to Rural Wisconsin

Main Street America is a nonprofit organization helping communities revitalize older and historic commercial districts for over 40 years.

TADI specializes in solving the traffic and safety engineering needs of DOT, municipal and private clients throughout Wisconsin.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's mission is to maintain a strong economy and create economic and job opportunities.

CDR is dedicated to supporting the US dairy industry through innovative research, technical support, training and education.

The Department of the Interior plays a central role in how the United States stewards its public lands, increases environmental protections, pursues environmental justice, and honors our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is dedicated to sustaining, restoring and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations.

The Water Council is a global hub dedicated to solving critical water challenges by driving innovation in freshwater technology and advancing water stewardship.

The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) supports rural telecom companies, consumers and policymakers with educational information, products and programming.

The Cornell Small Farms Program was established in 2001 as a program of Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) to increase research and extension for small farms.

Extension’s mission is to connect people with the University of Wisconsin. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.

Farm Answers is the largest source of information for beginning farmers.

First Nations Development Institute invests in and creates innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities.

BOSS stands for "Bringing Out Successful Sisters," and our mission is to promote and encourage the small business spirit and career development of women of color.

Dairyland Power Cooperative is a generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative providing the wholesale electrical requirements for 24 distribution cooperatives and 27 municipal utilities.

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

IMLS aims to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.

AmeriCorps brings Americans together to serve communities.

The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans.

Our mission is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

The Department of Homeland Security has a vital mission: to secure the nation from the many threats we face.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs’ mission is to enhance the quality of life, to promote economic opportunity, and to carry out the responsibility to protect and improve the trust assets of American Indians, Indian tribes and Alaska Natives.

RWJF works in collaboration with policymakers, business leaders, community groups and many other stakeholders. Together, it shares a common interest in addressing the many obstacles to wellbeing, including poverty, powerlessness, and discrimination, and advancing health equity for all.

The Department of Administration's ultimate goal of all their programs is to offer Wisconsin residents the most efficient, highest-quality state government services possible.

​Our vision is to be the premiere agency in providing innovative, accessible resources, and exceptional service built on a foundation of trust, inclusivity and creativity. ​We are guided by our core values: integrity, knowledge, innovation, empathy, inclusivity and security.

The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life.

The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts.

The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.

HUD provides housing support and uplifts communities.

The Department of Energy is delivering a clean energy future that creates good-paying, union jobs for communities in every pocket of the United States.

The Wisconsin Technology Council is the science and technology advisor to the Governor and the Legislature.

The Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) is a leadership initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Housing Assistance Council.

The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.

As part of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the Office of Rural Prosperity seeks to foster vibrant, prosperous and resilient rural communities across Wisconsin. We aim to be a one-stop shop to help rural stakeholders navigate programs and resources serving rural communities and businesses.

Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) is the economic development agency for the eight-county Madison Region of south-central Wisconsin.

With residents and partners, Rural LISC forges resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America – great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families. Rural LISC strives to identify priorities and opportunities - and deliver the most appropriate support to meet local needs through integrated strategies and programs focused on five pillars of rural community development: Creative Capital, Broadband & Infrastructure, Workforce Development, Housing, and Disaster Solutions

The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI), a non-profit organization that helps Wisconsin businesses create, develop and grow their Federal, State and Local Government sales, revenues, profits and jobs.

At GRID Alternatives, we believe that a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy needs to benefit everyone. We are working across the United States and internationally to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.

Since 1954, Polaris has proudly defined, re-defined and then raised the bar again for the powersports industry. It is reflected in the innovation we bring to the products we design and experiences we create for all those who play, work and THINK OUTSIDE.

The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. (GLITC) is a consortium of federally recognized Indian tribes in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. GLITC supports member tribes in expanding self-determination efforts by providing services and assistance.

The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is a national nonprofit that supports affordable housing efforts throughout rural America. Since 1971, HAC has provided below-market financing for affordable housing and community development, technical assistance and training, research and information, and policy formulation to enable solutions for rural communities.

The Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy leads the S​tate of Wisconsin in addressing the effects of climate change through programs and policies that support the use of clean energy resources and technology​.​​

The Wisconsin SBDC offers consulting, education, referrals, sophisticated tools and resources, whether you’re just getting started or looking for ways to improve your business.

For almost 35 years, we have been at the forefront of sustainable cooperative development in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

Cooperative Development Services (CDS) and its 501(c)3 charitable subsidiary, the Cooperative Development Fund of CDS (the Fund) actively support the growth of cooperative businesses at all stages, including long-established co-ops, startups, and co-op conversions in urban and rural communities. Our programs and services reflect our understanding that a cooperative must be successful both as a democratic association of members AND as an operating business. We offer analysis, planning, and educational services customized to meet your co-op’s specific needs. Our technical assistance gives co-ops tools to maximize business opportunities and gain access to necessary capital.

Covering Wisconsin is a year-round health insurance resource for consumers and professionals in Wisconsin. We help people sign up for health insurance, create easy-to-understand health materials, and train professionals on health policies and programs.

Serves as a connecting hub, designing and facilitating action-inducing peer learning among national organizations, leaders, and policymakers to collaborate and learn from these rural practitioners.

Provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.

The Department fosters the innovation and invention that underpin the U.S. comparative advantage.

To deliver the world’s leading transportation system, serving the American people and economy through the safe, efficient, sustainable, and equitable movement of people and goods.

Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship is a National Apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. This innovative program consists of full-time paid employment, comprehensive training in all aspects of running a managed grazing dairy operation, and the experience needed to transition to dairy farm business ownership.

DGA provides a career pathway for aspiring dairy farmers, managers, and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience. The program is also ideal for established dairy graziers who want to develop a current employee as a manager or partner as well as for family members seeking a structure of support to prepare for farm transfer.

The DOA's Division of Enterprise Technology develops and maintains efficient and effective information technology services to best serve those living and working in Wisconsin.

The Department of Veteran Affairs provides grants and a variety of services to eligible Wisconsin veterans and their families.

Provides "justice for all," and is an independent, executive-branch state agency that ensures Wisconsin meets its constitutional requirement of providing legal representation to the indigent.

The Department of Health Services is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin, making sure everyone can live their best life.

Aims to relieve the desperate housing needs of our American Indians, Alaska Natives, and native Hawaiians, in particular, where substandard housing exists.

GWaar ensures the programs and services serving Wisconsin’s seniors are available, accessible, and meet the highest quality standards.

Retirement, insurance, disability, and other Wisconsin Retirement System benefits for current and former public employees, retirees, and their beneficiaries

The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission provides an array of services that promote and facilitate peaceful resolution of disputes in the public and private employment sectors of the State.

The Department of Public Instruction is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin.

RDI’s programs center around the mission to create thriving rural communities.

The Wisconsin Historical Society connects people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories.

​​​​​​​The Office of the State Treasurer is the state's chief financial officer. As a constitutional officer, the State Treasurer serves as the state's fiscal watchdog, oversees investments, and fosters economic security for the citizens of Wisconsin in a financially sustainable manner.

The state agency responsible for the management and oversight of the state's student financial aid system for Wisconsin residents attending institutions of higher education. It also may enter into interstate agreements, such as remission of nonresident tuition.

The Department of Safety and Professional Services is responsible for ensuring the safe and competent practice of licensed professionals in Wisconsin.

WHA is committed to serving its members and keeping them informed of important local and national legislative issues, interpreting clinical and quality issues, providing up-to-date educational opportunities and encouraging member participation in association activities. WHA was established in 1920, and later became the Wisconsin Health and Hospital Association in March 1996 in an effort to reflect the the ever-changing, broad-based needs of statewide health care providers. In September 2002, the WHA membership voted to revert back to the original name--the Wisconsin Hospital Association--to focus on the core mission and vision of the association and its members.

Project WisHope is a Wisconsin-based, nonprofit Recovery Community Organization offering peer recovery support services and recovery housing for individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is a state agency charged with building and strengthening Wisconsin's workforce in the 21st century and beyond. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation and Administrative Services.

WHEDA works closely with lenders, developers, local government, nonprofits, community groups and others to implement its low-cost financing programs.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) provides or oversees county administration of programs to assist children and families.

Makes strategic decisions that shape the face of Wisconsin’s tourism industry.

RSC believes that a sustainable rural future depends on strong rural public schools. We recognize that strong schools rely on outstanding teacher-leaders, and our work focuses on building the essential relationships between teachers and their rural communities, and the places where their students live and learn.

We are Wisconsin’s community cultural development organization, bringing people together through creative experiences and activating and strengthening Wisconsin’s creative economy, workforce and communities. Our vision, mission, and purpose are to weave together arts, community, and economy, to grow a thriving state with creativity at its core.

Sift Consulting LLC is an all-female firm offering a full suite of services to nonprofits and small businesses to help them articulate their vision and achieve greater impact.

With backgrounds in local food systems, sustainability, and law, we are uniquely positioned to support passionate, mission-driven organizations and hardworking small businesses.

The Food Finance Institute (FFI) leverages and supports a collaborative network of professionals focused on building and funding profitable businesses in the food, beverage and value-added agriculture sector. We work to make sophisticated financial technical assistance available for every growing food, beverage and value-added agriculture enterprise.
FFI is a proud part of the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in the University of Wisconsin System.

The UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic provides free legal services for startup businesses throughout the state of Wisconsin. The L&E Clinic is designed to help entrepreneurs develop businesses that create a positive economic impact for the state of Wisconsin.

We select applicants with a connection to Wisconsin who would otherwise be unlikely to obtain qualified legal advice. This usually means the applicant has not received a significant round of outside funding or financing from investors. We are also interested in whether the work requested presents an interesting educational opportunity for our students.

Strong Rural Schools, Stong Rural Communities.

WisDOT supports all forms of transportation.

The Community Design Team is an opportunity to bring a volunteer team of planning and design professionals into your community to help you discover the short-, medium-, and long-range visions of your future.

Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement.

healthTIDE is a network of statewide and place-based community partners who work together to create change around nutrition and physical activity. healthTIDE staff work to connect, align, and unite multi-sector partners across Wisconsin who are working to make the healthy choice the easy choice and reduce health disparities so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Our team of cooperative development specialists is available to help you start a new co-op, strengthen an established co-op, or convert an existing business to the cooperative structure.

On behalf of 107 Wisconsin electric and natural gas utilities, Focus on Energy’s information, resources and financial incentives benefit all Wisconsinites by implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that otherwise wouldn’t happen, or in some cases years sooner than scheduled.

Protecting and enhancing our natural resources to provide a sustainable environment for all people in their work and leisure.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development, currently incubated by Nicolet College

The Wisconsin Arts Board is the state agency which nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, promotes the arts, supports the arts in education, stimulates community and economic development and serves as a resource for people of every culture and heritage.

Steward provides access to flexible financing and expert support services for agricultural businesses looking to scale their operations, improve the health of their lands, and bolster local food systems. But we don’t do it alone—our lending platform brings together a community of values-driven individuals who join in our mission by participating in loans that help fuel this growth. Steward is proud to be a Certified B Corp. Learn more, seek capital, or lend support at gosteward.com

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) works with Wisconsin’s businesses and communities to build an economy that works for everyone.

RWHC is owned and operated by forty-four, rural acute, general medical-surgical hospitals. The Cooperative's emphasis on developing a collaborative network among both freestanding and system affiliated rural hospitals distinguishes it from alternative approaches.

The Center on Rural Innovation works with rural communities across the country to become more strategic about digital economic development.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is an independent regulatory agency dedicated to serving the public interest. The agency is responsible for the regulation of Wisconsin public utilities, including those that are municipally owned, since 1907.​​​​​

The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts was established in 1989 as a comprehensive cultural center organized and designed to provide local residents with the opportunity to develop and share their creative talents and abilities with one another and with the general public.

7 Rivers Alliance represents eight counties in western Wisconsin fostering collaboration and leadership with local leaders and partners to improve our regional economy.

The Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) develops housing policy and offers a broad range of program assistance and funds to address homelessness and support affordable housing, public infrastructure, and economic development opportunities.

We will deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses, to provide market confidence and to enhance competitiveness and profitability.​

Wisconsin Rural Partners is the independent statewide not for profit organization that focuses solely on the resilience of rural Wisconsin.

We work collaboratively to solve issues pertinent to rural schools and communities. We advocate for rural schools and communities at the local, state, and federal level; with our focus on children first.

NWRPC provides a variety of community and regional services focusing on economic, community and business development, transportation, land use, coastal and environmental resources.

Visions Northwest is the one of nine regional economic development groups in the State of Wisconsin. We receive funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to address the development needs of regional projects and support regional economic development in Northwest Wisconsin.

The League of Wisconsin Municipalities was created on December 14th, 1898 to help Wisconsin cities and villages share ideas and learn from one another, to train and provide information to the people elected and appointed to govern those cities and villages, and to advocate on their behalf with the Wisconsin Legislature, Governor and state agencies.

The Office of Outdoor Recreation works to connect partners and provide a central resource to support and uplift the growing outdoor recreation industry.​

ArtStart is a group of volunteers—business people, artists, art lovers, educators, and other community-minded citizens—who have transformed the historic Federal Building in downtown Rhinelander, Wisconsin into a destination arts and cultural center.

Renewing the Countryside strengthens rural areas by championing and supporting rural communities, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists and other people who are renewing the countryside through sustainable and innovative initiatives, businesses, and projects.