NEWisco Gets $1 Million in Small Business Development Grants

GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW) – Six Northeast Wisconsin communities and organizations receive part of $3.2 million in Small Business Development Grants (SBDG) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Governor Tony Evers. 

The SBDG program provides grants to local communities and organizations to directly invest in small businesses and small business creation, including bolstering Main streets and supporting youth entrepreneurship. The program grants are also used to improve infrastructure, provide technical assistance, and more.

The grants are competitive and range from $50,000 to $250,000. They are awarded to local and regional economic development organizations, municipalities, and counties to support small business development and creation. A total of 19 grants were awarded, of which six will go to Northeast Wisconsin groups.

NEWisco Winners of Small Business Development Grants 

Northeast Wisconsin will receive a third of the program grant dollars, totaling $1,085,000. 

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.

Eagle River Revitalization Program Inc. | $250,000

Eagle River will use the funds for the Eagle River Impact Grant, which will resolve vacancies, blight, and underused property and encourage entrepreneurship. Grants can be used for façade improvements, building and infrastructure rehabilitations, building transformations, or new commercial space development.

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.

For a list of all 19 recipients of the Small Business Development Grants read the full press release here.