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

  • Small Business Legal Clinic

    State Bar of Wisconsin- Business Law

    Other

    The Small Business Assistance Program is a free legal support initiative by the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Business Law Section. It connects small business owners with volunteer attorneys for brief, non-litigation legal advice on common business issues.

  • Small Business Technical Assistance Program

    Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, Inc.

    Business, Native Peoples, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

    The program provides technical assistance to tribal enterprises and Indian businesses located on the reservation or off the reservation that directly benefit the economy of the reservation. Includes developing a business and marketing plan; securing development financing; and gaining access to tribal, state, and federal business assistance and financing.

  • Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS)

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Arts & Culture, Native Peoples, Veterans

    This program is focused on community-driven projects designed to grow local economies, strengthen Native American families, and preserve Native American cultures.

  • Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant in Wisconsin

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Business, Native Peoples, Other

    This program is to provide technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups through cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers.

  • Soil Sisters

    Renewing the Countryside

    Business, Health & Mental Health, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Sustainability, Tourism

    Soil Sisters supports and champions women on their journey into sustainable agriculture and rural living – from starting diversified farm operations to launching small town enterprises and building community and our local food system.

  • SolarCorps Fellowship Program

    GRID Alternatives

    Energy, Sustainability

    The national SolarCorps Fellowship Program is an opportunity for highly motivated and enthusiastic people to join GRID Alternatives for an 11-month, paid term of service to their community.

  • Something Special from Wisconsin™

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

    Business

    Something Special from Wisconsin (SSfW) is a trademarked marketing program for products with 50% of the value of the product or service is attributable to Wisconsin ingredients, production or processing activities.

  • Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH)

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Other

    This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (National Workforce Strategy Development)

    U.S. Department of Agriculture

    Education & Schools, Health & Mental Health, Workforce

    The National WIC Workforce Strategy aims to strengthen the diversity and cultural competency of the WIC workforce, with the goals of increasing WIC participation through reaching those populations that are eligible, but not enrolled and increasing WIC participants’ likelihood of adoption nutrition education and breastfeeding support.

  • Specialty Crop Block Grant

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

    Business, Food Systems

    The Specialty Crop Block Grant program is a grant designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops which are fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops.

  • Start In Wisconsin

    Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

    Business, Start-Up & Entrepreneur

    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.

  • State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) Program

    Transportation

    The State Infrastructure Bank offers a range of options to help finance eligible surface transportation projects to preserve, promote and encourage economic development or improve transportation efficiency and mobility.