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.

- Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
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.
Business, Economic Development, Workforce
Diverse Business Development Program
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Economic Development, Education & Schools, Workforce
Fabrication Laboratories (Fab Labs) Grant Program
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Arts & Culture, Business, Economic Development
Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HTC) Program
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Workforce
Qualified New Business Venture (QNBV) Program
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Business, Economic Development
Regional Economic Development Directors
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Regional Economic Development Directors provide personalized support for the specific business development needs of your community, coordinating inputs from various partner organizations as needed.
Business, Economic Development
Regional Economic Development Partners
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur
Start In Wisconsin
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Business, Economic Development, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Technology
Technology Development Loan Program
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Economic Development
Vibrant Spaces Grant
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Business, Economic Development, Start-Up & Entrepreneur
WEDC Collaborative Market Access Grant (CMAG) Program
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
This program is designed to help industry associations, alliances, agencies, nonprofits, regional economic development organizations or other state/local departments located in Wisconsin to work with Wisconsin companies to increase exports.
Agriculture, Economic Development, Food & Beverage, Start-Up & Entrepreneur
WEDC International Market Access Grant (IMAG) Program
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Wisconsin companies can be reimbursed for specific expenses associated with an export project that will help to grow their presence in an international market.
Agriculture, Arts & Culture, Child Care, Economic Development, Eldercare, Energy, Food & Beverage, Forestry & Paper, Native Peoples, Transportation, Workforce
Wisconsin Cooperative Development Grant
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering grants to support the development of new and existing cooperatives in Wisconsin, with a goal of fostering the success of current and future cooperatives by supporting planning and exploratory research in advance of making a large investment.
Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Technology
Wisconsin Investment Pilot
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.
Agriculture, Business
Wisconsin Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
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.