Door County businesses prepare for the off-season, capitalize on seasonal festivals. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Communities across Wisconsin are receiving grants to uplift small businesses, including some in Northeast Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced 19 organizations have received nearly $3.2 million in Small Business Development Grants (SBDG).
“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. These investments we’re announcing today send a message that, here in Wisconsin, if you have a great business idea and the willingness to work hard to make it happen, our administration is here to support you and your good work. It’s that simple.”
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% of the SBDG funds on to small businesses.
Among the 19 recipients are:
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.
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.
The grant program builds on Gov. Evers’ Main Street Bounceback Grant Program, which provided nearly $95 million in grant funding to nearly 9,500 businesses to fill empty storefronts in all 72 counties throughout Wisconsin. The governor’s 2025-27 Executive Budget builds upon efforts to support small businesses across the state and includes a $50 million investment to relaunch the successful Main Street Bounceback Grant Program, originally funded through federal relief funds, which will provide as many as 5,000 eligible businesses with grants up to $10,000 to help afford building repairs and improvements, lease and mortgage payments, and defray other expenses that can be a barrier to growing a business.
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