PEOPLE BUILDING PLACES
Thriving communities fuel creativity and ambition. In Wisconsin, we invest in our communities to help both people and businesses grow, develop and contribute to our state’s economic vitality. From our industrial city centers to the tree-lined streets of our town squares, WEDC’s comprehensive community development programs and funding initiatives empower local officials to develop sustainable economic development strategies that increase prosperity while redevelopment programs provide financial assistance for activities that revitalize commercial districts. By providing community and business leaders access to this knowledge and support, we’ve helped them create stronger community cornerstones and build vibrant economic epicenters throughout Wisconsin.
WEDC PROGRAMS
BROWNFIELDS GRANT PROGRAM
Grants to local governments, businesses, nonprofits and individuals for developing commercial and industrial sites that have been adversely affected by environmental contamination.
BROWNFIELDS SITE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
Grant funds for approved projects to assist local governments with conducting initial environmental assessment and demolition activities on an eligible abandoned, idle or underutilized industrial or commercial site.
CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS
Grants to assist local and regional economic development groups to create an advanced economic development network within the state.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM
Financial support for shovel-ready projects, with emphasis on downtown community efforts that deliver measurable benefits in job opportunities, property values, and/or leveraged investment by local and private partners.
CONNECT COMMUNITIES
Resources, technical assistance and networking to support communities’ efforts to revitalize downtown districts.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX CREDIT
State income tax credit for 20 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures for eligible buildings.
IDLE SITES REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Program for Wisconsin communities to support redevelopment plans for large sites that have been idle, abandoned or underutilized for at least five years.
MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Includes revolving loan funds offered through minority business associations and an annual conference that is the state’s premier event for minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses.
WISCONSIN MAIN STREET PROGRAM
Program recognizes a commitment to preserving and revitalizing historic downtowns, and supporting these efforts with technical support, training and networking opportunities.
WEDC SUCCESS STORIES
When fashion is your business, your business should look fashionable and functional. Read More
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When fashion is your business, your business should look fashionable and functional. Read More
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Source: WEDC FY19 Annual Report on Economic Development
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Information, tools, programs and partners fuel growth and new market opportunities.
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Our passion is supporting yours—through funding solutions, workspaces, mentoring and more.
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Revitalizing commercial districts and preserving our state’s history enriches public spaces and helps encourage business activity.
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Public-private partnerships investing in “Centers of Excellence” that drive research, startups and business attraction to advance Wisconsin’s competitive advantage.
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Experts here and abroad that help Wisconsin companies navigate exporting logistics to successfully expand their global reach.
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