Wisconsin Small Business Grants & Funding Programs
Wisconsin offers support for manufacturers, food producers, technology companies, and Main Street businesses through statewide development programs and local funding partners.
WEDC Programs
Wisconsin businesses can access statewide support aimed at business growth, capital investment, export activity, and downtown or community redevelopment through public and regional partners.
Milwaukee and Madison Support
Milwaukee and Madison offer local grant programs, entrepreneur support, and innovation resources for startups and neighborhood businesses.
Manufacturing and Rural Funding
Wisconsin's manufacturing and agricultural base creates opportunities for grant funding tied to modernization, productivity improvements, food systems, and rural development.
Wisconsin Business Grants
94 grants found
USDA Rural Business Loans & Grants
If your business is located in a rural area, the USDA offers loans, loan guarantees, and grants to help you start, expand, or add value to your business. Funding supports job creation, innovation, farm‑based products, energy upgrades, and more.
SBIR & STTR Innovation Grant Programs
Competitive grant funding from 11 federal agencies. These programs offer free grant money (not loans!) to help small businesses develop and test new products, ideas, or technology.
#MomsMeanBusiness
Covers business formation costs for mothers, helping them form an LLC, track expenses, secure a business name, and more.
HerRise MicroGrant
Qualification Criteria: - Ownership: The business must be at least 51% owned by women of color. - Registration: Must be a for-profit business currently registered in the United States. - Revenue: Generally intended for small businesses with less than $1 million in annual gross revenue. - Ineligible Entities: Non-profits, franchises, direct sellers (MLMs), authorized resellers, and independent consultants are not eligible to apply. Qualifying Projects: The grant is flexible and intended to help with immediate business needs. Past winners have used the funds for: - Equipment: Purchasing computers, specialized hardware, or manufacturing tools. - Digital Presence: Website creation, software subscriptions, and digital marketing tools. - Marketing: Printing promotional materials or funding social media ad campaigns. - Inventory: Purchasing raw materials or initial stock to fulfill orders. Ineligible Expenses: - Pre-Registration Costs: Expenses incurred before the business was legally registered. - Personal Use: Funds cannot be used for personal living expenses or non-business related debt. Additional Details: - Funding Amount: $1,000 awarded to one winner each month. - Application Fee: There is a $15 non-refundable administrative fee required to submit the application (used to manage the high volume of submissions). - Timeline: Applications close on the last day of every month. Winners are announced at the HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer the following month. - Selection: Priority is often given to members of the HerSuiteSpot network (free registration is available).
Gold House Ventures
Invests in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) entrepreneurs and offers a startup accelerator.
Female Founders Fund
Invests in women‑owned and women‑run startups across B2B, consumer, healthcare, fintech, and social sectors.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
Provides year‑round funding to rural public bodies, nonprofits, and tribes for constructing, purchasing, or improving community facilities, covering up to 75% of eligible costs.
The Big Idea Grant
Provides $1,000 to women entrepreneurs along with mentorship, resources, and a wealth‑mindset coaching group.
Amber Grant Foundation
Awards a series of grants to women entrepreneurs, including a $10,000 monthly grant, three $25,000 annual grants, and additional $10,000 category grants each month.
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program
Provides emergency funding and resources to help small businesses prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Skip Instant Grants
Offers funding opportunities announced a few days in advance, typically twice a week, with deadlines on Tuesdays and Fridays; applicants must participate in a YouTube livestream.
Hustler's Microgrant
Provides $1,000 in funding to support passionate entrepreneurs in their small business ventures across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Wisconsin