WISCONSIN – Several local organizations were among 20 groups from across the state that were awarded Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) grants from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
In a release, the WEDC said it “leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment.”
“Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network,” the WEDC stated.
According to the WEDC, the SBTA program provides funding to organizations that assist entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Wisconsin. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, units of government, educational institutions, community organizations, foundations and Tribal entities.
“Grant funds can be used to support operational costs, training and events, or in-depth programming such as business accelerators, helping entrepreneurs access the resources they need to start, grow and sustain their businesses,” the WEDC said.
The current round of grants will assist more than 2,000 individuals and businesses throughout the state, according to the WEDC.
“The recipients of this year’s SBTA grants play a vital role in driving Wisconsin’s economy forward by supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey,” said John W. Miller, Secretary and CEO of WEDC. “Through these grants, we are expanding access to critical technical assistance and strengthening the small businesses that power communities across Wisconsin.”
Local grant recipients
Numerous local organizations were supported by the most recent round of SBTA grant funding.
Utilizing a $16,800.00 award, the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation will launch the county’s first comprehensive small business technical assistance program.
The WEDC said the program will “(address) a longstanding gap in entrepreneurial support.”
“The new program will offer free, personalized guidance to local entrepreneurs in areas such as business planning, financing, marketing and resource navigation, along with an online hub and quarterly networking events with aims to strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster collaboration,” the WEDC stated.
A $28,100.00 grant awarded to the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation will go toward a targeted initiative to support rural, unserved and underserved startup companies and entrepreneurs across the county.
The WEDC explained that the project focuses on bridging critical resource gaps that hinder small business creation and growth in remote areas.
“Through this grant, the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation will provide direct, personalized technical assistance, mentorship and access to financing tools that empower entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, launch their ventures and strengthen the county’s economic base,” the WEDC stated.
The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation received a $66,000.00 award, which will be allocated to its Small Business Technical Assistance Initiative.
According to the WEDC, the initiative aims to strengthen support for Vilas County entrepreneurs by expanding free consulting, mentorship and training programs.
“It will increase one-on-one business consulting engagements, offer structured startup resources, create a mentorship program and host educational workshops,” the WEDC stated. “The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation will also enhance its digital toolkit, providing accessible tools and learning materials for small business owners.”
The Community Education Initiative (CEI), which offers free, highly personalized business technical assistance and mentoring tailored to the unique needs of individuals and communities across Wisconsin, with a focus on rural northern counties, was awarded a $50,000.00 grant.
The WEDC said the CEI aims to support job creation and retention while collaborating with other organizations to fill service gaps and maximize impact.
For more information about the SBTA program, visit www.tinyurl.com/yc3rcduh.
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