Why Do Businesses in Green Bay, WI, Excel?
The Greater Green Bay, WI, region has long been known for its grit, community pride and Midwest work ethic, but it’s also becoming a place where entrepreneurs can launch meaningful, sustainable businesses. With a growing talent pipeline, a welcoming community and resources, including venture capital firms, businesses in Green Bay are finding something larger markets often lack: affordability, collaboration and support.
To understand what makes the Green Bay, WI, area prolific ground for new ideas, Livability spoke with two entrepreneurs, Lauren Ripley, co-owner of The Farmacy, a grab-and-go eatery; and Ben Kvalo, founder and CEO of Midwest Games, a video-game publisher.
Lauren Ripley, The Farmacy
Opened in 2023, The Farmacy is a restorative eatery focused on anti-inflammatory, allergy-friendly foods. Ripley’s personal health journey, which included years of navigating nerve pain, inflammation and food sensitivities, led her to create a restaurant where people can eat confidently and feel better with every meal.
Why did you decide to build your business in the Green Bay, WI, area?
My healing journey started here. There was already a big community trying to get healthy, but there weren’t many restaurants that supported it. I knew this concept would make a difference.
What local resources did you utilize?
The Greater Green Bay Chamber networking events helped me meet people and feel connected, especially since I’m not originally from here.
What challenges did you face opening a business in the Green Bay, WI, area, and how did you overcome them?
I overcommitted because I had so many ideas. A few women business owners stepped in at the perfect time and helped me slow down and refocus.
What has allowed you to succeed here?
Green Bay is very relationship driven. I talk with customers, and I encourage my team to do the same. Listening to people is why we have so many regulars.
How has the community supported you?
People in the Green Bay, WI, area genuinely want businesses to thrive. Other business owners take time to offer advice. That kind of support is rare.
Why is giving back important to you?
Giving back is just part of who I am. Every time we donate meals, offer free classes or show up for a cause, it brings joy to others and us. It reminds me why we opened The Farmacy in the first place. When the community grows stronger, so does the business, and it’s a privilege to be a part of that.
What tips do you have for others wanting to open a business in the Green Bay, WI, area?
Make sure you’re filling a real need and that you understand the people you want to serve. When you know your purpose and your community, it makes the hard days easier and the wins feel even bigger. Green Bay, WI, really responds to businesses that care, so let that guide you.
Ben Kvalo, Midwest Games
Midwest Games, founded in 2023, is a remote-first video-game publisher built to support developers in more flexible and strategic ways. After years working for global entertainment brands, Kvalo returned to Wisconsin with a vision to grow a world-class gaming company.
Why did you decide to build your business in the Green Bay, WI, area?
I went to college here, and the region has really invested in tech. TitletownTech, backed by the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft, became an early investor. There’s talent, government support and a lower cost of living that make growth easier.
What local resources did you rely on?
Most of our early investors were from the Midwest. Wisconsin’s Qualified New Business Venture Program helped, and through the Wisconsin Games Alliance, I’ve tapped into a growing regional network.
What challenges did you face opening a business in the Green Bay, WI, area, and how did you overcome them?
We raised money during a difficult climate, and most investors didn’t really understand gaming. Rather than chasing coastal capital, I turned to regional investors who were excited about building new industries in the Midwest.
What has allowed you to succeed here?
Showing up. I go to every event I can because meaningful conversations open doors. A viral LinkedIn post after launch also helped us hire talent and gain traction.
How has the community supported you?
The support was immediate. When I announced the company, people reached out nonstop. Every employee we’ve hired came from that early wave of enthusiasm.
Why is giving back important to you?
For us, it’s central to the mission. We’re trying to build something meaningful in a place people don’t typically associate with the gaming industry. That only works if we’re investing in the ecosystem around us. When the region grows, the industry grows, as does every business within it.
What tips do you have for others wanting to open a business in the Green Bay, WI, area?
Connect with other founders and get involved in the community. This region is incredibly collaborative and surprisingly welcoming. People genuinely want to help you succeed, and the relationships you build here can open unexpected doors.
This article is sponsored by the Greater Green Bay Chamber.