The Buzz from WCEDA - upcoming networking events you won't want to miss and much more... |
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WCEDA is your source for all things business - workforce, expansions, location resources, financial connections, legislative advocacy, career awareness with youth, networking events, and initiatives to address county-wide issues like housing. |
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In this email... Upcoming Events l Membership News Workforce News l County Developments Economic Indicators l Other News
Valuable Resources |
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A few words from WCEDA's Executive Director, Derek D'Auria ... |
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WCEDA's Annual Workforce Symposium
May 20, 2025
8-10:30am
The Lodge at Geneva National
Workforce challenges are growing—disengagement, retention struggles, and talent shortages are reshaping the way we work. Join us for an eye-opening session where we’ll present key workforce trends and gather insights from attendees on the most pressing issues. Your input will help shape future programs designed to address these challenges and drive real solutions. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and influence the future of work!
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WCEDA's Annual State of the County
June 26, 2025
7:30-9:00am Walworth County Health & Human Services From an economic standpoint, Walworth County is very strong. This is good for locals businesses and good for businesses looking to locate here.
Come find out more about the state of the county, including state and region perspectives. This is a great opportunity to learn how our taxes are being spent, as well as the tax implications for the future and how this all impacts business development going forward. |
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| Save the date! Empowering Regional Startups Pitch Perfect November 12, 2025
This competition welcomes participants at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey—from initial ideas to established ventures—who live or work within the tri-county area of Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and compete for cash prizes. Applicants will have access support in developing and honing their pitch.
[More info] *Click on the image to enlarge. |
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I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, I am talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way, and I work really hard. Don't call me lucky. Call me a Badass." ~ Shonda Rhimes |
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Williams Bay HS MFG Tours
On Thursday, Feb 27, Midwest Precision Molding and Plas-Tech Engineering hosted 37 students from Williams Bay High School for tours. The tours were followed by a road trip to Gateway's SC Johnson iMET (Integrated Manufacturing & Engineering Technology) Center where students were able to operate the robots and get some hands-on interaction. What a wonderful experience for these students! Thank you hosts!
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| DD Tech & Career & College Academy Students Tour local manufacturing facilities
On Friday, February 28, Craftsman with Character program participants got the chance to tour SPX Flow and the new Reader Precision Solutions facility. Thank you hosts! |
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"The first student we had training with us the past two weeks during the CWC program has been well received by our mentors and the entire Integra team. The mentors have been very positive and energized to share their years of knowledge with a student interested in learning more about our craftsmanship production positions as a career choice. The opportunity for Integra to be part of the CWC program that emphasizes Walworth County manufacturing as a career choice is very rewarding to us all.
Thank you and everyone’s efforts to bring this program to Walworth County. I am hopeful it will continue to bring students and employers together for years to come! ~ Integra |
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Superintendent Roundtable
On Monday, February 3, Badger High School hosted our semi-annual Superintendents' Roundtable. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the superintendents. We also welcomed two guest speakers from the healthcare industry: Rachel Ericson from Golden Years and Renee Dooman from Mercyhealth. The meeting was highly informative, focusing on the various ways students can engage with local healthcare providers for career experiences and opportunities.
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| Build My Talent
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 4:30 - 6:30 pm County Line Hall, 103 200th Ave, Union Grove, WI Our goal is to bring construction business partners together to provide the following information: - Overview of Youth Apprenticeship
- Insurance / Liability Information
- Student Learners/Ability to hire under 18
Bridging YA to Registered Apprenticeship (RA)
[More info/Register to attend] |
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| Badger High School Career, Job, and College Fair Thursday, March 20, 2025 1:24PM - 5:30PM
If you are interested in hiring for summer employment, we can help! If you are hoping to find long term hires, we can help! If you are looking to promote your post-secondary institution, we can help! If you simply want to speak with students and families about a rewarding career, we can help! This event is open for all Geneva Lakes area families, not just Badger High School students; this year the event will begin during our school day so that all Juniors and Seniors can attend. [Register]
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Elkhorn High School Summer Hiring Fair
Thursday, April 24, 2025 11am - 1pm
Looking for part-time, full-time, or seasonal employees? Sign up now! REALITY CHECK DAY
An interactive financial literacy event that simulates real-world financial scenarios for students, helping them understand the costs of living and budgeting. |
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| Attention MIWC Members! Made in Walworth County After Hours Save the Date! Our next MIWC after hours event will take place Thursday, April 24 from 4:30-6pm! Location TBA. Made in Walworth County Company Tour We will be hosting our next MIWC tour at the new Reader Precision Solutions location in May. More info to come... |
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Successful Custom Course! |
Successful Custom Course! |
In-Progress Custom Course! |
| Spanish for Business I
Managing a team with Spanish-speaking employees can be challenging when communication is limited. Misunderstandings can lead to safety risks, lost productivity, and frustration on both sides.
Our Spanish for Business training helps your team develop practical workplace Spanish to give instructions clearly, improve teamwork, and ensure a smooth, efficient work environment. You don’t need to become fluent—you just need the right phrases to communicate quickly and effectively with your team.
Classes are tailored to individuals who interact with Spanish-speaking customers, clients and coworkers. This program was created based on a growing Spanish speaking population in our communities and the need of many local businesses struggling with language barriers that impact customer service, workplace efficiency and overall communication.
By developing practical Spanish skills quickly, the focus is on real work communication, making it easy for employees to apply what they learned immediately.
We understand businesses have tight schedules, so our sessions are structured to be convenient and flexible. They can be offered onsite or online and during or after work hours, ensuring employees can participate without disrupting operation. |
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Leadership Training for Entry-Level and Mid-Level Supervisors & Managers
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| NEW! Save some $$ with Leadership Season Passes!
Contact Leslie Gostomski to learn more. |
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Fill up to 3 seats at each module for a maximum of 24 seats total. WCEDA Member Value: $6,600 WCEDA Member Cost: $5,000 Total Savings: $1,600 |
| Fill up to 2 seats at each module for a maximum of 16 seats total.
WCEDA Member Value: $4,400 WCEDA Member Cost: $3,125 Total Savings: $1,275 |
| Purchased on an individual basis each module. 16 seats available each class. WCEDA Member Cost: $275 Non-Member Cost: $375 |
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Fundamentals of Leadership
FKA Fundamentals of Supervision
Equip your team with the skills they need to excel in leadership, productivity, and workplace safety.
Module IV
Call Me Irresistible: Building and measuring employee engagement
Finding, Keeping: A Seminar in Attracting and Interviewing a Capable, Retainable Workforce Rethinking Conflict: Moving Forward Together The Good Fight: Negotiating the Positive Side of Conflict Change Leadership
Act Now – Open Enrollment! [Learn More/Register Now] |
| Module IV Wednesdays
April 16, 23, 30 & May 7 Four weeks • 8-11am Gateway Technical College, Elkhorn Campus
This comprehensive program is designed to equip current and aspiring supervisors with the essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in today’s dynamic work environment. |
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Leadership Training for Executive-Level Leaders
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Top Level Leadership
This advanced leadership series isn’t a one-off course. We’re presenting an opportunity to join others and work with an expert in organizational psychology, organizational development and change leadership on building the human side of your business. We know that our local business community is the most technically capable out there. We also know that what prevents us from realizing our greatness has a human face. Contact Leslie Gostomski for information how your management team can join in the next session. |
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About WCEDA's Workforce Housing Program
Over the course of the past three years, housing has become an increasing priority for us (WCEDA) to address. Many counties in the region are facing similar challenges and are in various stages of addressing this issue — an issue that may be the number one barrier for workforce at the moment... Go to WCEDA's Housing Page to learn more.
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Tackling the housing shortage is much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle without a picture and missing a vital piece. Without a clear blueprint, the process becomes much more challenging—and when a key piece is absent, the entire picture remains incomplete. However, when multiple stakeholders collaborate—each contributing their unique expertise—the puzzle can finally come together.
In addressing the housing crisis, every participant has a critical role: municipal administrators, landowners, developers, building crews, engineers, financial institutions, employers, and more. Bringing these players together is essential for developing a cohesive plan. For example, coordinating between builders and developers, planning and zoning staff, engineers, and landowners is one crucial step. Once a comprehensive plan is set and all parties agree to move forward, the success of the project ultimately hinges on effective execution.
Yet, one often-overlooked element in this equation is the building crew. Even when all other components are in place, a shortage of skilled labor can stall progress and undermine the entire effort. By ensuring that every stakeholder—from the initial planning stages to the final construction phase—is aligned and well-supported, we can better address the housing needs of today’s workforce.
Our local schools, partnered with builder associations are taking the steps to educate and engage the student into the building industry. We are seeing the youth join forces with Habitat for Humanity, local builders and school lead building programs to learn the trade, enhance their skills and connect with the workforce in their communities. These programs are the future of the building industry and are part of building the future for eliminating the housing shortage in Walworth County.
By expanding training and apprenticeship programs the investment in the student helps to build a career pathway with enhanced skill development. The student learns early to embrace the various technological innovations in the building industry and has the opportunity to try these innovations as they learn.
As the stakeholders come together to address the housing shortage, the youth is one stakeholder that will continue the work beyond the current shortfall. They are the future of the industry.
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| Free Educational Business Seminar
April 24, 2025 • 5pm
Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce Hosted by Sierra Financial Services & Off Wall Street LLC
Protect your business. Preserve Your Wealth. Learn how to avoid these mistakes: "I Know What My Business is Worth" "I'm Too Busy Running the Company"
"That'll Never Happen to Me" "There's Plenty of Time for That" "My Business is My Retirement"
"You Can't Beat Uncle Sam" [See More] |
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| Elkhorn HS students take home award
This past fall, seven of EAHS's talented students took on the challenge of the "Technicians of Tomorrow" competition, an elite automotive event in Southeastern Wisconsin. After a lot of hard work and dedication, Ben Reed and Gabe Vorpagel qualified for the in-person finals at the Milwaukee Auto Show on February 28!
Out of 14 schools, only 8 made the cut, and the EAHS duo, with the support of dealership sponsor Kunes, went above and beyond in a rigorous all-day competition. Their efforts paid off—Elkhorn took home an impressive 2nd place! Ben and Gabe impressed judges and sponsors alike, finding and repairing all 15 issues on the vehicle with time to spare. [See More]
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| New! Gateway's Personal Enrichment Classes
Enrich all facets of your life with fun and interactive learning experiences at Gateway! Our new personal enrichment classes are unique hands-on opportunities that allow you to gain new skills, pursue personal interests and meet friends, all while having a great time! All one-time courses are taught by Gateway’s expert instructors who bring years of real-world experience to the classroom. Most workshops are just $20 each for a limited time, so register today!
[Learn More] |
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| Lake Geneva Downtowns Annual Meeting March 12, 2025 • 7:30-9:30am
The BID would like to invite you to our Annual Breakfast coming up on March 12th at the Riveria Ballroom. This acts as our annual meeting and community impact awards to celebrate the accomplishments of our downtown in the last year and share our goals for the new year.
[Learn More] |
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| Geneva Lake West Spring Fling by the Lake April 3, 2025 • 5pm
Spring in and join us! It's an evening of tasty cocktails, delicious fare provided by The Abbey Resort & Spa, amazing entertainment by D'Lite Duo and mingling with great friends as we celebrate our Citizen of the Year Award recipient. We would love for you to join us in kicking off an exciting year for the Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce! [Register Now] |
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| New Healthcare and HVAC labs and programs at Gateway's Elkhorn Campus
Gateway Technical College has expanded its Elkhorn Campus facilities and college programs over the past year, making even more healthcare and trades training accessible to Walworth County students. “Walworth County is experiencing steady growth in population and industrial development, and Gateway is pleased to present our expanded and leading-edge facilities at our Elkhorn Campus in support of this growth,” said Gateway Technical College President and CEO Ritu Raju. [Read On]
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| CCI Awarded Prestigious Pyramid Award
CCI is thrilled to have been awarded a prestigious Pyramid Award at the 35th Annual Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction® Awards Gala in Las Vegas. This accolade honors The Grain Mass Timber Development project in Delafield, WI, which sets new benchmarks in innovation, sustainability, and urban revitalization standards. We couldn't be more proud. Congratulations to entire build-team and everyone involved! [Read On]
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| Wisconsin Oven Ships Two Belt Conveyor Ovens for Curing Adhesives
Wisconsin Oven recently shipped two belt conveyor ovens to an industrial manufacturer for curing adhesive materials. These ovens maintain a temperature uniformity of ±9°C at 180°C, with a variable-speed conveyor system for precise control.
Each unit features top-down airflow, advanced PLC controls, and a touchscreen interface, ensuring efficient heat transfer and streamlined operation.
Read more about this project. |
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| Walworth County Food Service Worker/Dietary Aide
What's in it for you as a Food Service Worker/Dietary Aide with our Lakeland Health Care Center Team? Earn Up to $22.68 Hourly
This role is available now, therefore if you're keen to learn more about this fantastic opportunity with a supportive role inside the community, apply today! [More Info] *See all the jobs available with Walworth County here. |
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| Walworth County Code Enforcement Officer
What's in it for you as a Code Enforcement Officer with LURM?
Earn Up to $40.10 Hourly, Eligible for Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Scheduled and Personal Time Off, Holiday Pay, Wisconsin Retirement
This role is available now, therefore if you're keen to learn more about this fantastic opportunity with a supportive role inside the community, apply today! [More Info] *See all the jobs available with Walworth County here. |
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| Plas-Tech Engineering is hiring!
Become an integral part of a diverse team while working at a leading medical manufacturing organization. By joining the PTE team, you will help make a difference in people’s lives by supporting the company in its efforts to bring new medical technologies to the market.
[Learn More] Validation Engineer
CNC Moldmaker Quality Control Inspector Executive Assistant/Receptionist |
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| Lake Lawn Seasonal Hiring Event March 26, 2026 • 12-5pm Come join the Lake Lawn team and enjoy your best life out by the lake this summer enjoying the sun filled days and fun filled nights along the lakefront in one of the amazing positions we have available this upcoming season! [Learn More] |
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| Aurora Health Care offers "In the Community" classes, events...
Check out Aurora's Spring 2025 Community Outreach programs
[Learn More]
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Broadband Assessment
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is beginning a regional broadband assessment in an effort to bring broadband to more Wisconsinites. The first step in the process is to conduct speed testing across the region. To take the test, residents and businesses simply need to visit, from their home or work location. It will only take a few moments and personal information is always protected and never shared. [Take the Test]
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| Walworth County Human Resource Association Announces Scholarship Opportunity
The Walworth County Human Resource Association will offer two scholarships in 2025.
Applications will be accepted until May 12, 2025, for a $500 and a $1000 scholarship to be distributed for the following fall term. The WCHRA Board of Directors will review all applications and select recipients based on the following criteria...
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To read more about each indicator, visit the newsletter section of our website here. |
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According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Wisconsin rose 0.1 percentage points in November 2023 to 3.3%. The state unemployment rate was 0.4 percentage points lower than the... |
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10-2 Year Treasury Yield Spread is at 0.33%, compared to 0.33% the previous market day and -0.39% last year. This is lower than the long term average of 0.86%. The 10-2 Treasury Yield Spread is the difference... |
| New orders for manufactured durable goods in the US rose 3.1% month-over-month to $282.3 billion in January 2025, the most in six months and above market expectations of a 2% increase. It follows a downwardly revised 1.8%... |
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Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 73.82, down from 78.16 last month and down from 80.55 one year ago. This is a change of -5.56% from last month and -8.35% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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| Spring Cleaning: Three Financial Planning To-Do Items
Spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing out the garage—it can also be the time when you make sure that your “not urgent, but important” financial checklist is completed. Joe Maier, JD of Johnson Financial Group shares in this week’s Wealth Insights article the three financial and estate planning to-dos that you should consider checking off your list this spring. [Read On]
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| Premier Bank alerts us to Slam The Scam resources
It’s National Consumer Protection Week, and we need your help to #SlamTheScam on government imposters. Learn how to spot scams, identify red flags, and report suspicious activity at ssa.gov/scam. |
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| SBA Lender Match
Get $500 to $5.5 million to help you grow your business! SBA-backed loans range from small to large and can be used for most business purposes, including long-term fixed assets and operating capital. Connect with an SBA-approved lender: https://www.sba.gov/lendermatch
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) “Office Hours” webinar
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Microsoft Teams Webinar
During this webinar we will review the reporting and submission process for the Spring 2025 CDBG Project Data Report due to DEHCR by March 25th. This webinar will also offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions and share insights based on their prior experiences with compiling and submitting the reporting information. Current/active CDBG grantees are encouraged to participate.
This training is open to ALL interested parties. Registration is OPTIONAL (i.e., not required) but is RECOMMENDED. DEHCR staff will use your contact information (if provided by you) for related pre- and post-webinar follow-up communications, as applicable. Information about how to access this ‘virtual’ webinar is listed below. [Registration Form]
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| WWBIC New Resources & Partners
WWBIC is offering more diverse trainings and events now than ever before! Fill out their updated Client/Business Information form by clicking the link below to make sure that you will be notified once any grants, networking events and more are available! [Form]
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| Property Values and Taxes DataTool
This datatool explores key trends in statewide property values and tax levies, which are important indicators of the state's economic health, the cost borne by taxpayers, and the finances of its local governments. In this streamlined interactive format, users can view separate analyses of southeast Wisconsin and Dane County data, or explore the statewide data themselves, filtering by municipality or county to easily create custom reports.
Check out the tool |
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Small Business Development Grant (SBDG)
The Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) Program will offer financial incentives for communities and organizations to develop innovative programs that directly support small businesses and small business creation. [Learn More] |
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Wisconsin Green Innovation Fund
When more Wisconsinites can participate in our state’s clean energy transition, we’ll reach our environmental and energy independence goals faster. That’s where the Green Innovation Fund comes in. The Green Innovation Fund leverages public and private funds to invest in strategic energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that benefit traditionally underserved businesses, residents, and communities across Wisconsin. By facilitating the widespread adoption of clean energy technologies, the Fund will ultimately improve overall quality of life in our state. [Learn More]
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| RelyLocal
The national economy depends heavily on the health of local economies, and the local economy depends on the health of the local businesses. Local businesses not only contribute to the local economy, but are the foundation of a healthy community overall. Our goal? To develop strategies to support local businesses (across the country) by Developing new solutions to support local businesses, creating local campaigns to revitalize local communities, and putting America back to work. [Learn More]
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| Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)
C-PACE is a property tax-assessment financing mechanism for energy & water
efficiency and renewable energy improvements to commercial properties. Benefits include: finance up to 100% of hard + soft costs, fixed rate, long-term: 20 – 30 years, tenants share cost & savings, transfers to new owner upon sale, potential off-balance sheet treatment, reduce waste & improve experience. [Learn More - PDF, Webpage]
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| WCEDA Loan Program
Are you having trouble getting a loan? Are your revenues under $1 million? WCEDA may be able to HELP. We have a loan program through the USDA for small businesses called the Hometown Entrepreneur Loan Program (HELP) that aims to help small business access capital. Many times we can work with banks or other programs like SBA or WHEDA to make a loan work for companies.
[APPLICATION]
[ADDITIONAL FUNDING SOURCES] [CONTACT WCEDA]
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