The State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce offers a range of business resources and financing programs, including the programs featured below. See the Department of Commerce for more details and a complete list of programs.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-Economic Development Program provides grants to communities to loan to businesses for start-up, retention, and expansion projects based on the number of jobs created or retained.

The Customized Labor Training Fund provides training grants to businesses that implement new technology or production processes. The program can provide up to 50 percent of the cost of customized training.

The Economic Diversification Loan (EDL) program provides low-interest loans to existing businesses interested in establishing or expanding operations in Wisconsin. Applicants must provide a comprehensive business plan that describes the proposed project. Applicants can receive up to 75 percent of eligible costs. The actual award is based on the project's viability, the number of jobs created or retained, and the extent to which the project will help diversify the local economy.

Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB) are a means of financing the construction and equipping of manufacturing plants and a limited number of non-manufacturing facilities. IRBs are also exempt from federal income tax.

The Technology Development Loan (TDL) program helps Wisconsin businesses develop technological innovations that have the potential to provide significant economic benefit to the state. This program is designed to help businesses commercialize new technology.

The WHEDA Small Business Guarantee (WSBG) helps in small-business acquisition or expansion. A guarantee is a pledge of support on a bank loan. WHEDA will guarantee a portion of a loan made by a local lender to a maximum of the lesser of 80 percent or $200,000 on loans up to $750,000. Eligible Wisconsin businesses employ 50 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees, and are unable to obtain conventional financing at reasonable terms.

North Central Wisconsin Development Corp.
New and established businesses that will create jobs can complement other financing sources with a Regional Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) - long-term, low-interest loans, ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, that require low down payments. The RLF can finance up to 50 percent of a project. Funds are available to businesses in a nine-county region, including Wood County.

Tax Incremental Financing
Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) is utilized to promote industrial and commercial growth in underdeveloped areas. Contact us today to find out more about TIF.