Connecting small businesses with the capital they need to grow
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC’s) Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) Program encourages communities and economic development partners to invest in their small businesses. The program offers financial incentives for these communities and organizations to develop innovative programs that directly support small businesses and small business creation. The program’s goal is to support economic development programs that aim to broaden access to capital for small businesses in the state of Wisconsin.
How It Works
The SBDG Program is a competitive program that assists economic development organizations, membership organizations, municipalities, Tribal governments, and counties to support small business development in their respective areas. WEDC has allocated $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible uses of funds include, but are not limited to, matching grant programs (such as startup, façade, expansion) and small business financing for firms with fewer than 25 full-time employees. Grant funds may not be used to cover past costs nor program administration. WEDC will not require matching funds for this program; however, applications that provide for matching funds will receive extra points in the scoring process. Applicants who have not received prior funding through the program will also receive priority. The scoring process will take into account whether the project is in a rural or distressed area and whether it will assist small businesses that are diversely owned, among other criteria.
