Green Bay Packers Program Creates 504 Jobs in 15 Years

Since 2010, the Green Bay Packers have been doing more than winning football games. They've been building an economic powerhouse for Wisconsin's small businesses.

The team's Mentor-Protégé Program just celebrated its 15th anniversary by honoring the latest group of participating entrepreneurs at Lambeau Field. The program connects seasoned business leaders with growing companies that need guidance to reach the next level.

The results speak for themselves. Over 15 sessions, 164 protégé companies across 67 Wisconsin communities have created 504 jobs and boosted their combined annual revenue by $110.9 million. That's real growth creating real opportunities for families across the state.

The program focuses on businesses that often face extra hurdles getting started. A full 87 percent of participating protégé companies are minority-owned, veteran-owned, or woman-owned businesses.

This year's success stories highlight what's possible with the right support. Spark Ops Metal Works celebrated revenue growth of over 1,000 percent and earned the Most Valuable Protégé award. Out and About Transportation won Comeback Player of the Year for pushing through business challenges with resilience and determination.

The mentorship goes beyond just advice. Experienced companies provide technical, managerial, and financial guidance tailored to each protégé's needs. One mentor even helped a business break into a sector many considered too difficult to enter.

The Ripple Effect

When small businesses grow, entire communities benefit. The 16 companies recognized this year span from Milwaukee to Sturgeon Bay, representing industries from cleaning services to metalworks to wellness centers. Each new job supports a family, and each thriving business strengthens its local economy.

Northwestern Mutual received the second annual Mark Murphy Hall of Fame Award for their longstanding commitment to supporting entrepreneurs. Named after the former Packers President and CEO, the award recognizes contributions that strengthen Wisconsin's small business community.

"The success of this program is reflected not only in the growth of the participating businesses but also in the supportive community built over 15 years," said Aaron Popkey, the Packers' director of public affairs.

Fifteen years in, this program proves that mentorship combined with determination can transform businesses and build stronger communities across Wisconsin.