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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County-Wide Off The Clock Networking Event April 30, 2025
5:30-7:30pm
The Hive Taproom W2463 County Rd ES,
East Troy Featuring session mead, snack spread from Toothpicks Catering, live music & more!
Plus, talk with beekeeper Ayla Guild!
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WCEDA's Annual Workforce Symposium
May 20, 2025
8-10:30am
Lodge Geneva National Speakers: Steve Torosain
Thought Leaders Initiative, Participants Report Elizabeth Oplatka
Leadership and Supervision, Business and Workforce Solutions, Gateway Technical College
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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| | Radius Packaging hosts Elkhorn YouthBuild
In Mid-March, Radius Packaging had the pleasure of hosting Elkhorn High School students from the Elkhorn Youth Build program. They enjoyed an insightful tour and got a firsthand look at their manufacturing processes in Delavan. The students of Elkhorn YouthBuild are working with Habitat for Humanity on a home in Bloomfield Township.
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| R & L Spring Youth Apprentice invited to the Wisconsin State Capitol
R & L Spring's Youth Apprentice, Hunter, was invited to the Wisconsin State Capitol to share his experiences and insights with government officials and representatives!
Hunter has been an incredible asset to the R & L Spring team, demonstrating hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning.
Join us in congratulating Hunter on this amazing opportunity! And huge thank you to Katie Graf, Gateway Technical College, Mike Dahle, and Elkhorn Area School District for providing these students with amazing opportunities!
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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
Thursday, April 24, 4-5:30pm Next Door Pub Lakeside
Our next MIWC after hours event will take place Thursday, April 24 from 4:00-5:30pm at Next Door Pub Lakeside. If you are a MIWC member, you should have received an email and calendar invitation. Reach out if you did not or if you have any questions. Hope to see you there! 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! |
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Spanish for Business
Managing a team with Spanish-speaking employees can be challenging when communication is limited. Misunderstandings can lead to safety risks, lost productivity, and decreased morale 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.
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. |
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Three Program Options to suit your needs! |
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Option 1: New/Entry-level speakers, phased learning General Spanish knowledge – meant for beginners This option is delivered through three modules for a total of 45 hours of training. While some industry/company content will be implemented into sessions, the phased learning option is not considered fully custom. |
| Option 2: Condensed, custom course for advanced beginners and intermediate level speakers
This is a fully custom course consisting of 12, 90-minute sessions (18 hours of training) that is oriented to advanced beginner/intermediate Spanish speakers. |
| Option 3: Comprehensive Spanish Training: Beginner ---> Advanced
Over the course of 90 instructional hours, this program equips your workforce with essential communication skills through progressive training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing delivered online and leveraging online learning resources. |
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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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We've been discussing the housing shortage for quite some time now—on national, state, and local levels. But, as with many critical issues, it has slipped down the priority list in the news cycle. It's time to bring this topic back to the forefront, share the urgency of the crisis, and take meaningful action toward solutions.
Recent research paints a concerning picture: Wisconsin's housing prices have skyrocketed, ranking among the worst in the U.S. and the highest in the Midwest. While some counties have seen sharper increases than others, the overall trend is clear—housing across the state is becoming increasingly unaffordable. The root cause? Supply and demand. There simply aren’t enough homes available, making it difficult for people to live and work in Wisconsin.
Several key factors contribute to this shortage, including restrictive building codes, zoning laws, and land-use regulations. On top of that, the rising cost of building materials adds another layer of difficulty for the housing industry, further limiting supply.
The consequences of this housing crisis are far-reaching. Homeownership is becoming unattainable for many, with the median household savings sitting at just $6,100—making a traditional 20% down payment nearly impossible. As a result, the percentage of young adults living with their parents is the highest it has been since 1940. This challenge extends to the rental market as well; since 1960, the share of 25- to 35-year-olds who can afford median rent in their county has declined by an average of 7% per decade, totaling a staggering 42%+ decrease. [Read On]
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| Town Bank opens newly remodeled branch in Lake Geneva
Our doors are officially open! Town Bank Lake Geneva – Broad St. is ready to help you bank better with personalized banking solutions. Stop by our newly remodeled branch today and experience the difference!
[See More] |
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Creating an Empowered University Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
In collaboration with the Tommy Thompson Center on Public Leadership, UW-Whitewater is honored to welcome Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, former President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, to campus for a conversation about higher education and how university communities support academic success by cultivating an empowering institutional culture. [Learn More]
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| Lean/Six Sigma Classes, Spring 2025
May 5 - August 4, 2025, 8am to 10am Online
Make your organization more efficient and less wasteful through Lean/Six Sigma training. Whether you’re new to Lean practices, want to earn your Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or gain certification in Lean Operations, our hands-on certification workshops will help you achieve your professional goals through coaching and practice. Available courses:
Green Belt, Green Belt to Black Belt, and Operations Class [Learn More]
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| Reader Precision Solutions Completes Move
Make sure to update those address books - Reader Precision has officially moved to our new home at 555 Koopman Lane in Elkhorn, WI!
Ever wonder what it takes to move an entire manufacturing operation? Take a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work, coordination, and teamwork that made our move to our new manufacturing headquarters in Elkhorn, WI, a reality. None of this would’ve been possible without our incredible team and the expertise of J&W Transfer. |
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| Schenck Process FPM is Coperion
Following its September 2023 acquisition by Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI), Schenck Process Food and Performance Materials (FPM) is transitioning its name and brand to Coperion.
Coperion is an operating company of Hillenbrand with 140 years’ experience in some of the world’s most critical processing industries. Schenck Process FPM has contributed an integral part to its divisions, which support processing solutions for manufacturing in polymers/performance materials, food, health & nutrition and aftermarket sales & services.
Schenck Process FPM expertise, team members, manufacturing sites, test and innovation centers, and technologies remain in place. This includes flagship brands such as RBS, Stock, Baker Perkins, Kemutec and Mucon. [Read On]
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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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| Celebrate Earth Day at Gateway Technical College
10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, April 12 Kenosha and Elkhorn campuses Learn from local environmental experts, drop off electronics for recycling, enjoy hands-on kids' activities and more. Find all the details at gtc.edu/earthday. |
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| CCI Honored for Excellence in Construction
CCI was honored at the 35th Annual Excellence in Construction® Awards Gala in Las Vegas, hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The renovation of the Village Supper Club on Lake Delavan transformed an 1880s establishment into a modern dining experience while preserving its historical essence. The custom finishes, some sourced from Europe, demanded meticulous craftsmanship, and the team’s collaboration and dedication to precision ensured flawless execution. Read the full Newswire.
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| Crisis Intervention Specialist
Earn Up to $40.11 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! *See all the jobs available with Walworth County here. |
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| Senior Controller
Palmer Hamilton, LLC—a dynamic manufacturing company generating annual revenues of $50–$100M—seeks a strategic and results-driven Senior Controller to join its executive leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will shape and execute the company’s financial strategy to drive sustainable growth, operational excellence, and enhanced profitability.
[Learn More] |
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| Field Service Engineers
Join a team that values craftsmanship and innovation! Wisconsin Oven is hiring field service engineers at our East Troy, WI facility.
We offer competitive pay, strong benefits, and a team-driven work environment where employees take pride in building industry-leading industrial ovens used in aerospace, automotive, and other advanced industries.
[Learn More] |
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| Accounting Manager
Integra Seating is looking for an experienced Accounting Manager to handle all aspects of accounting for the company, working closely with the owners of the company. Requires in-depth knowledge of accounting in software of SAP and Microsoft Excel, IPS Payroll, and Time Management System. The accounting manager will supervise accounting and purchasing personnel and oversee quarterly inventory processes.
[Learn More]
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| Quality Engineer
Medicoil is looking for a Quality Engineer to join our team in Lake Geneva, WI! If you have quality experience in manufacturing, ISO 13485 knowledge, and a passion for problem-solving, we want to hear from you!
[Learn More]
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| Manufacturing Engineer
Swiss-Tech is a precision manufacturing company that is family-owned with a 60-year history. We supply top quality parts to customers in defense, medical and aerospace companies. We are in a growth mode and looking to expand our workforce to help support this. We offer job training to develop our best asset, our people.
[Learn More]
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| Retail Team Members
Join the team that delivers quality meals to tables every day, and take pride in working in a position that makes your customers happy. Butcher Shop Associate
Grocery Associate
[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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Governor Evers approves US 12 resurfacing project in Walworth County To invest in Wisconsin’s transportation system, Governor Evers has approved a $4.9 million roadway resurfacing project along US 12, between County P (Elkhorn Road) and the intersection of WIS 20 and WIS 67, in Walworth County. Payne and Dolan, Inc. is the prime contractor for the project. Work is scheduled to begin March 31. Improvements: - Resurfacing 7.6 miles of US 12
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Upgrading traffic signals at the US 12 and County P (Elkhorn Road) intersection
- Replacing beam guard
US 12 will be closed to through traffic from County P (Elkhorn Road) to the intersection of WIS 20 and WIS 67
Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained. A detour will be posted for motorists to utilize County P, County A, and County ES. [Project website] |
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Invenergy continues investment in Walworth County
Invenergy, a U.S.-owned and Midwest-based company, is continuing to invest in Walworth County and looking to connect with local organizations and businesses for an upcoming energy generation project that will create up to 150 local jobs during construction and 8 to 12 full-time jobs once operational. Invenergy has been a proud member of the Walworth County community for years, supporting dozens of local organizations such as the Delavan-Delavan Lake Area Chamber and Darien Cornfest. Email jshelton@invenergy.com or visit www.foundryridge.com to learn more.
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2025 WEDC Small Business Academy Virtual Sessions: May 6-8, 8 a.m.-noon In-Person Sessions: May 9, 8 a.m.-noon Registration for the 12th annual Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy is now open.
This free event is designed for: Existing small businesses People who are thinking of starting a business Entrepreneurs looking for funding and resources
The conference will provide entrepreneurs and startups with opportunities to learn from and connect with business leaders and technical and financial resource providers and to identify the tools they need to start and grow their businesses.
Visit the Small Business Academy web page for more information or to register. |
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| Wisconsin Basic Economic Development Course
The Wisconsin Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) provides professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to build a career in the economic development field. Taught by many of Wisconsin's top economic development professionals, the Wisconsin BEDC is also part of the required coursework to apply for the International Economic Development Council's (IEDC's) Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Exam. The course will begin on Tuesday, June 3, and end on Thursday, June 5, 2024. [More info]
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To read more about each indicator, visit the newsletter section of our website here. |
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The number of people unemployed in Wisconsin peaked in April 2020 at 433,266. There are now 329,081 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 72,950 in April 2023, the number of unemployed has... |
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10-2 Year Treasury Yield Spread is at 0.33%, compared to 0.35% the previous market day and -0.34% last year. This is lower than the long term average of 0.85%. 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 70.70, down from 73.82 last month and down from 83.55 one year ago. This is a change of -4.22% from last month and -15.37% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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| Starts April 7, 2025!
Generative AI for Leaders
Join our 4-week virtual AI training program tailored for leaders across various industries. Our free training will guide you through the essentials of AI, from its history to its strategic application in the industry. Equip yourself with the latest AI tools, network with experts, and ignite innovation in your organization. Empower your career with AI—register now! [Learn More] |
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| April 8, 2025!
Grant Writing for Economic and Community Development: Lessons from a TEA Case Study Tuesday, April 8, 2025
1-2:30 p.m. • Zoom
This interactive 90-minute webinar provides practical strategies for securing grant funding for economic and community development projects. Kristen Fish-Peterson of Redevelopment Resources will lead an introduction to grant writing, highlighting funding sources, application strategies, and insights from the newly published WEDI Economic Development Toolbox Handbook (Fall 2024). The session will also feature a case study of the Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) Grant, with lessons from the state program administrator, local government officials, and a consultant who successfully navigated the process.
[Learn More] |
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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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| 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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