Resources and Grants for Rural Communities

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.

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).

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.

The goal of the Brownfields Grant Program provides funds to support community redevelopment in commercial and industrial sites that have been adversely impacted by environmental contamination.

The goal of the Business Development Tax Credit (BTC) Program is to incent new and expanding businesses in the state of Wisconsin.

Matching grants to seed funds managed by local communities and other eligible entities to provide capital to high-growth startups and emerging growth companies.

The goal of the Community Development Investment (CDI) Grant Program is to incent primarily downtown community development in the state of Wisconsin.

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.

The goal of the Diverse Business Development (DBD) Program is to support existing, new and expanding minority-, woman-, LGBT- and veteran-owned businesses in the state of Wisconsin.

Grants to support business planning and strategy for Wisconsin entrepreneurs and small business owners, administered through the Center for Technology Commercialization.

Grants to encourage the formation of entrepreneurship support programs and to develop startup and emerging growth companies in Wisconsin.

The program is designed to support hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education by assisting public school districts with equipment purchases used in fabrication laboratories in Wisconsin schools.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program provides transferable tax credits to eligible entities rehabilitating certified historic buildings to incent reinvestment into historic main streets, downtowns, and commercial districts in Wisconsin.

WEDC's Main Street Program provides technical assistance to communities in the planning, management and implementation of strategic development projects in downtowns and urban neighborhoods.

Eligible investors receive a Wisconsin income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the value of the investment made in the certified company to help emerging companies grow.

Regional Economic Development Directors provide personalized support for the specific business development needs of your community, coordinating inputs from various partner organizations as needed.

WEDC, the state’s lead economic development agency, works closely with nine regional economic development partners around the state to facilitate and coordinate resources and support for local businesses.

Grants to stimulate technological innovation by supporting technology-based Wisconsin small businesses, administered through the Center for Technology Commercialization.

Start In Wisconsin will power connections to start, scale and accelerate area entrepreneurs. Start In Wisconsin will be a platform to provide best fit referrals, build your network, and to showcase the story of entrepreneurship in our region.

Provides direct financial assistance to startup and emerging growth companies in Wisconsin that are developing and commercializing innovative products and services at critical stages in their development.

Assists with creating vibrant and engaging communities that make it easier to recruit and retain residents, sustain a robust labor force and enhance local quality of life. Public gathering places will foster community connections and provide accessible locations for the programming and amenities local residents desire—with the additional benefit of boosting foot traffic for area businesses.

Reimbursement grants of $2,000 to $50,000 to conduct feasibility studies for forming cooperatives in Wisconsin.

The WIP Program is intended to provide capital to those companies that have the potential to add to Wisconsin's economic base other the long term by attracting and retaining a high-wage, high-skill workforce and establishing a unique competitive advantage.

Wisconsin is well known for our manufacturing. We provide incentives to manufacturers to maximize their production here including the Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit, which virtually eliminates the tax on income.