Governor Tony Evers, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), has announced the allocation of nearly $3.2 million in Small Business Development Grants (SBDG) to 19 organizations across the state. This initiative aims to support small businesses through various programs, including infrastructure improvements, youth entrepreneurship, and technical assistance.
“Wisconsin’s small businesses are the hearts of our communities and are important and powerful drivers of our state’s economy,” said Governor 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 SBDG program builds upon the success of the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program, which previously provided nearly $95 million to approximately 9,500 businesses. The new grants, ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, are distributed to local and regional economic development organizations, municipalities, and counties, which will pass 100% of the funds directly to small businesses.
WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes emphasized the importance of these grants: “Small businesses play a vital role in creating the communities we live, work, and play in. But sometimes they need a little boost. With the help of our community partners, small businesses will be able to continue to thrive and contribute to our communities.”
Recipients of the grants include:
• City of Beaver Dam: $50,000 to expand the Downtown New Business Recruitment Grant.
• ColorBold Business Association: $95,000 to support the Entrepreneur of Color Collective program.
• Villages of DeForest and Windsor: $250,000 to create a small business grant program for property repairs and upgrades.
• Door County Economic Development Corporation: $225,000 for the Small Business Façade and Property Improvement Program.
• Eagle River Revitalization Program Inc.: $250,000 for the Eagle River Impact Grant to address vacancies and encourage entrepreneurship.
• City of Fond du Lac: $215,000 to supplement and expand existing small business programs.
• Green County Development Corporation: $60,000 to establish a Youth Entrepreneur Program and a small business revolving loan fund.
• Iowa County: $125,000 for the Business Boost Initiative supporting development and expansion.
• Juneau County Economic Development Corporation: $250,000 to create five grant programs related to entrepreneurial development.
• City of Kiel: $60,000 to supplement its façade revolving loan fund.
• City of Ladysmith: $250,000 to expand the Business Renovation Program and create a Down Payment/Rent Assistance Program.
• Lafayette County: $90,000 to expand the Launch Lafayette County Grant.
• Marquette County: $50,000 to provide small businesses with online advertising grants and technical assistance.
• City of Medford and Village of Gilman: $120,000 to create the FIX-IT Grant for business improvements.
• Milwaukee County: $200,000 to create the Bridge Building Small Business Grant Program.
• Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission: $250,000 for a Regional Business Plan Competition Project and Regional Grant Funds.
• Northwest Side Community Development Corporation: $250,000 to provide sub-grants for business expansion and capital access.
• City of Ripon: $240,000 for the WRNC Business Opportunity Fund.
• Vernon County: $150,000 for the Elevate Vernon Program providing technical assistance and grants up to $10,000.
These investments are part of Governor Evers’ 2025-27 Executive Budget, which includes a $50 million proposal to relaunch the Main Street Bounceback Grant Program, aiming to provide up to 5,000 eligible businesses with grants of up to $10,000. The goal is to assist with building repairs, lease and mortgage payments, and other expenses that can be barriers to business growth.
