Wisconsin

Small businesses typically access WEDC funding through intermediary community organizations that receive Small Business Development Grants. These organizations then provide matching grants for startup costs, facade improvements, and expansion needs to businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees. Individual grants to community organizations range from $50,000 to $250,000. Contact WEDC or your local economic development organization to learn about available programs in your area.

Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) is a grant program providing $5,000 to $400,000 to businesses for customized occupational training. The program reimburses costs of training unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers, and is open to businesses across all Wisconsin industry sectors. Training must be business-driven and designed to qualify workers for full-time employment, higher-level positions, or increased wages.

Yes. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administers numerous grant and loan programs for environmental protection, water quality, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation. Programs support local governments, organizations, and private landowners with projects ranging from water and wastewater improvements to buying development rights for protecting natural, agricultural, and forestry values. Visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid for a complete listing of available programs.

Wisconsin administers several CDBG programs through the Department of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources. The CDBG-Planning program supports comprehensive and community development planning. CDBG-Public Facilities funds infrastructure improvements including streets, drainage, water and sewer systems, and community centers. The CDBG-Small Cities Housing program provides grants for housing rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, and small neighborhood public facility projects for communities principally serving low- to moderate-income households.

Yes. WEDC's Entrepreneurship Partner Grants specifically encourage programs serving underserved populations, including people of color, women, the LGBTQ community, veterans, and rural residents. In recent rounds, more than $1.6 million was distributed to fourteen organizations providing technical and financial assistance to Wisconsin entrepreneurs. The Main Street Bounceback program also supports businesses occupying or expanding into vacant commercial spaces, which can benefit underserved business owners.