The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced that six Northeast Wisconsin organizations received $885,000 in Small Business Development Grants.
“Wisconsin’s small businesses are the hearts of our communities and are important and powerful drivers of our state’s economy,” said Gov. Evers. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we do all we can to support the success of our state’s small businesses across our state.”
The competitive Small Business Development Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000 and were awarded to local and regional economic development organizations, municipalities, and counties to support small business development and creation. The organizations will pass 100 percent of the SBDG funds on to small businesses.
The grant recipients include:
- ColorBold Business Association | $95,000 ColorBold Business Association will use the funds to provide grants to businesses that participate in the Entrepreneur of Color Collective, a three-month business training program. Grants can be used for startup costs, expansion, marketing, materials, education, staff, and technology.
- Door County Economic Development Corporation | $225,000 The organization will use the funds for the Door County Small Business Façade and Property Improvement Program, which offers grants to help rehabilitate and upgrade commercial buildings. The program allows business owners to enhance the appearance and functionality of their businesses.
- City of Fond du Lac | $215,000 Funds will be used to supplement and expand the city of Fond du Lac’s small business programs, including the Building Improvement Grant, Catalytic Project, Building Security Grant Program, Downtown Fond du Lac New Business Grant, and Downtown Fond du Lac Experience Generator Grant. These programs address exterior façade renovations and lighting improvements and provide startup funds.
- City of Kiel | $60,000 The city of Kiel will use the funds to supplement its façade revolving loan fund, which will support growing local, small businesses by providing low-interest loans for building improvements and financial support.
- Marquette County | $50,000 Marquette County will use the funds to provide small businesses with grants to advertise their products and services online. The program includes technical assistance to educate businesses on how to advertise online, evaluate previous advertisements, and create a marketing plan.
- City of Ripon | $240,000 The city of Ripon will use the funds for the WRNC (Waupun, Ripon, North Fond du Lac, and Campbellsport) Business Opportunity Fund, which will promote the growth and sustainability of small businesses in these communities.
