production studios, creating a one-stop resource for business development and community programming.
Community leaders also highlighted the center’s partnership with ThedaCare, which has equipped the telehealth suites with medical technology to help residents attend remote healthcare appointments, addressing healthcare access in rural communities.
Officials say the Business Center is the result of years of strategic planning to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, remote workers and small businesses while expanding opportunities for education, workforce development and community collaboration.
The facility is now open and expected to serve as a hub for innovation, business growth and public services throughout the Waupaca area.
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