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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Support Organization

University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives

Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

Our team of cooperative development specialists is available to help you start a new co-op, strengthen an established co-op, or ...Read more

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Focus on Energy

Energy, Sustainability

On behalf of 107 Wisconsin electric and natural gas utilities, Focus on Energy’s information, resources and financial incentives benefit all ...Read more

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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Forestry & Paper, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability

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

Support Organization

The GRID

Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development, currently incubated by Nicolet College

Support Organization

Wisconsin Arts Board

Arts & Culture, Education & Schools

The Wisconsin Arts Board is the state agency which nurtures creativity, cultivates expression, promotes the arts, supports the arts in ...Read more

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Steward

Business

Steward provides access to flexible financing and expert support services for agricultural businesses looking to scale their operations, improve the ...Read more

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Renewing the Countryside

Arts & Culture, Other

Renewing the Countryside strengthens rural areas by championing and supporting rural communities, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists and other people ...Read more

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ArtStart Rhinelander

Arts & Culture

ArtStart is a group of volunteers—business people, artists, art lovers, educators, and other community-minded citizens—who have transformed the historic Federal ...Read more

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Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

The Office of Outdoor Recreation works to connect partners and provide a central resource to support and uplift the growing ...Read more

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League of Wisconsin Municipalities

Broadband & Internet, Housing, Other, Transportation, Workforce

The League of Wisconsin Municipalities was created on December 14th, 1898 to help Wisconsin cities and villages share ideas and ...Read more

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Visions Northwest Regional Economic Development

Broadband & Internet, Housing, Other, Workforce

Visions Northwest is the one of nine regional economic development groups in the State of Wisconsin. We receive funding from ...Read more

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Northwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

Business, Housing, Other, Sustainability, Transportation

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

Support Organization

Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA)

Education & Schools

We work collaboratively to solve issues pertinent to rural schools and communities. We advocate for rural schools and communities at ...Read more

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Wisconsin Rural Partners

Business, Other

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

Support Organization

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

Business

We will deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses, to provide market confidence and ...Read more

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Department of Administration, ​Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources

Energy, Housing

The Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) develops housing policy and offers a broad range of program assistance ...Read more

Support Organization

7 Rivers Alliance

Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Workforce

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

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The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts, Inc.

Arts & Culture

The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts was established in 1989 as a comprehensive cultural center organized and designed to ...Read more

Support Organization

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is an independent regulatory agency dedicated to serving the public interest. The agency ...Read more

Support Organization

Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)

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