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

  • Recourse Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs)

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Business

    Recourse loans are Marketing Assistance Loans for which the commodity offered as collateral does not meet the quality eligibility requirements according to U.S. grading standards.

  • Recreational Boating Facilities Grant Program (RBF)

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, Transportation

    The Recreational Boating Facility grant program may award funding for up to 50%* of the total eligible costs for a recreational boating facility project. Past projects have included ramps and service docks to gain access to the water, purchase of aquatic weed harvesting equipment, navigational aids and dredging waterway channels associated with launch facilities.

  • Recreational Trails Program

    Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

    Parks & Outdoor Recreation, Tourism, Transportation

    The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds through the transfer of federal gas excise taxes paid for fuel used on off-highway vehicles. These funds are used to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail uses.

  • Regional Economic Development Directors

    Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

    Business

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

  • Regional Economic Development Partners

    Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

    Business

    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.

  • Regional Food System Partnerships

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    The RFSP program's purpose is to support partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local and regional food systems.

  • Regional Tourism Specialists (RTS) Team

    Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation

    Tourism

    The RTS team offers information, destination assessments and assistance to Tourism partners across the state. This includes information on our Co-op programs, grants and research from the Department of Tourism

  • Rental Housing Development (RHD)

    Department of Administration, ​Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources

    Housing

    The funds must serve households at or below 60% of the County Median Income (CMI). Funds may be used for acquisition, rehabilitation and new construction activities.

  • Resilient Wisconsin

    Wisconsin Department of Health Services

    Health & Mental Health

    Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with the day-to-day challenges of life.

  • Resource Guide for Rural Entrepreneurs

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Arts & Culture, Broadband & Internet, Business, Energy, Housing, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Sustainability, Veterans, Workforce

    This multimedia guide provides resources for start-ups and already-established rural businesses.

  • Rural Affordable Workforce Housing Initiative

    Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority

    Housing, Workforce

    Establishes an adaptive framework to identify needs, evaluate choices and implement solutions in an effort to address the shortage of affordable workforce housing in rural Wisconsin.

  • Rural Arts Development

    The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts, Inc.

    Arts & Culture

    The program will develop local rural arts activities.