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.
Rural Innovation Initiative
Center on Rural Innovation (CORI)
Broadband & Internet, Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Workforce
We provide intensive technical assistance and support to rural communities as they build digital economy ecosystem strategies and work to educate and train local residents in digital skills.
Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grants
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Business, Workforce
The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program offers grant assistance to create and augment high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, support industry clusters and maximize the use of local productive assets in eligible low-income rural areas.
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Workforce
This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to 1) help microenterprise startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund and 2) provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.
Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES)
U.S Department of Transportation
Transportation
Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) is an initiative to address disparities in rural transportation infrastructure by developing user-friendly tools and information, aggregating DOT resources, and providing technical assistance. The ROUTES Initiative aims to ensure rural transportation infrastructure’s unique challenges are considered in order to meet priority transportation goals of safety, mobility, and economic competitiveness.
Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Arts & Culture, Broadband & Internet, Housing, Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Transportation
The Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge provides cooperative agreement funds to help provide planning support, technical assistance, and training to foster placemaking activities in rural communities.
Safe Drinking Water Loan Program
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Health & Mental Health, Sustainability
The purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program is to administer affordable financial assistance to communities within Wisconsin for drinking water infrastructure projects that protect public health for current and future generations.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program
U.S Department of Transportation
Transportation
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next 5 years. In fiscal year 2022 (FY22), up to $1 billion is available. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund Program
Department of Homeland Security
Other
This program provides capitalization grants to establish revolving loan funds that provide hazard mitigation assistance for local governments to reduce risks from natural hazards and disasters.
