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

Trafffic Analysis & Design, Inc (TADI)

Transportation

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

Success Story

Growing Lancaster aims to attract Latino families

Other, Workforce

To bring Latino families to Lancaster, the community knew it would need to make this cultural group feel welcome and ...Read more

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

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

Program

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Energy, Sustainability

Focus on Energy is Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program funded by the state’s investor-owned energy utilities and ...Read more

News

Education Resources

Education & Schools

When rural schools thrive, so do the towns and regions around them. Read more about the organizations supporting rural education ...Read more

News

Bringing legal services to rural Wisconsin

Other, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

Jeff is a clinical professor at the UW-Madison Law School and supervising attorney with the law school’s Law and Entrepreneurship ...Read more

News

Agricultural Resources

Read more about the organizations supporting rural agriculture as well as grants and other programs providing financial assistance those that ...Read more

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

Program

Wisconsin Cooperative Development Grant

Arts & Culture, Child Care, Energy, Forestry & Paper, Native Peoples, Transportation, Workforce

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering grants to support the development of new and existing cooperatives in Wisconsin, ...Read more

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

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

Program

The Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP)

Transportation

Established in 1991, the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) assists local governments in improving seriously deteriorating county highways, town roads, ...Read more

News

Rural transportation resources

Transportation

These resources are available to rural Wisconsin communities as they explore their best opportunities to meet the transportation needs of ...Read more

Program

WI Brownfields Cleanup and Development Informational Website

Health & Mental Health, Sustainability

Information and resources for cleaning up and redeveloping community blight into valuable property.

Program

WI DNR Environmental Protection Informational Webpage

Health & Mental Health, Sustainability

A list of topics related to environmental protection.

Program

WI Environmental Improvement Fund

Sustainability

Wisconsin implements a state revolving loan fund that provides financial assistance to municipalities in the form of subsidized loans for ...Read more

Program

WI DNR Climate Action Webpage

Health & Mental Health, Sustainability

This page lists resources and products related to climate change and environmental justice/equity.

Program

Wisconsin Coastal Grants ​Program

Education & Schools, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability

Wisconsin Coastal Manage​ment Program (WCMP) and its grants are dedicated to preserving and improving access to the natural and historic ...Read more

Program

WI Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program

Sustainability

This program assists farmers when wildlife damages their agricultural crops.