FOCUS FORWARD
The go-to resource to keep Wisconsin citizens, communities and businesses moving forward.
WORKING TOGETHER TO PREPARE WISCONSIN TO PROSPER
By working together, we can overcome the unprecedented challenges COVID-19 has put on us all. Focus Forward provides tools, information and inspiration related to business, community and personal resilience. It’s a place to communicate and connect regularly, where you’ll find information on financial and operational assistance programs from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and other state and federal partners that will prepare you for economic recovery. Most of all, it’s a destination to unite, roll up our sleeves and get to work helping each other and the entire state of Wisconsin move forward.
KEEP ME INFORMED
Subscribe to Focus Forward updates to stay in-the-know about important Wisconsin economic and business news, as well as new programs and resources available for your business and community.
FOCUS FORWARD VIDEOS & LIVESTREAM EVENTS
Join WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes for videos and livestream events covering business-critical topics and peer-to-peer conversations featuring recovery tips. You’ll find the information and insights your business and community need to successfully move beyond the current crisis.
Join us each Monday for the Focus Forward livestream, featuring information on WEDC’s role in reopening and recovery efforts. We’ll also provide an update on the status of essential and non-essential businesses and hold a live Q+A session to address any of your concerns.
FOCUS FORWARD PODCAST
THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN BUSINESS
The Focus Forward podcast connects business and community leaders and other Wisconsin “doers” in conversations about how we can all help each other succeed. In each episode, WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes guides the discussion toward real and actionable advice you can incorporate in your business or community to help overcome the challenges you’re facing today and prepare for the new opportunities of tomorrow.
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Focus Forward is here to connect you to the programs and resources WEDC, other state partners and national organizations have created to help your business. It’s our commitment to make it easier for you to find the information you need for relief and recovery, including WEDC financial assistance for Wisconsin companies, SBA disaster assistance, COVID-19 federal relief programs and more. Subscribe to our Focus Forward updates to ensure you have access to the newest programs and resources as they become available.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Navigating the complexity of COVID-19 relief and recovery can be daunting. Let us connect you to the information, insights, partners and resources needed to keep your business and community moving forward.
Recording posted: June 1 livestream with Secretary Missy Hughes
The video includes details on a new grant program for small businesses, as well as guidelines for businesses to safely reopen and other resources to help businesses with the impact of COVID-19. Read More
FOCUS FORWARD UPDATES
Stay in-the-know about important Wisconsin business and economic news, community announcements and new programs and resources available for your business.
Details announced for new small business grant program
The application process for We’re All In Small Business Grants will open on June 15. Read More
Eau Claire SaaS firm helps the home care industry adapt to COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit, SMARTcare Software was ready to support the home health care sector with a suite of tools designed to keep caregivers and patients healthy. Read More
New video: Best practices to keep employees and customers safe
In this week’s video, WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes shares more about the guidelines for businesses in various sectors to reopen safely and protect the health of their workers and customers. Read More