Business Grants in Wisconsin [Updated for 2024]

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Updated: February 22nd, 2024

Business Grants in Wisconsin [Updated for 2024]

If you plan to launch or open a business in Wisconsin, consider applying for a business grant. In general, business grants are one of the essential things to consider when developing a startup business, especially if you need more money as capital to start your business. You can find grants in Wisconsin and apply for one to help your business.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need about business grants in Wisconsin. We'll include different ones to fit any starting business for various owners. This way, you'll have a starting point if you need starting capital through grants.

Without further ado, let's get into it!

Best Business Grants in Wisconsin

Below are some of the best business grants in Wisconsin. If you're starting a business and need some funding for capital, consider applying for any of these grants.

International Market Access Grant (IMAG)

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation offers the International Market Access Award to companies that want to develop export and deployment strategies. It is optional for the business to have its headquarters in Wisconsin to conduct export operations and generate revenue there. Previously, businesses were required to match 30% of grant funds, but this condition has been temporarily removed under COVID. This program, which awards up to $25,000, still receives applications.

Apply for International Market Access Grant (IMAG)

Business and Commercialization Micro-Grant

Businesses with technology- or research-based products can apply for a Micro-Grant (CTC) through the Center for Technology Commercialization. This award covers up to 75% of the cost of hiring a neutral third party to develop a business strategy. The program, which can award up to $4,500 in awards, still accepts applications.

Apply for Business and Commercialization Micro-Grant

Small Business Grants in Wisconsin

Most business grants offered to business owners in Wisconsin are only for small businesses. As such, you'll find many options when starting a small business in this state. Moreover, a small business will have better chances of getting a business grant approval in Wisconsin. Here are some options to consider:

Launch La Crosse Recovery Program

Through the Launch La Crosse Recovery Program, small businesses in La Crosse County can receive grants of up to $5,000. This grant supports businesses in finding innovative ways to connect with their consumers. There is a limit of 30 employees for the firm. Grants are awarded once every two weeks. For a firm to qualify, COVID-19 must have caused economic harm.

Apply for Launch La Crosse Recovery Program

Dairy Business Innovation Alliance Grant Program

Dairy farmers and dairy processors in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota may qualify for a Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) Grant. Grants of up to $250,000. have been awarded to previous grantees of similar DBIA projects. To prepare for the application, which opens on February 1, watch the DBIA webinar series.

Apply for Dairy Business Innovation Alliance Grant Program

Small Business Grants in Wisconsin for Minorities

Business grants are always geared towards minorities who plan to start a small business, and Wisconsin offers various business grants. For this reason, you can consider these grants if you want to start a small business in Wisconsin.

Entrepreneurial Training Program

As part of the Entrepreneurial Training Program, the University of Wisconsin's Small Business Development Center offers startup training to entrepreneurs eligible for up to $750 in awards. The program must include planning or modeling for the company, and entrepreneurs must contribute a minimum of $250.

Apply for Entrepreneurial Training Program

Main Street Bounceback Grants

Main Street Bounceback offers $10,000 to companies relocating to vacant commercial properties in Wisconsin's downtowns and commercial corridors. An independent franchisee must own and operate the business to belong to a national or regional chain. In addition, real estate investment companies, home-based businesses, and landlords are prohibited from applying for grants. It cannot be used for residential or storage purposes only.

Apply for Main Street Bounceback Grants

Business Grants in Wisconsin for Women

Another common factor for business grants is for women who are business owners. As such, if you're a woman who's planning to start a business in Wisconsin and need of funding, you can consider applying for one of the following grants:

Amber Grant

Small businesses operated by women throughout North America, including Wisconsin, can apply for Amber Grants of $10,000 each month. At the end of the year, if you qualify for the Amber Grant, you can apply for another $25,000 if you qualify. As stated on the Amber Grant website, they are looking for applicants who are enthusiastic about their businesses.

Apply for Amber Grant

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions you may have about business grants in Wisconsin.

How Can I Get Financial Help for My Business in Wisconsin?

Business grants vary from state to state, and Wisconsin has a specific business grant suited to approved applicants and business owners.

Every Wisconsin small business owner is entitled to financial assistance from federal and state agencies.

As such, if you plan to start a business in Wisconsin, you can apply for a business grant through the federal and state agencies that cover this state.

How Much Is the Wisconsin Grant?

The amount of financial help you can get from business grants offered in Wisconsin depends on your business type and your eligibility for approval.

However, you can get as much as $25,000 if you conduct development and research with the state's federal agencies.

Also, it will depend on your application's approval, as the state agency will determine how much grant they'll offer for your business.

What Is the Wisconsin Grant For?

Wisconsin's Federal Government isn't publicly provided, meaning only some startups business are automatically given grants. As such, you'll likely need to apply for such and wait if you get approved or not.

Nonetheless, the Wisconsin Grant is primarily available for small business owners planning to start and grow their ventures.

While most grants require paying back the funding, some grant beneficiaries from the Wisconsin Government do not require such. Thus, you can grow your business in Wisconsin without paying back the grant after some time.

Conclusion

Starting a business from scratch requires hard work, research, and funding. As such, many people need more funding to maintain or even launch a business. With business grants, the state government will take care of the capital you need or the fund you need for your business research.

As such, you only need to worry about your business structure and do the work to keep it growing. With this information, we hope you find a business grant in Wisconsin and get approved for one to help you grow your business.

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Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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