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

  • Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Native Peoples

    This program aims to expand or enhance animal protein processing capacity in Indian Country.

  • Intermediary Relending Program

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Workforce

    This program provides 1 percent low-interest loans to local lenders or “intermediaries” that re-lend to businesses to improve economic conditions and create jobs in rural communities.

  • International Market support for: Dairy, Processed Foods, Food Ingredients, Pet Foods, Livestock, Genetics, Feed, Grains

    Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

    Business

    The International Agribusiness Center (IABC) has been helping Wisconsin agribusinesses in the food, forestry and agricultural product sectors enter and expand in global markets.

  • Invest in Progress Grant Program

    Boss Network

    Business, Other

    The BOSS Impact Fund supports Black women-led businesses to build scalable, growth-aggressive companies.

  • Job Center of Wisconsin

    Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

    Business, Workforce

    The Job Center of Wisconsin (JCW) is a free online portal that connects job seekers with employment opportunities throughout Wisconsin. JCW's interactive search options allow users to search job openings by title, employer, keyword, location, apprenticeship opportunity, location, and more. Additionally, users can upload a resume or use the resume builder to create a resume that highlights the job seeker's skills.

  • Job Services for Veterans

    Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

    Business, Veterans, Workforce

    The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development works with both veterans and employers to assist veterans in reaching their career goals

  • Job Training Programs

    Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

    Workforce

    The federal government offers training programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth who are eligible under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). These programs are facilitated through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Employment and Training.

  • Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant

    Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation

    Tourism

    The Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program offers funding to make a promotion or event come to fruition. The grant reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for qualified promotional costs.

  • Knowles-Nelson Nonprofit Conservation Organization Grant Subprograms

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Sustainability

    The eight Stewardship grant subprograms to help fund the acquisition of land and conservation easements. Four grant subprograms are open only to NCO applicants.

  • Knowles-Nelson Stewardship – Local Government Assistance Grant Program

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, Transportation

    Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funds support several DNR-administered grant programs. Available to local governments and nonprofits, Stewardship grants fund nature-based recreational development and conservation land purchases statewide.

  • Labor Standards

    Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

    Business, Workforce

    The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Equal Rights Division enforces laws about minimum wage, overtime pay, timely payment of wages, employment of minors, and notification of business closings or mass layoffs.

  • Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, Transportation

    The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1965 to develop high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities for the public. LWCF grants provide 50% cost-share to state, tribal, and local governments. Since its inception, more than 1800 projects have been completed in Wisconsin with more than $81M in federal LWCF funds.