Focus Forward Updates Archives

New video explores how employers can support the vaccination effort—and why they should

New video explores how employers can support the vaccination effort—and why they should

Vaccines will help bring the pandemic to an end and aid economic recovery, and employers are a trusted source of information for their workers—so businesses play a key role in the vaccination effort. Read More

Elizabeth Geib2021-05-06T17:02:42-05:00May 6, 2021|Blog Post, Focus Forward Updates|

Apply for a grant from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund

Apply for a grant from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund

Pre-registration begins April 30 for the program, which will provide emergency assistance equal to a business's pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and $5 million per physical location. Read More

Elizabeth Geib2021-04-29T13:50:25-05:00April 29, 2021|Blog Post, Focus Forward Updates|

Wisconsin Main Street Downtown Pitch Contest now open for applications

Wisconsin Main Street Downtown Pitch Contest now open for applications

The contest is open to Wisconsin residents 18 and older with a for-profit business idea located (or planned to be located) in a community that is part of either the Wisconsin Main Street Program or the Connect Communities Program. Read More

Elizabeth Geib2021-04-15T13:25:27-05:00April 15, 2021|Blog Post, Focus Forward Updates|

New report outlines state’s economic recovery strategy

New report outlines state’s economic recovery strategy

The new report identifies five elements as keys to every individual’s economic well-being—financial stability; education; health; community infrastructure, including access to affordable housing and child care; and a clean environment—and encourages state and local leaders to invest accordingly. Read More

Elizabeth Geib2021-04-08T12:17:18-05:00April 6, 2021|Blog Post, Focus Forward Updates|

Download new vaccine guidelines for employers

Download new vaccine guidelines for employers

Published by WEDC with input from the Department of Health Services, the document provides guidance for how employers can encourage high rates of vaccination among their workers, and includes links to resources such as posters and flyers. Read More

Elizabeth Geib2021-04-01T19:26:02-05:00April 1, 2021|Blog Post, Focus Forward Updates|

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 9: Innovation, Inspiration and Public Health with Alexander Kempe

Focus Forward Podcast Ep 9: Innovation, Inspiration and Public Health with Alexander Kempe

Alexander Kempe, president and CEO of Novir, the testing solutions company and winner of the We’re All Innovating contest, talks with WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes about his company’s antibody test and the need for innovation in the pandemic. Read More

Lauren Foley2021-01-21T12:53:52-06:00January 21, 2021|Blog Post, Focus Forward Updates|

Moving innovation and entrepreneurship online

Moving innovation and entrepreneurship online

Learn how three Wisconsin programs focused on promoting entrepreneurship have adapted their regular in-person events to virtual platforms. Read More

Elizabeth Geib2020-12-09T18:03:45-06:00December 9, 2020|Blog Post, Entrepreneur Resources and Programs, Focus Forward Updates, Launch Blog|

Additional funds added to grant program for small businesses

Additional funds added to grant program for small businesses

The extra funding was added after the number of grant applications received exceeded expectations. Read More

Elizabeth Geib2020-12-01T13:25:57-06:00December 1, 2020|Blog Post, Focus Forward Updates|

This holiday season, We’re All In for shopping local

This holiday season, We’re All In for shopping local

A new campaign reminds Wisconsinites to support local businesses with their holiday shopping and showcases convenient online, curbside and delivery options for doing so. Read More

Elizabeth Geib2020-11-25T10:31:17-06:00November 25, 2020|Blog Post, Focus Forward Updates|