Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood announces two new partners

By Rose Androwich

KENOSHA — The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood now has two new partnerships with Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation and Rex Academy. 

The partnership with WWBIC will provide business owners with direct support to financial and technical resources.

Along with providing resources to new businesses, Kelly Armstrong the president of Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood, said they also serve existing businesses. 

"I think this partnership is valuable for the community because now you have all of us working together," she said. "You're able to cover Main Street businesses, mom and pop, restaurants and small businesses." 

She said it also fits in with the KIN's goal of being an economic driver, and a place where people can come to build or start their business. 

Armstrong said that WWBIC supports all types of businesses and not just those that are owned by women.

Since 1987, WWBIC has assisted by assisting microenterprise and small businesses throughout six Wisconsin regions. It provides businesses with access to capital, training and information about financial wellness. 

Throughout its history, it has loaned $130 million to small business owners. 

"WWBIC is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams through accessible, high-quality business support," said Kathryn Dunn, President/CEO WWBIC. "Partnering with the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood allows us to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that the innovation happening here in Kenosha is supported by the capital and expertise required for long-term success."

Rex Academy 

The KIN also announced a new partnership with Rex Academy. The company was founded by Sandhya “Sandy” Padala, is a Milwaukee-based, woman and minority-owned education company focused on expanding access to computer science and emerging technology education.

The organization provides turnkey technology education solutions, virtual instruction, curriculum, and learning platforms designed to help institutions and learners move faster from interest to implementation.

In its new partnership with the KIN, Rex will contribute programming and expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital literacy, technology fluency and workforce-aligned technology training. 

The partnership is designed to expand access to technology learning opportunities for adult learners, professionals seeking to upskill, career switchers exploring new pathways, and individuals preparing for technology-driven roles in the modern economy.

Armstrong said the partnership reflects the KIN's role as a connective tissue between people, employers, educators, founders. 

"REX Academy brings exactly the kind of practical, accessible, high-impact learning we want at the Kenosha Innovation Center.," she said. "This partnership helps us open new doors for adult learners, support career mobility, and strengthen the talent pipeline our companies need to compete.”

The two organizations also plan to host a free information session on July 22 that explores how artificial intelligence is transforming who can build technology. Following the session, participants will have the opportunity to attend The New Code: A Hands-On Introduction to AI Building, a four-hour virtual workshop that provides guided experience building a real AI-assisted project.