Now in Wisconsin

What is the Rural Equity Grant Program? The Wisconsin Rural Equity Grant program will award a total of 30-40 grants of up to $10,000 each through 2024 to established, diverse-owned businesses in 12 counties and seven Native nations that share geography with northern Wisconsin.

What can the funds be used for? Rural Equity Grant funds can be utilized for a variety of business purposes including leasehold improvements, equipment purchase, inventory and supplies, marketing efforts, working capital, technology upgrades, and down payment assistance on capital projects.

Who is it for? The funding is aimed at assisting small business owners who’ve experienced barriers to capital and who’ve been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Review grant eligibility requirements here.

Why is it different? The funding is aimed at assisting small business owners in rural, northern Wisconsin who’ve experienced barriers to capital and who’ve been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative is part of the Diverse Business Assistance Grant Program from the Wisconsin DOA and is powered by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

How do I apply? The second round of the Wisconsin Rural Equity Grant program opens on Monday, October 21, 2024. This round is open to the Northeastern Wisconsin counties in EFund's region, which includes:

• Florence
• Forest
• Marinette
• Oneida
• Vilas

AND all Native nations in EFund's Wisconsin region, which includes:

• Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Forest County Potawatomi
• Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Sokaogon Chippewa (Mole Lake)
• St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin

Applications are due Monday, November 4, 2024. Grant awards will be announced in early December.

What is the Down Payment Assistance Grant Program? Let's say you're looking to purchase equipment for $15,000 to boost your production. Our Down Payment Assistance Grant offers a $1,500 grant towards this cost, and pairs it with a $13,500 low-interest loan, ensuring you have the $15,000 needed for this vital investment in your business's growth.

What can it be used for? Funds can be utilized for a variety of business purposes including down payment assistance on any loan project, leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, inventory or supplies, marketing, working capital, and technology.

Who is it for? The grant program aims to boost financial equity by helping diverse businesses in northern Wisconsin access necessary capital. It's especially for small businesses historically underbanked or denied funding. This program is supported by Wisconsin's Department of Administration and funded by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.

How do I access this grant program? Book a complimentary discovery call to learn more about this program and to confirm you eligibility.

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What is Be Strategic? The Be Strategic program provides a unique opportunity for local, non-competing businesses to work alongside one another to create a strategic business plan for growth, make meaningful connections, and improve their business within a supportive group setting.

Who is it for?  Be Strategic is for growth-oriented business owners in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Ideal participants have been in business for a couple of years, are ready to take the next steps in growing their business and are willing to be held accountable to reach their goals.

Why is it different? The six-week interactive course is designed and facilitated by EFund advisors who have years of experience helping businesses grow. Participants work through various business topics, including defining their mission, vision, and core values, identifying trends in their industry, creating a marketing plan, and refining their 10-year target. By the end of the course, each business owner walks away with a strategic plan to help them achieve their growth goals.

How to apply? We are now accepting applications for our Superior course.

Superior, WI Course Details

• When: Every Monday starting October 28th through Monday, December 2nd
• Time: 5:30 - 8 PM
• Location: Entrepreneur Fund - Superior Office, 1401 Tower Ave., Superior, WI 54880
• Course capacity: 8 participants
• Cost: Free, thanks to WI ARPA grant funding. A $50 refundable deposit is needed to secure spot
• APPLY HERE

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What is Profit Mastery? The two-day workshop focuses on providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to help their business achieve financial success. Dig into your finances and learn alongside fellow business owners from a skilled local facilitator.

Who is it for? Profit Mastery is for business owners who want to become more confident and skilled in managing their financials and making financially sound decisions for their company. If you are ready to grow your financial management skills, this is for you.

Why is it different? Profit Mastery has an international reputation for providing unparalleled financial management and business planning education. The curriculum is owned by Business Resource Services and facilitated by EFund advisors.

How do I register? Registration is now open for our Hayward and Rhinelander workshops this fall.

Hayward - November

• When: Monday, November 11th and Tuesday, November 12th
• Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM *lunch included
• Location: Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce, 15805 US-63, Hayward, WI 54843

• Workshop capacity: 8 participants
• Cost: Free - thanks to WI ARPA grant funding.

• REGISTER HERE

Rhinelander - December

• When: Monday, December 9th and Tuesday, December 10th
• Time: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Location: Nate Sheppard Media, 25 Brown St, Rhinelander, WI 54501
• Workshop capacity: 8 participants
• Cost: Free - thanks to WI ARPA grant funding. A $50 refundable deposit is needed to secure your spot.
• REGISTER HERE

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