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.

Search the Directory

  • Topic of interest

  • Resource type

  • Child Care

  • Child Care Provider Portal

    Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

    Child Care

    A website for child care providers to manage their business

  • COVID-19 2022 Child Care Listserv Message Archive

    Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

    Child Care

    Collection of all emails sent through the Child Care Listserv during the COVID-19 emergency

  • Foster Grandparent Program

    Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc.

    Child Care, Native Peoples

    The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a volunteer program whose mission is to connect tribal elders with youth who can benefit from the assistance, mentoring, tutoring and friendship of an older adult.

  • Project Growth

    Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

    Business, Child Care

    Project Growth helps Wisconsin businesses, communities, and Early Care and Education partners add services, find solutions, and innovate.

  • Rural Economic Development Loan Program

    Dairyland Power Cooperative

    Business, Child Care, Energy, Health & Mental Health

    Low interest rate gap-financing may be available to support qualifying business or community development projects.

  • Rural LISC Loan Products

    Rural LISC

    Business, Child Care, Education & Schools, Health & Mental Health, Housing

    Rural LISC has a variety of flexible lending products designed to help local groups bring development projects to fruition.

  • USDA Community Facilities Program

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Child Care, Education & Schools, Health & Mental Health, Other

    Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These amenities help increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.

  • USDA Funding Eligibility Map

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Arts & Culture, Broadband & Internet, Child Care, Housing, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Workforce

    USDA's mapping tool that allows the user to determine if their project is in an eligible area for funding.

  • USDA Resource Guides

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Arts & Culture, Business, Child Care, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Workforce

    List of resource guides from USDA

  • Wisconsin Cooperative Development Grant

    Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

    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, 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.