Resource Directory

Rural Economic Development

RESOURCES AND GRANTS FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES

Whether you’re an individual, a business or a community organization, you can use the directory below to search a vast library of resources, tools and services. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), its economic development partners and other organizations around the state offer a range of resources on all aspects of economic well-being, from childcare and education to businesses and housing. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to us directly, we want to help.

Photo of the owner of J&J Sports in Lake Tomahawk.

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Read more about New UW Extension Program to support innovation in the rural economy

News

New UW Extension Program to support innovation in the rural economy

Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

The Rural Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Initiative aims to equip rural entrepreneurs with business development assistance and access to financing, as well ...Read more
Read more about Welcoming communities resources

News

Welcoming communities resources

Arts & Culture, Other

Discover resources that demonstrate practical ideas for communities to create an environment that makes new residents feel welcome and included ...Read more
Read more about Tourism Resources

News

Tourism Resources

Tourism

Tourism introduces people to our state from across state lines and across the world. Communities that showcase and invest in ...Read more
Read more about Health Care Resources

News

Health Care Resources

Health & Mental Health

During public forums in 2020, hundreds of rural residents told the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity that they ...Read more
Read more about Growing her own rural roots in the Kickapoo Valley

News

Growing her own rural roots in the Kickapoo Valley

Health & Mental Health, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

For a mental health professional, the issues that emerge in counseling sessions in farm country are not miles apart from ...Read more
Read more about Rural creative placemaking stories

News

Rural creative placemaking stories

Arts & Culture

From the shores of Lake Superior to the Driftless area in southwest Wisconsin, rural communities are creating opportunities that promote ...Read more
Read more about Placemaking resources

News

Placemaking resources

Arts & Culture

Placemaking is a strategy that utilizes a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential with the intention of creating public spaces ...Read more
Read more about Addressing rural Wisconsin’s workforce challenges

News

Addressing rural Wisconsin’s workforce challenges

Forestry & Paper, Workforce

The Workforce Innovation Grant (WIG) Program, with grant rounds announced in January and June 2022, aims to help communities throughout ...Read more
Read more about A collective approach to solving rural Wisconsin’s challenges

News

A collective approach to solving rural Wisconsin’s challenges

Business, Native Peoples, Other

As a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, David has always experienced nature as a ...Read more
Read more about Launching initiatives to meet rural Wisconsin’s needs

News

Launching initiatives to meet rural Wisconsin’s needs

Other, Tourism

Danielle is completely enamored with Wisconsin’s small towns—a revelation that has come about as she has traveled around rural Wisconsin ...Read more
Read more about Helping rural communities find their uniqueness

News

Helping rural communities find their uniqueness

Arts & Culture, Other

Kietra Olson hopes to help rural communities define what makes them special and come up with ways to display those ...Read more
Read more about Office of Rural Prosperity joins DOA and Tourism Secretaries to highlight importance of creative economy with local arts and culture tour

News

Office of Rural Prosperity joins DOA and Tourism Secretaries to highlight importance of creative economy with local arts and culture tour

Arts & Culture, Tourism

Prairie du Sac, Sauk City, and Spring Green, Wis. – On Thursday, June 23, Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary-designee Kathy ...Read more
Read more about Debunking Myths: Diversity and Impact in Rural Schools

News

Debunking Myths: Diversity and Impact in Rural Schools

Arts & Culture, Education & Schools

MADISON, WI. JUN. 21, 2022 - One of the most common myths about rural education is that rural schools are ...Read more
Read more about WEDC tours unique retail businesses to announce Main Street Bounceback Grant Program

News

WEDC tours unique retail businesses to announce Main Street Bounceback Grant Program

Business, Tourism

MADISON, WI. AUG. 3, 2021 – Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes and staff will be traveling ...Read more
Read more about Governor Evers Releases Report and Ten Action Recommendations

News

Governor Evers Releases Report and Ten Action Recommendations

Broadband & Internet, Child Care, Education & Schools, Energy, Forestry & Paper, Health & Mental Health, Housing, Other, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability, Workforce

MADISON, WI, DEC. 16, 2020 - Gov. Tony Evers today announced the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity has ...Read more