USDA Invests Over One Million in Rural Business Development Projects Across Wisconsin

(Stevens Point, Wis., October 13, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson announced $1.024 million in investments in 11 rural business projects through USDA's Rural Business Development Grants Program. The grant projects will support business growth and rural prosperity across Wisconsin by helping create new jobs, strengthen local economies, and expand economic opportunities for rural communities.

"From food cooperatives to independent hotels, agricultural products and more, Wisconsin's rural business development leaders are engaged in a wide range of trainings, workshops, social media trainings and other business development-minded initiatives to support rural Wisconsinites of all backgrounds and abilities," said Iverson. "The organizations who are receiving these grants are mentoring and advising while leading the way for Wisconsinites to be able to engage in business endeavors that boost local economies, create and support jobs, and make products and services more accessible to rural Wisconsinites."

In total, the 11 organizations are receiving $1,024,615 in grants from USDA Rural Development. Rural Business Development Grant Project Details:

• The Community Education Initiative Inc. will use a $99,990 grant to provide customized training and technical assistance to new and existing businesses across 10 tribal reservations and lands.
• The East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission will use a $45,625 grant to evaluate economic opportunities and develop strategic plans in Waupun and Winneconne.
• Easter Seals Wisconsin Inc. will use a $40,153 grant to assist rural entrepreneurs with disabilities who own or are developing small businesses.
• The Forest County Potawatomi Community will use a $230,000 grant to deliver its Indigenous Entrepreneurship Training Program in Forest County.
• The Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce will use a $49,347 grant for "Open Doors Wisconsin," an initiative supporting business creation, recruitment, and expansion in Edgerton, Fort Atkinson, and Whitewater.
• Growth Strategies will use a $43,500 grant to provide workshops and technical assistance addressing small-business growth and hiring challenges.
• The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund Inc. will use a $95,000 grant to provide training, technical assistance, and flexible financing for small businesses in 13 northern Wisconsin counties.
• The Oconto County Economic Development Corporation, also known as TEDCOR, and its consultant, Global Advisory Academy, will use a $30,000 grant to provide technical assistance to businesses throughout Oconto County.
• The Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation will use a $200,000 grant to establish a revolving loan fund for small businesses in Waupaca County.
• Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council will use a $96,000 grant to provide technical assistance to small and emerging businesses in 12 west-central Wisconsin counties.
• The Wisconsin Center for Employee Ownership will use a $95,000 grant to provide rural businesses with education and assistance in business succession planning across Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, and Washburn counties.

USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Development Grant Program promotes economic development and job creation projects through grant funds to eligible entities. Applications compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding various business and community projects that serve rural areas. Last year, Rural Development invested more than $400,000 through Rural Business Development Grants in six rural Wisconsin projects.

For more information about the Rural Business Development Grant Program, please visit grants.gov or contact a USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative program specialist in Wisconsin at this email address: [email protected].

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/wi.

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