A nationwide survey of 3,034 business managers by Alta Technologies has revealed the top 175 U.S. cities where confidence is at its highest, offering insight into regions that are poised for economic growth.
Two Wisconsin cities made the 2025 list: Milwaukee, at No. 76, and Madison, at No. 113. Madison is a hub for biotech, health care, and education, with the University of Wisconsin playing a significant role in workforce development. The city’s startup scene and strong job market continue to attract businesses.
Other key study findings include:
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The most common reasons for holding off on hiring include budget constraints (30%), uncertainty about the economy (30%), and a lack of skilled candidates (10%);
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The most in-demand roles for 2025 include technical/IT positions (22%), customer support roles (22%), and sales and marketing jobs (18%);
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Fewer businesses are prioritizing research and development (4%) and management/executive hires (6%);
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Wisconsin businesses are most optimistic about industry demand (28%), improved economic conditions (26%), and innovation through new products or services (22%);
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Fewer managers cite better access to financing (18%) or high-performing, skilled employees (6%) as primary growth drivers; and
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With digital transformation continuing, 22% of businesses plan to invest significantly in IT infrastructure, while 46% expect moderate investments, and only 18% say they will not invest at all.
