Hey there, Badger State entrepreneurs! If you’re a small business owner in Wisconsin looking for a financial boost, you’re in luck—there are grants out there just waiting to be snagged.

Whether you’re crafting artisanal cheese in Green Bay or brewing up the next big thing in Milwaukee, securing a grant could be your ticket to success. In this article, we’ll explore where to find these golden opportunities and walk you through the steps to qualify, faster than you can say “Go Packers!” So grab a Spotted Cow, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of small business grants in America’s Dairyland.

Where to Search for Small Business Grants in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial landscape is ripe with hidden gems and untapped potential, just waiting for savvy business minds to uncover them. With a little digging and the right resources, ambitious go-getters can tap into a treasure trove of grants and opportunities that could turn their Wisconsin-based dreams into thriving realities.

Some Wisconsin Local Resources Include:

 

Wisconsin’s Small Business Association: The Badger State’s SBA is a treasure trove of entrepreneurial support, offering a smorgasbord of resources for ambitious business owners. From mentorship programs to funding opportunities, they’re the fairy godparent every Wisconsin startup dreams of, waving their wand to sprinkle financial wisdom and support across the state.

The Wisconsin SBA doesn’t directly offer grants, but they do provide invaluable guidance on navigating the grant landscape. They’ll help you sniff out those elusive funding opportunities like a seasoned truffle hound, pointing you towards state and federal programs that might just be your golden ticket to business success.

Wisconsin’s Economic Development Agency: Wisconsin’s Economic Development Agency is a treasure trove for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking financial support. Their website is chock-full of valuable resources, from detailed guides on securing funding to a comprehensive list of available grants and loans that can help turn your business dreams into reality.

The agency offers the Entrepreneurship Support Grant, a program designed to bolster Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem. This grant provides up to $100,000 to organizations that offer entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and technical assistance to early-stage businesses. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, communities, and other entities that support entrepreneurs and align with the state’s economic development goals.

Wisconsin’s Chamber of Commerce: The Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce is a goldmine for entrepreneurs seeking funding opportunities. They offer a comprehensive database of financial resources, including loans, grants, and investment programs tailored to various business stages and industries. Their expert advisors can guide you through the application process, increasing your chances of securing the capital you need to grow your business.

The Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce also provides a Small Business Grant Program for eligible entrepreneurs. This grant is designed to support startups and small businesses looking to expand or innovate within the state. To qualify, businesses must be Wisconsin-based, have fewer than 50 employees, and demonstrate a clear plan for growth and job creation. The grant amounts vary, but they can be a game-changer for businesses needing that extra financial boost to reach their goals.

Key Grant Opportunity for Entrepreneurs in Focus

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur looking to breathe new life into Wisconsin’s downtown areas, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Main Street Bounceback Grant could be your ticket to success. This innovative program offers $10,000 grants to businesses and nonprofits moving into vacant commercial spaces in Wisconsin communities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to revitalize local economies, create jobs, and bring vibrancy back to main streets across the state. Whether you’re opening a new storefront, expanding your existing business, or relocating to a different community, this grant can provide the financial boost you need to make your dreams a reality.

To qualify for the WEDC Main Street Bounceback Grant, you’ll need to meet a few key criteria. First, you must be moving into a vacant commercial space and planning to use it for your business operations. The property should be in a Wisconsin community participating in the program, and you’ll need to sign a lease for at least one year or purchase the property outright. Additionally, your business should not be in direct competition with the property owner’s existing business. If you think you might be eligible and want to learn more about this exciting opportunity, click here for detailed information on the application process and program guidelines.

Additional Resources for Small Business Grant Hunting

When looking for small business grants, it may benefit you to look beyond the boundaries of Wisconsin. Skip is your one-stop platform for discovering and securing the funding you need to start or grow your business. With thousands of grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000, finding the perfect opportunity is just a click away.

Imagine having access to a user-friendly dashboard where you can track and apply for grants tailored to your business in Wisconsin. Skip’s AI-assisted grant writing tool helps craft compelling applications that stand out, and with instant feedback, you can ensure your submission is top-notch every time.

Join the thriving community of entrepreneurs who have already reaped the benefits of Skip. With over $300,000 in grants donated and strong partnerships with government agencies and non-profits, Skip is dedicated to your success. Take the first step today and turn your business dreams into reality – Click Here to get started with Skip.

How to Know Your Business is Grant-Ready

As an entrepreneur in Wisconsin, it’s crucial to understand that most small business grants, whether at the local or national level, typically require your business to be incorporated. This requirement is often in place to ensure that grant funds are allocated to legitimate, established businesses rather than individuals or informal ventures. Incorporating your business not only makes you eligible for these grants but also provides additional benefits such as liability protection and potential tax advantages.

When it comes to incorporating your business, we have found that Northwest Registered Agent offers the best assistance for entrepreneurs. Their expertise in navigating the incorporation process, combined with their exceptional customer service, makes them stand out from other providers. By choosing Northwest Registered Agent, you can ensure that your incorporation is handled professionally and efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business and pursuing those valuable grant opportunities.

Why Compliance and BOIR Matter: Ensuring Eligibility for Business Grants

 

Compliance isn’t just a box to check; it’s your ticket to opportunity. For Wisconsin entrepreneurs, it’s the key that unlocks the door to grants and funding. Staying on top of federal and state taxes, and keeping your business registration current, isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for growth.

The Corporate Transparency Act adds a new layer to this compliance puzzle, requiring businesses to reveal their beneficial owners. This isn’t just another bureaucratic hoop; it’s a safeguard against hefty penalties that could derail your business dreams. Remember, in the world of business, sometimes the most important investments are the ones that keep you in the game.

That’s where we come in. Navigating the Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting (BOIR) requirements can be daunting, but our website simplifies the process. We offer a secure and straightforward filing experience with a direct connection to FinCEN, ensuring your information is handled with the highest level of security. Our platform makes compliance effortless so you can focus on growing your business.

Don’t let penalties slow your business down. Failing to comply with Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting (BOIR) requirements can result in severe consequences. If you fail to file, you could be subject to the following penalties:

• Fines of up to $500 per day for failure to file BOIR
• Cumulative fines reaching up to $10,000
• A person who willfully violates the BOI reporting requirements may be subject to criminal penalties of up to two years imprisonment.

Not sure if you have a BOIR filing requirement? Please take our quick BOI eligibility quiz to determine whether you need to file and ensure you comply with regulations.

Last Words: How to Maximize Your Grant Opportunities in Wisconsin

In the end, success in business often comes down to resourcefulness and persistence. Wisconsin entrepreneurs have a wealth of grant opportunities at their fingertips, from local chambers to national programs. But remember: no one cares about your business as much as you do. The most valuable resource isn’t a grant, but your own drive to keep learning, adapting, and pushing forward. Funding helps, but it’s the grit to keep going when things get tough that truly separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest. So seek out these grants, but don’t forget to invest in your most important asset: yourself.

For all of you out there who haven’t yet tackled your BOIR, the time to act is now. Procrastination won’t get you anywhere, but taking just a few minutes to complete our straightforward form will. Don’t let this critical step in your compliance journey slip through the cracks—get it done and move forward with confidence.