Small Business Development Grant
Small Business Development Grant supports Wisconsin communities and economic development partners in running local financing programs that help small businesses access capital, grow, and launch new ventures.
Funder: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Due Dates: October 2, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Online application)
Funding Amounts: $50,000–$250,000 per award; projects ideally run about 24 months
Summary: Supports locally designed financing programs that help Wisconsin small businesses access capital and grow.
Key Information: Applicants must pass 100% of WEDC grant funds to eligible small businesses; businesses cannot apply directly.
Description
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Development Grant is a competitive, once-per-fiscal-year program for communities and economic development partners. It funds locally designed programs that expand access to capital, support existing small businesses, and encourage new business creation across Wisconsin. Eligible approaches include startup, façade, and expansion grant programs, loans, and other small business financing tools.
The grant goes to organizations and governments that operate these programs, not directly to businesses. WEDC encourages approaches tailored to local needs that can generate lasting benefits and potentially be replicated elsewhere in the state.
