Grant and Loan Programs

For Small Business in Southwest Wisconsin

Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

The Regional Revolving Loan Fund was created to assist business development and expansion projects. This RLF is specific for Southwest Wisconsin Businesses. Applications are available on the website. 

BMO Harris

Women's Grant Program offers $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses that are looking to grow their business. The grant usually opens in spring of each year, with recipients announced in September of that same year. 

USDA

Loan and Grant Programs available to specific business sectors. Mostly geared towards agricultural related industry, but also provides loan guarantees to lenders for rural businesses. Other areas of investment include: broadband, energy, native american owned business, housing, agriculture, meat and poultry. Some USDA programs require partnerships with your local municipality.

Wisconsin Main Street

Each year, Wisconsin Main Street awards small businesess that have made an impact in their downtown districts. Areas of awards include: Inspirational design, Impactful promotions, Excellence in organzational management, and Effective initiatives in economic vitality. To be considered for an award, contact your local community Main Street Director.

American Express

Each year, American Express awards grants to private businesses through a competitive application process. Their "Backing Small Businesses" grants is in collaboration with Main Street America. In 2024, they awarded 500 businesses with $10,000 grants and 25 businesses with $30,000 grants. Look for the program application to open in the spring of each year!

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

WEDC provides a variety of opportunity for small and large businesses alike. One program that we have seen great success with for our small businesses in Southwest Wisconsin is the Community Development Investment Grant Program. This program provides financial incentives for shovel-ready projects with emphasis on, but not limited to, downtown community-driven efforts. With eligible activities including building renovation, historic preservation, demolition, new contruction, and infrastructure improvements; most small businesses qualify and benefit from this grant program. WEDC also provides programs such as: Business Tax Credits, Capital Catalyst, Idle Sites Redevelopment, Capacity Building Grants, and more! 

WWBIC

WWBIC's lending programs focus on individuals who face barriers in accessing traditional financing or resources in pursuit of their dreams and economic well-being … in particular women, people of color, veterans, rural and lower wealth individuals.

KIVA

KIVA uses crowdfunded microloans for businesses to borrow money from lenders across the world. You can be an applicant or lend to other businesses using this platform.

Wisconsin Department of Administration

DOA's Department of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR) administers Community Development Block Grants for eligible applicants. These programs can be applied for in conjunction with your local municipality. Grant funds are awarded to provide financial assistance to businesses to create and retain jobs for low and moderate income (LMI) individuals. Eligible projects include: business loans to expand facilities or purchase equipment, specialized employee training, or business infrastructure projects. Contact your county's Economic Development Director for more information.

SBA

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. SBA assists in matching lenders and businesses to help get approval for loans. 

Local Banks

Always remember to talk to your local bank about their available loan programs for your small business. Local banks not only fund businesses right in your community, they also have programs to give back to those communities. Most local banks volunteer, sponsor local events, donate supplies, and give back in many ways to their communities. 

Large Corporations

Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Firehouse Subs, Health Insurance Companies, and many other large corporations also have competitive grant programs. These national corporations usually align their grants with their mission. For example: firehouse subs gives back through grants for fire departments and first responders! If your business aligns with a mission of a certain corporation search "Company name corporate giving" to find if they have grant programs you may be eligible for!