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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| Staff Member Spotlight
We’re excited to share that Leslie Gostomski has stepped into an expanded role as WCEDA’s new Director of Operations! Our journey with Leslie began back in 2014 when she supported us through contract work in graphic design and marketing. By 2017, she had officially joined our team part-time, helping with various administrative tasks—and since then, her contributions have only grown. From bookkeeping and event planning to marketing, membership, staff training, and program development, Leslie has truly become a vital part of our organization. In her new role, she’ll continue many of the same responsibilities, but now with greater leadership—especially in events and programs. Her passion for our mission and her commitment to the community run deep, so don’t be surprised if she reaches out soon to connect!
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| Dave Weber (1939-2025)
As we grieve the loss of this remarkable person, we also find comfort in reflecting on the incredible gift it was to have known him. Weber held a special place in the heart of WCEDA. He was part of the original committee that helped bring our organization to life in the early 2000s, and he remained a dedicated supporter of our mission ever since. His company stands among our longest-standing members and has been a key advocate for our Made in Walworth County program, helping to inspire the next generation to explore careers in manufacturing. Below is a link to a touching tribute to a life well lived and deeply appreciated.
[Tribute] |
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| Multi-Chamber Business After Hours
June 24, 2025 • 5-7pm
Green Grocer/Clear Waters 77 N. Walworth St., Williams Bay Don't miss this opportunity to help the Green Grocer and Clear Waters Salon Spa celebrate their new location in Williams Bay! |
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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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Here's your chance to win $5,000! Pitch Perfect, Empowering Regional Startups
November 12, 2025 Have a Good Idea for a Business? It might be worth $5,000! Perfect Pitch is a business idea competition that will be held on November 12 in Kenosha. In addition to cash prizes, it's a good opportunity to connect with potential investors. Anyone who wants to put together a pitch for their idea is welcome to tryout.
**The guidelines for this year have not yet been published; however, they will be similar to the last event, held in 2022. Click here for those details. Key Deadlines -
Applications Due: September 2, 2025 by 11:59 pm
- Finalists Notified: October 1, 2025
- Finalist Workshop: October 13-17, 2025, at Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC)
- Pitch Practice Session: November 12, 2025, from 1 PM to 3 PM
- Pitch Perfect Event: November 12, 2025, at 4 PM
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Want more information about this idea?
We are going to have an information session at the Innovation Center in Whitewater on June 12 from 10:30-11:30am preceding a Wisconsin Technology Council networking event. *If you would like to attend the Wisconsin Technology Council networking event, go to this link. https://wisconsintechnologycouncil.com/events/
June 12 • 10:30-11:30am OR 1:30-2:30pm Whitewater Innovation Center
1221 Innovation Dr., Whitewater, WI 53190
Email Derek D'Auria for more information about the information session and a chance to earn $5,000 for your business pitch idea! |
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WCEDA's Annual Workforce Symposium
May 20, 2025 • Lodge Geneva National
Visit the event web page, where you’ll find the event video (coming soon), speaker presentations and other valuable information: https://www.walworthbusiness.com/workforce-symposium-2025
A special thank you to our host, Lodge Geneva National, and our speakers for sharing their knowledge, insights and resources. |
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| Attention businesses!
Get out your schedules because it's time to get some Career-Based Learning Experiences on the calendar! All summer long, WCEDA will be looking to meet with member businesses to come up with some dates for the 2025-2026 school year. We've met with the schools, and we all agree that by getting events on the calendar in the summer, schools will easily be able to sign up when they are back in session in September. Here are some ideas for experiences you might want to consider offering.
Look for an email or call from Leslie Gostomski or Lisa Pavett, or schedule a meeting at your convenience here.
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| Recent Made in Walworth County events
Thank you to all our Made in Walworth County Manufacturing Group members and guests who attended the After Hours event at the Next Door Pub Lakeside in April and the Reader Precision Solutions tour last week! Attendees had great opportunities to network and learn about common successes, challenges and solutions. We'd also like to give a special shout out to the staff at Reader Precision Solutions for allowing the group in and showing us your amazing new facility!
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| Signalfire participates in DDHS Career Fair
Recently the team from Signalfire had the chance to help with Delavan-Darien High School’s Career Fair. Three classrooms full of students listened to Kory Kohlhof, Kayla Coffman, Tiffany Dixon, and Alexia Salinas-Garibay share their workplace experiences at a marketing agency.
Hannah Schlick joined for the exhibit hall and led the “Guess 3 Logo’s and Win a Donut” game. 16 boxes of Kwik Trip, Inc. Glazers were gone! [See the post]
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| Palmer Hamilton publishes blog on the history of esports
Palmer Hamilton is doing more with innovative space design to support esports as it evolves into STEM, STEAM and CTE programs.
From its roots from pinball showdowns to today’s arenas, esports has grown into a collaborative, dynamic global phenomenon with over 530 million followers. Now it’s transforming classrooms, too. [Watch] |
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| Radius participates in mock interviews
Radius members Emma and Eric held mock interviews for students with the Elkhorn YouthBuild program. This capstone activity is the final career-development experience of the program. Participating students complete a nationally recognized employability skills curriculum, visit employers, build their resumes, earn numerous certifications, and collaborate to construct various projects. We are proud to support this program for youth development in our community! [See the post]
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EAMS awarded $25k Fab Lab Grant
Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced Thursday, May 1, 2025, that Elkhorn Area Middle School is the recipient of a $25,000 state grant to fund new Fabrication Laboratory (fab lab) facilities, which will equip Wisconsin students with essential skills for the 21st century's global economy. [Read more]
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Successful Custom Course! |
| Successful Custom Course! |
| In-Progress (Module II) 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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Each Fundamentals of Leadership course consists of four independent modules.
Save some $$ on a full course 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 12 seats total.
WCEDA Member Value: $3,300 WCEDA Member Cost: $2,500 Total Savings: $800 |
| Fill up to 2 seats at each module for a maximum of 8 seats total.
WCEDA Member Value: $2,200 WCEDA Member Cost: $1,563 Total Savings: $637 |
| 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 I
The Leader’s Job: The Necessary Skills of Leadership The Qualities of Leadership: The Things that Make Leaders Great My Dysfunctional Work Family: When the Workplace Mirrors Family Dynamics and How to Keep the Peace
Beyond “Don’t Do That!”: Communication that Works
Act Now – Open Enrollment! [Learn More/Register Now]
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| Module I Wednesdays
June 25
July 9, 16, 23 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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Stakeholders
In last month’s article, we emphasized the importance of bringing stakeholders together to address the housing shortage in Walworth County. As with any major project, success depends on the collaboration of partners, each with a specific role to play. These partners are the stakeholders. But who exactly are they, and what part does each one play?
The key stakeholder groups include: municipal leaders, contractors, lenders, school administrators, business owners, legislators, community organizations, and the general public. Each of these groups has a crucial role in both the development of new housing and managing its impact on the county.
Who makes up each of these groups? -
Municipal Leaders: This group includes mayors, municipal administrators, planners, zoning administrators, and various boards and commissions. They are responsible for ensuring that housing projects align with municipal plans and regulations, making them critical to the planning process.
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Contractors: Builders, developers, realtors, engineers, and specialty contractors all fall into this category. They bring the technical expertise necessary to turn plans into reality, addressing specific needs within each development.
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Lenders: Financial institutions play a vital role by providing accessible and realistic funding options for both developers and potential homeowners. Without strong financial partnerships, new housing projects cannot move forward.
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School Administrators and Business Owners: These stakeholders help us understand the real-world impact of the housing shortage on schools, businesses, and the broader economy. Their insights guide where housing is most urgently needed.
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Legislators: Lawmakers are essential partners in the development process. They create and amend the legislation that governs building and development. Having them at the table ensures they stay informed of local needs and how state-level policies either support or hinder progress.
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Community Organizations and the General Public: These groups represent the voice of the community. Their support is vital for moving projects forward, and they play a key role in spreading information, gathering support, and ensuring that development efforts reflect the true needs of Walworth County.
When these stakeholders come together, we can identify land, coordinate with municipalities, and build the homes our community needs. Collaboration is the key to solving the housing shortage and shaping a stronger future for Walworth County. |
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Welcome to WCEDA, Savant Wealth Management!
"At Savant Wealth Management, we help successful individuals, families, and institutions navigate the complexities of wealth and asset management with clarity and confidence. Our experienced in-house team of financial advisors offers comprehensive, strategic guidance across all areas of wealth management—including investment guidance, financial planning, tax and business consulting, estate planning, trust services, and family office support. As a fee-only, fiduciary firm, we’re committed to putting your best interests first—always. And wherever life takes you, Savant Wealth Management is by your side, providing Wise Counsel when you need it most."
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Wisconsin Receives Silver Shovel Award We are pleased to announce that WCEDA Platinum Member, Kikkoman Foods, was submitted as a top project and directly contributed to Wisconsin receiving a Silver Shovel award in the 5-8 million population category.
At the Area Development’s 20th annual Shovel Awards, states were recognized for economic development efforts throughout 2024. States submitted a maximum of twelve projects in terms of significant capital investment and new direct job creation.
The article for the 20th Annual awards has not come out yet, but here is more info on the awards from the last announcement.
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| | Adams Acquires Walser Electric
Adams has acquired Walser Electric, a respected electrical contractor based in Middleton, Wisconsin. Effective April 2, 2025, this partnership will enhance our service capabilities and strengthen our presence in the Madison area.
Key highlights about this partnership: - Walser Electric brings specialized expertise in commercial and industrial electrical services, including advanced capabilities in lighting controls and industrial wiring
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Kyle Walser and his team will continue to operate from their Middleton location, ensuring continuity for existing customers
- This partnership expands our ability to serve clients throughout southern Wisconsin with enhanced resources and capabilities
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All existing customer relationships will continue without disruption
We believe this development represents an important step forward for Adams, allowing us to better serve our customers with a more comprehensive suite of services while maintaining our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. |
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| R&L Spring Company Opens 3rd Location to Support Expanded Growth R&L Spring Company, a leading manufacturer of springs, coils, and wireforms is pleased to announce the opening of a 3rd facility in Elkhorn, WI. R&L Spring Company currently has 2 manufacturing facilities in Lake Geneva, WI comprising 220,000 square feet, supporting the R&L Spring and Medicoil™ businesses.
The new facility in Elkhorn, WI adds an additional 50,000 sq feet of capacity to R&L Spring Company. “R&L Spring has continued to expand and grow our business, the opening of this 3rd facility allows us to support our growth in both the short term, as well as set the stage for planned growth initiatives over the coming years”, said Julie Arenz, President R&L Spring Company.
R&L Spring company is a family-owned business and currently employs over 250 employees in Walworth County, Wisconsin. “The new facility allows us to continue to support our existing customers as well as planned new customer additions. We plan on continuing to expand our team of dedicated employees to support our growth plans.” said Julie Arenz. [Read on]
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| Michael P. Reader Appointed to Gateway Technical College Board of Trustees Michael P. Reader, President of Reader Precision Solutions, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees for Gateway Technical College, representing the Walworth County District. His three-year term, beginning in July 2025, highlights his ongoing commitment to reshaping the educational landscape in manufacturing and workforce development within the region.
The Board of Trustees at Gateway Technical College serves a vital governance role, linking the college to the broader community and overseeing the strategic direction and accountability of the institution. Their responsibilities encompass setting policies that define the college’s services and impact, establishing ethical boundaries for executive decisions, managing and evaluating their own governance processes, and ensuring effective delegation and accountability of authority to the College President. The Board of Trustees directly influence educational programs that are integral to the economic and social fabric of the community. [Read on]
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| Radius Packaging Honored as Top Workplace
"We are thrilled to announce that Radius has been honored as a Top Workplace by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel... again! This is the second year in a row that we've received this prestigious award, and we couldn't be more excited!
What makes this achievement even more special is that it comes from the heart of our organization — our amazing team members! We believe that our people are our greatest asset. This award is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion that each team member brings to the table every day. Your contributions are what make Radius Packaging a TOP place to work!" |
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| 2025 Walworth County Community Health Assessment
Do you live, work, learn, play, or worship in Walworth County? Then we need YOU to take our 2025 Community Health Survey! The answers are completely ANONYMOUS, and the survey should only take about 15 minutes to complete. Thank you for your participation!
Please share this link far and wide! [Take the Survey]
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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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Work resumes on WIS 20 improvement project in Walworth County Beginning Monday, May 12, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) resumed work along WIS 20 (North Street), between Sterling Circle and County ES (Main Street) in the village of East Troy, Walworth County.
Check out the project website for information on work to be completed and traffic impacts. [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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| 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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| 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 0.51%, compared to 0.51% the previous market day and -0.47% 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 goods in the US plunged by 6.3% from the previous month to $296.3 billion in April of 2025, the sharpest drop since January of 2024, but slightly softer than market expectations of a 7.8%... |
| Average Crude Oil Spot Price is at a current level of 65.90, down from 70.70 last month and down from 88.01 one year ago. This is a change of -6.78% from last month and -25.12% from one year ago. The Average Crude Oil Spot Price... |
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| DNR Launches The Environmental Responsibility Navigator New Tool Helps Small Businesses With Environmental Compliance
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in honor of National Small Business Week, launched the new Environmental Responsibility Navigator (Enviro-Nav) to help small businesses with environmental compliance.
This tool, which was funded through the 2023-2025 state budget, provides a one-stop shop for businesses to easily understand the environmental requirements that apply to them, including those related to air pollution, water use/discharge and waste generation.
All types of businesses can benefit from the information offered in Enviro-Nav, and... [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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