MENOMONIE – Dunn Economic Development is proud to announce the recipients of the first round of the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant. In this initial cycle, $114,299.43 has been awarded to 27 small businesses and startups across Dunn County.

Funded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), this program provides capital for critical needs including equipment upgrades, inventory expansion, and technical assistance.

“The raw data shows we awarded over $114,000, but the real story is found in how these businesses are using the funds to solve problems and serve their neighbors,” said Adam Accola, Director of Economic Development. “From recovering from disaster to launching new manufacturing technologies, these grants are making immediate, tangible impacts.”

Investing in resilience and growth, the “Technical Assistance” portion of the grant is designed to reimburse businesses for expenses that directly aid in their growth or recovery.

Highlights from this round include:

Town & Country Antiques (Menomonie): Following a devastating fire in May 2025 thatresulted in a total loss of their building and inventory, Town & Country Antiques isusing this grant to “rise from the ashes.” The funds will cover essential infrastructure—including security systems, point-of-sale technology, and office equipment—allowing them to re-establish a retail presence that has long been a cornerstone of downtown Menomonie.

Air Command Intl. (Boyceville): A legacy aviation manufacturer, Air Command is using the grant to finalize the engineering and production of a gearbox for their gyroplanes. This project, which involves adapting a Polaris engine for flight, represents asignificant innovation in light sport aviation, with the goal of moving into full flight testing and sales in the coming months.

C&J’s Candy Store & Scoop Shoppe (Menomonie): Focused on creating “sweetmemories,” C&J’s is utilizing the grant to purchase a mobile ice cream dipping cart.This investment allows them to expand beyond their storefront to serve festivals andcommunity gatherings, while creating more work shifts and mentorship opportunitiesfor their youth employees.

• Red Cedar Fly Fishing (Menomonie): A startup guide service and retail shop, Red CedarFly Fishing is using the funds to expand inventory for the winter trout season. Bystocking specialized flies and upgrading guide equipment like drift boat oars, they aimto capture tourism traffic from the Twin Cities that might otherwise bypass the area.
• Grub Fusion Diner (Elk Mound): Bringing a unique mix of Southeast Asian andAmerican fusion to the area, Grub Fusion is investing in kitchen efficiency. The grantwill fund a new gas griddle and refrigeration units, allowing the owner—who returnedto his hometown after managing restaurants across the Midwest—to better serve thelocal community.
• So That (Colfax): A new niche service providing curated care packages for UW-Stoutstudents, So That is using the funds to purchase production equipment and businesssoftware. This allows the startup to scale its operations, fostering stronger connectionsbetween university families and the local community.

2025 Grant Recipients

The following businesses have been approved for funding in the Fall 2025 cycle: •The Yard WI LLC, Menomonie • Grub Fusion Diner LLC, Elk Mound • Bundy Logging LLC, Eau Galle • So That, Colfax • Oemig Storage LLC, Wheeler • Coffee Vine LLC, Colfax • Salon 610 LLC, Colfax • JM Aerial Photography LLC, Colfax • Red Cedar Fly Fishing LLC,Menomonie • Hive and Hollow, Menomonie •Mai Beauty Nails LLC, Menomonie • Vino Cappuccino, Elk Mound • Beauty on Broadway, Menomonie •  Lil bit of everything, Menomonie •  Air Command International LLC, Boyceville •  Rustic Fable Market, Colfax •  Artisan Alley & Gifts, Menomonie •  Hoss’s Pub, Menomonie • C&J’s Candy Store & Scoop Shoppe, Menomonie • Dinaseed, Elk Mound • Town & Country Antiques, LLC, Menomonie • Dragon Tale Books LLC, Menomonie • Know Peace LLC, Menomonie • Rize Nutrition, Menomonie • Mike’s Art & Design Supply, LLC, Menomonie • Boyceville TMS Tire & Auto LLC, Boyceville • Advanced Kitchen Solutions, Elk Mound

Future Funding Opportunities

This announcement marks the conclusion of the Fall 2025 application cycle. As funds permit, Dunn Economic Development plans to open additional application rounds in Spring and Fall 2026. Businesses that did not apply or were not selected in this round are encouraged to prepare for future cycles.

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. They 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
• City of Menomonie
• University of Wisconsin-Stout
• Dunn County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC)
• Greater Menomonie Development Corporation (GMDC)
• 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.

For more information contact Adam Accola, Director, Dunn Economic Development, 715-232-5444, [email protected]

Source: news release