MENOMONIE, WI – Following the announcement by Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Dunn Economic Development is proud to announce the launch of the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant. This significant $250,000 grant, awarded by WEDC, is designed to provide direct financial assistance and vital technical support to small businesses and startups across Dunn County, with a special focus on strengthening rural and underserved areas.

The Dunn County Small Business Development Grant aims to foster economic growth and resilience by increasing access to capital and expert guidance for local enterprises. “We are thrilled to launch the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant, a direct investment into the heart of our local economy,” said Adam Accola, Executive Director of Dunn Economic Development. “This program is specifically designed to provide tangible financial support and critical technical assistance, ensuring both new startups and established businesses, especially those in our rural communities, have the resources to innovate, grow, and create new opportunities right here in Dunn County.”

The program offers up to $10,000 per eligible business through a combination of tailored support mechanisms:

• Technical Assistance: By working with a qualified technical support service such as the Center for Innovation and Development at UW-Stout, the Small Business Development Center at UW-Eau Claire, the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, or Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council eligible businesses can receive a letter qualifying them for reimbursable business expenses.
• Rental Assistance Grants: Support for startup businesses signing leases for previously vacant spaces or expanding into new locations.
• Downtown Menomonie Grant Matches: Matching funds for businesses participating inDowntown Menomonie’s beautification and sign grant programs.
• Economic Development Loan Fund Program Matches: Matching funds for successfulapplicants of Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) programs through partners like the RegionalBusiness Fund, Inc. (RBF) or the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC).

A key aspect of the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant is its commitment to ensuring all funds directly benefit local businesses, with 100% of the WEDC grant passed through to recipients. To ensure the legitimacy and local presence of all recipients, businesses must verify that they are operating at a Dunn County-based address to receive funds.

The application for the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant will be available by September 15, 2025.

For further information and updates as they become available, please visit our contact form: https://mailchi.mp/779c05c3a152/small-business-development-grant

About Dunn Economic Development: Dunn Economic Development is a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient economy in Dunn County, Wisconsin. We serve as a built-in business ally and a one-stop connection for companies looking to expand, relocate, or launch.

Our organization unites the resources and expertise of six key community pillars:

• Dunn County
• The City of Menomonie
• The University of Wisconsin-Stout
• The Dunn County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC)
• The Greater Menomonie Development Corporation (GMDC)
• The Stout Technology & Business Park

By aligning these partners, we clear the path for business success, providing seamless access to sites, incentives, workforce solutions, and the support needed to thrive in Western Wisconsin.

Adam Accola, Executive Director, Dunn Economic Development may be contacted at 715-232-5444 [email protected]