Imagine the impact we could have, together.
If you are helping to support the success of startups in Wisconsin, WEDC wants to champion your efforts. The Wisconsin Investment Fund is a $50 million investment pool dedicated to fueling innovative small businesses. Right now, we’re partnering with professional venture capital managers to help us distribute these funds.
The Wisconsin Investment Fund will leverage the expertise of selected firms to identify promising startups for investment and will match the firms’ private investments on at least a one-to-one basis.
Our vision is to reinvest the Wisconsin Investment Fund’s returns, creating a growing and evergreen base of capital to support innovation and economic growth well into the future. Over the next 10 years, WEDC expects to leverage more than 10 times the initial investment.
The Wisconsin Investment Fund’s initial capital is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SSBCI?
I heard there is $50 million available. How do I request funding?
What happens to the funding after a business receives a loan or investment?
Where can I apply for SSBCI?
private sector investors and lenders to support small business financing. We will provide more
information on these partners as resources become available. Companies interested in accessing the
Technology Development Loan program should contact our staff.
I looked at the SSBCI website and it seems complicated. Where do I find help understanding how it works?
We understand how complex SSBCI is. That is why our approach is to provide connections to investors and lenders who will handle the details on behalf of the small business. Our goal is to create processes that allow the business to answer questions and provide information to help WEDC address SSBCI’s complexities such as eligibility.
Are there eligibility requirements for SSBCI funding?
What types of financing are available for small businesses?
Does SSBCI offer grants to small businesses?
If I am a small business owner, when should I expect more information and how can I find it?
I am an investor or lender, how do I participate in the program?
Investors can access the Request for Qualifications here. Nonprofit lenders can refer to the Capital Catalyst program for more information and contact WEDC staff.
