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.

Education & Schools
2022 National Signature Project Award
Rural Schools Collaborative
The National Rural Education Association and the Rural Schools Collaborative are accepting applications for the National Signature Project Award, a $2,500 grant to an outstanding and innovative classroom project that exemplifies the very best in place-based education. The National Signature Project Award is open to any rural classroom teacher in the United States.
Sustainability
Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
DATCP staff can work with the consultant or "responsible person" to monitor the cleanup. The program reviews applications for eligible cost reimbursement and provides cost reimbursement to responsible parties.
Agriculture, Economic Development
Agricultural Enterprise Areas
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
AEA is an area of productive agriculture that has received designation from the state at the request of landowners and local governments. AEAs strive to support local farmland protection goals.
Business, Economic Development, Other
Ally Grant
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Ally Grant pilot initiative aims to foster the development of new and/or emerging diverse-based nonprofit organizations that support diverse business communities, with a specific focus on organizations WEDC has not previously funded.
Broadband & Internet, Economic Development, Transportation
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The BIL includes special provision for rural communities, and many programs have portions of grant funding reserved for rural communities. Ensuring rural Wisconsin has access to BIL funding is a high priority of WEDC and the Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP).
Economic Development
Brownfield Site Assessment Grants
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The goal of the Brownfield Site Assessment Grant Program supports community redevelopment by providing grants of up to $150,000 to local governments seeking to redevelop sites impacted by environmental contamination.
Agriculture, Food & Beverage
Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Grant program to strengthen Wisconsin’s agricultural and food industries by mitigating barriers in local food channels, increasing efficiencies in processing, marketing, and distributing local food in markets including stores, schools, and institutions.
Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur
Capital Access Clinic
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
The Capital Access Clinic provides assistance to Wisconsin entrepreneurs who are seeking financing for their business. Through the Capital Access Clinic, entrepreneurs have access to an expert team of financial consultants.
Sustainability, Technology, Transportation
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants (Community Charging)
U.S Department of Transportation
Program funds will be made available to install electric vehicle charging and alternative fuel in locations on public roads, schools, parks, and in publicly accessible parking facilities.
Energy, Sustainability, Technology, Transportation
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants (Corridor Charging)
U.S Department of Transportation
Program funds will be made available to deploy electric vehicle charging and hydrogen/propane/natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors and in communities.
Clean Sweep
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
The Clean Sweep Program provides grants to organizations to create and operate local programs for the collection and disposal of agricultural pesticides, farm chemical waste, household hazardous waste, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Sustainability
Clean Water Fund Program
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The purpose of the Clean Water Fund Program is to administer affordable financial assistance to communities within Wisconsin for wastewater infrastructure projects that protect and improve public health and water quality for current and future generations.
Economic Development
Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) Program
Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
The CDBG-ED Program works with eligible businesses to complete the application resulting in typical awards from $7,000-$10,000 per job created or retained.
Housing
Community Development Block Grant – Emergency Assistance Program (CDBG-EAP)
Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
CDBG-EAP funds assist local units of government in addressing emergency housing, public facility, infrastructure, and business assistance needs that occur as a result of natural or manmade disasters.
Economic Development
Community Development Block Grant – Planning (CDBG-PLNG) Program
Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
Planning grant funds support community efforts to address improving community opportunities and vitality. Eligible projects include the development of comprehensive plans, community development plans, and small area and neighborhood plans.
Housing
Community Development Block Grant – Public Facilities (CDBG-PF) Program
Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
Public Facilities funds help support infrastructure and facility projects for communities. Eligible projects include improvements, repairs, or expansions of streets, drainage systems, water and sewer systems, sidewalks, and community centers.
Business
Community Development Block Grant – Public Facilities Economic Development (CDBG-PFED) Program
Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources
CDBG-PFED grant funds are awarded to local governments for public infrastructure projects that support business expansion or retention such as water or sewer service.
Economic Development
Community Placemaking & Community Design Charrette
Community Design Team of Wisconsin
The Design Wisconsin Team process uses a “tried-and-true” method known in planning and design circles as a “charrette”. Simply defined, a charrette is a period of intense, fast-paced planning and design.
Business, Energy, Sustainability, Technology, Workforce
Community Power Accelerator
U.S. Department of Energy
The Community Power Accelerator connects developers, investors, philanthropists, and community-based organizations to create an ecosystem of partners that work together to get more equity-focused community solar projects financed and deployed.
Economic Development
Connect Communities Program
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Connect Communities supplements the Main Street program by expanding services to more downtowns across the state. Connect Communities provides training and networking for communities or organizations working on revitalization.
Agriculture
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
CREP is a resource to help agricultural landowners meet their conservation goals, particularly those who till or graze land along rivers and streams, by paying to install filter strips.