Small Business Development Grants Have Been Announced

Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), has announced that 19 organizations have received nearly $3.2 million in Small Business Development Grants (SBDG) to uplift small business development in local communities across the state. The SBDG Program provides grants to local communities and organizations to directly invest in small businesses and small business creation, including bolstering Main Streets, supporting youth entrepreneurship, improving infrastructure, providing technical assistance, and more.

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 19 grant recipients include: Iowa County receiving $125,000 to support small businesses through its Business Boost Initiative, which has a tiered grant structure to assist with both large and small business expenses, including development, expansion, and physical infrastructure improvements. Juneau County Economic Development Corporation receiving $250,000 to create a series of five grant programs related to entrepreneurial development, leadership, patents, startup support, and profitability investments. Lafayette County receiving $90,000 to expand its existing Launch Lafayette County Grant, which is a competitive grant program that supports business building improvements and aims to enhance the visibility and prominence of Lafayette businesses. And Vernon County receiving $150,000 for the Elevate Vernon Program, which will provide technical assistance and grants of up to $10,000. The grants can be used for marketing, branding, equipment, building improvements, signage, software, hardware, staff training, or consulting.