Small Business Development Grant Program

The Small Business Development Grant Program is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the state’s lead economic development agency responsible for advancing business growth and innovation across Wisconsin. The program reflects WEDC’s broader strategy to address persistent barriers faced by small businesses, particularly limited access to capital. Drawing from feedback on prior initiatives such as the Main Street Bounceback program, WEDC designed this grant to encourage locally driven, innovative solutions that support entrepreneurship and small business expansion. The purpose of the program is to incentivize communities and regional partners to create and implement programs that directly assist small businesses and foster new business creation. Rather than distributing funds directly to individual businesses, WEDC provides grants to intermediary entities such as economic development organizations, municipalities, tribal governments, counties, and membership-based organizations. These entities are expected to design and administer programs that expand access to financing for small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 25 full-time employees. Funding for the program in the most recent cycle totaled 1.5 million dollars, with individual awards ranging from 50,000 to 250,000 dollars. Grant funds may be used for activities such as matching grant programs for startup, facade improvements, or expansion projects, as well as broader small business financing tools. However, funds cannot be used to reimburse past expenses, cover operational costs, or support program administration. While matching funds are not required, applicants that incorporate matching contributions into their proposals receive additional consideration during the evaluation process. Eligibility is limited to organizational applicants that can demonstrate the capacity to design and deliver programs benefiting small businesses. This includes economic development organizations, municipalities, counties, tribal governments, and membership-based entities. The program prioritizes applicants that have not previously received funding, as well as those proposing projects in rural or economically distressed areas or those that support businesses owned by historically underserved populations. The application process begins with prospective applicants contacting a WEDC account manager to determine project fit and eligibility. If aligned, applicants are invited to submit a formal application through the Network Wisconsin platform. Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis by a scoring committee, followed by underwriting review for recommended awards. Evaluation criteria include program sustainability, community need, regional collaboration, capacity to administer funds, and the potential for replicability across the state. Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year, with awards made periodically. Projects are expected to operate within a 24 to 36 month performance period, during which recipients must submit at least two performance reports, including an annual report and a final report. Additional reporting or audit requirements may be imposed, and recipients must retain financial and program documentation for at least three years after project completion. Overall, the Small Business Development Grant Program is designed to empower local entities to create scalable, impactful solutions that enhance access to capital and strengthen small business ecosystems across Wisconsin. By focusing on community-driven innovation and measurable outcomes, WEDC aims to build long-term economic resilience and expand opportunities for small business growth statewide.

Emphasize projects serving rural or distressed areas; include matching funds to improve scoring; demonstrate program sustainability and replicability; highlight support for underserved business owners