Small Business Development Grant (WI)

The Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) in Wisconsin aims to enhance local economies by providing financial support to small business development organizations. With awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, the program targets local and regional Economic Development Organizations, municipalities, tribal governments, and counties to foster innovative support for small businesses. This initiative addresses the ongoing challenge of accessing capital, encouraging diverse and rural business growth while ensuring community involvement in program development.

NOTE: Contact the Regional Economic Development Director (REDD) in your region to determine your eligibility and request an application.
Small Business Development Grant (SBDG)
The Small Business Development Grant Program (SBDG) encourages communities and economic development partners through financial incentives to invest in their small businesses by developing innovative programs aimed directly at supporting small businesses and small business creation. WEDC believes we can foster creative, new program ideas by challenging our communities and partners to think outside the box to develop new programs and ideas rather than the typical top down approach to program development. WEDC, in the follow up to its previous small business related programming, including the historic Main Street Bounceback program, consistently received feedback that access to capital continues to be a primary issue.
Purpose
The Small Business Development Grant is a competitive program that assists local and regional Economic Development Organizations (EDOs), municipalities, tribal governments, and counties to support small business development in their areas. The goal of the Small Business Development Grant Program is to support local and regional economic development programs that are aimed at providing greater access to capital to small businesses in the state of Wisconsin.
Funding
Award Sizes: Between $50,000 and $250,000. Awards will be made to a minimum of eight and a maximum of 40 communities.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants: Local and regional Economic Development Organizations, municipalities, tribal governments, and counties are eligible applicants.Eligible Use of Funds: Include but are not limited to matching grant programs (start-up, façade, expansion) and small business financing for firms with fewer than 25 full-time employees. Costs are only eligible after WEDC approval.One award per application for the fiscal year.

Ineligibility

Ineligible Applicants: Member-based small-business centric organizations, such as Chambers of Commerce, are not eligible to apply for the Small Business Development Grant.Grant funds may not be used to cover past costs.