Grant for Community-Led Solutions Boosting Small Business Development in Wisconsin (USA)

GrantID: 69958

Grant Funding Amount Low: $50,000

Deadline: Ongoing

Grant Amount High: $250,000

View Full Grant Details

Grant Application – Apply Here

Summary

🚀 Unlock Growth Opportunities for Your Community!

💡 Are you ready to boost small business success and strengthen local economies? This unique grant opportunity provides vital support for organizations dedicated to empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs.


💰 Grant Benefits:

  • Funding Support: Receive significant financial backing to develop impactful programs.

  • Community Impact: Help enhance economic vitality in your region.

  • Capacity Building: Strengthen your organization’s ability to serve and uplift small businesses.


  • 🎯 Funding Focus Areas:

  • Small Business Development: Programs that nurture entrepreneurship and business growth.

  • Economic Empowerment: Initiatives that create jobs and stimulate local markets.

  • Resource Access: Improving availability of tools, training, and support for business owners.


✅ Who Can Apply?

  • Nonprofits & Community Organizations: Those working directly with business development.

  • Local Government Entities: Including municipalities and regional economic development agencies.

  • Small Businesses: Typically benefit indirectly through funded programs.

  • Note: Individual applications are generally not accepted.


📍 Geographic Eligibility:

  • Open to organizations operating within specific regions. Projects should align with local economic priorities.


🗓 Application Timeline:

  • Application Period: Usually opens in the fall season.

  • Deadlines: Mid-fall submission recommended.

  • Award Announcements: Typically made before winter.



Eligible applicants in Wisconsin with a demonstrated commitment to Municipalities are encouraged to consider this funding opportunity. To identify additional grants aligned with your needs, visit The Grant Portal and utilize the Search Grant tool for tailored results.

Eligible Regions

Interests

Eligible Requirements

🏢 Organization Background

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is the state's primary economic development agency. Established in 2011, WEDC aims to advance and maximize opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities, and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. It offers resources such as grants, loans, tax credits, and technical assistance to foster economic growth


💼 Types of Grants

  • Small Business Development Grant (SBDG): A competitive grant awarded to local and regional economic development organizations, municipalities, tribal governments, and counties. These entities are responsible for developing programs that directly support small businesses and small business creation within their regions. The awarded funds must be fully passed on to small businesses


🎯 Funding Areas

The SBDG focuses on initiatives that:

  • Provide greater access to capital for small businesses.

  • Support small business development and creation.

  • Encourage innovative programs tailored to the needs of small businesses.

  • Examples include matching grant programs (e.g., startup, façade, expansion) and small business financing for firms with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees.


✅ Eligibility Criteria

  • Eligible applicants:

  • Local and regional economic development organizations.

  • Municipalities.

  • Tribal governments.

  • Counties.

  • Additional considerations:

  • Applications that include matching funds will receive extra points in the scoring process, although matching funds are not required.

  • Projects located in rural or distressed areas and those assisting diversely owned small businesses will be given additional consideration


💰 Funding Amounts

  • Grant Range: $50,000 to $250,000 per award.

  • Total Program Budget: $2 million allocated.

  • Matching Funds: Not required; however, applications that include matching funds will receive additional points during the scoring process. 


📅 Proposal Deadlines

  • Application Deadline: On or around October 18

  • Award Announcements: Early each year

Overview

This grant is meant to financially support organizations or entities that focus their efforts on, but not limited to: Awards, Business & Commerce, Community Development & Services, Community/Economic Development, Financial Assistance, Municipalities, Other, Small Business in Wisconsin (USA).