Business Retention & Expansion (BRE)

Did you know that about 80 percent of new jobs and capital investment comes from companies that already exist in a community?

The main goals of business retention are to provide assistance with issues that could force a company to fail or close, and to prevent companies from relocating to a new community. The main goal of business expansion is to help businesses grow.

Forward Janesville conducted a survey of its member businesses in 2024 in an effort to collect data and intelligence designed to help our current local businesses thrive and expand, as well as to strategically attract new companies and foster the creation of new businesses.

Our survey was designed to help businesses needing assistance with:

  • Finding land or buildings for future operations
  • Securing financing for new equipment or operations
  • Finding or training new workers
  • Helping with permitting, licensing or infrastructure needs
  • And more

We intend to do another similar survey soon. Meantime, if you are interested in chatting about any of the above topics, we would be happy to meet with you! Click here to send us an email and we'll coordinate a meeting.

photo of Interstate 90 in Janesville

Forward Janesville launched its first Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Survey

To better understand local employer needs and strengthen economic growth, Forward Janesville conducted its first BRE Survey in 2024 and released the results in 2025. Fifty employers across 11 industries—representing more than 11,000 workers—shared valuable insights that help shape the future of Janesville’s business community.

Get the full report — fill out the information below to download the PDF today!