Whether you’re a small, family-owned dairy business or a solo entrepreneur looking to start your first business, there are many small business grants in Wisconsin. We’ve put together a list of six government and private grants. As these deadlines come and go, be sure to check back regularly for new opportunities.
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Government Grants
International Market Access Grant (IMAG)
Amount of Grant: Up to $25,000
Due Date: Ongoing
Businesses looking to develop their export and deployment strategy with the help of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation are eligible for the International Market Access Grant. While the company does not have to be headquartered in Wisconsin, it must have its export-related operations in the state and provide economic benefit there. Pre-COVID companies had to agree to a 30% cost match of the grant awarded, but that requirement has been temporarily waived.
Entrepreneurial Training Program
Amount of Grant: Up to $750
Due Date: Ongoing
The Entrepreneurial Training Program provides grants of up to $750 to entrepreneurs who complete startup coursework by the Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin. Entrepreneurs must match at least $250, and the coursework must focus on business modeling or business planning.
Business and Commercialization Micro-Grant
Amount of Grant: Up to $4,500
Due Date: Ongoing
Wisconsin businesses with research-oriented or technology-based products can apply for a Business and Commercialization Micro-Grant through the Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC). The grant funds up to 75% of the costs spent hiring an independent third party to write a business or commercialization plan. The limit of this grant is $4,500.
Private Grants
Main Street Bounceback Grants
Amount of Grant: $10,000
Due Date: June 30
The Main Street Bounceback grant provides $10,000 to new or existing businesses moving into vacant commercial properties in downtowns and commercial corridors in Wisconsin. Companies can’t be part of a national or regional chain unless they’re independently owned and operated franchises. The grant also prohibits real estate investment firms, home-based businesses and property landlords. The space cannot be used for storage only or residential purposes.
Dairy Business Innovation Alliance Grant Program
Amount of Grant: Not released yet
Due Date: March 31
If you own a dairy-based farm or are a processor in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota or South Dakota, you may be eligible for a grant through the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) Grant Program. While grant amounts aren’t released yet, previous recipients received up to $250,000 through similar programs offered through the DBIA. Applications open on February 1, and it is recommended you attend the DBIA webinar series to prepare yourself for the application.
Launch La Crosse Recovery Program
Amount of Grant: $5,000
Due Date: Ongoing
The Launch La Crosse Recovery Program provides La Crosse County retail, restaurant or personal storefront businesses with grants of up to $5,000. The company can only have up to 30 employees, and the focus of the grant is to encourage businesses to reach their customers in new ways. New grants are awarded every two weeks. To be eligible, a business must be able to demonstrate economic injury due to COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay back a grant for my small business?
Unlike a loan, a grant is free money, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, it does count as taxable income.
Where can I find more grants?
A great place to find grants that your small business is eligible for is a Small Business Development Center near you. Forbes Advisor has compiled a nationwide list of small business grants that don’t apply to a single state. Grants.gov and Score.org also share information on grants.
Is it possible to obtain several government grants at the same time?
You can apply for as many government grants for which you can qualify. Note, however, that when applying for grants you should mention any grants that you have received in the past.
