Table of Contents
- Grants for Small Businesses in Wisconsin
- Do You Have to Pay Back a Small Business Grant?
- Who Is Eligible for Small Business Grants in Wisconsin?
- What Industries Does Wisconsin Support With Grants?
- Wisconsin Resources for SMB Owners Looking for Funding
- Alternative Funding Sources for Small Businesses in Wisconsin
- FAQ
Wisconsin has about 497,3700 small businesses that can apply for small business grants. Submitting an application and competing for Wisconsin small business grants can help you grow your small or medium-sized enterprise in the Badger State.
Wisconsin’s economy has a real gross domestic product of $362.3 billion as of the last quarter of 2025. That’s the 22nd largest GDP in the United States out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Below we highlight some of the top small business grants to explore in Wisconsin.
Key Points
• Wisconsin is home to nearly 497,370 small businesses, all of which may be eligible to apply for state and federal grant programs designed to help their enterprises grow.
• Local business owners operating enterprises with fewer than 500 employees may qualify for small business grants available through Wisconsin’s various state and federal funding programs.
• State-funded organizations and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development offer funding programs specifically designed to support small business growth across the state.
• Technology and research-based businesses can receive micro-grants of up to $4,500 to cover costs associated with developing SBIR/STTR federal funding proposals or commercialization plans.
Grants for Small Businesses in Wisconsin
If you’re looking for small business grants in Wisconsin, here are some options to consider.
International Market Access Grant
• Program description: This program reimburses eligible Wisconsin businesses for expenses related to international business development, such as the costs of attending trade shows or growing your presence in foreign markets.
• Incentive: Receive up to $10,000 in reimbursement for implementing an export project or up to $30,000 if your company completes the national ExporTech™ program.
• General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this grant:
◦ Be a Wisconsin-based company in operation for at least a year
◦ Manufacture, process, assemble, or distribute a product or service with the potential to be exported
◦ Be new to export or expand your export volume
◦ Wisconsin cost inputs must make up at least 35% of the value of the product or service being exported
◦ Agree to a 30% match of the grant funds received
◦ Complete the ExporTech program to be eligible for the maximum grant award
• How to apply: Contact the WEDC organization for application information.
Wisconsin Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) Micro-Grants
• Program description: The Wisconsin CTC provides micro-grants to eligible technology and research-based Wisconsin businesses that intend to apply for Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) federal funds.
• Incentive: Be reimbursed up to $4,500 for expenses related to developing a Phase I SBIR/STTR research and development proposal or Phase II SBIR/STTR commercialization plan.
• General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for these grants:
◦ Be a research or technology business based in Wisconsin
◦ Intend to develop a Phase I SBIR/STTR research and development proposal or Phase II SBIR/STTR commercialization plan
◦ Your SBIR/STTR technical proposal is vetted by a federal program officer who gives the go-ahead
• How to apply: You can access the grant application portal through the Wisconsin CTC website.
Wisconsin Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) Grant
• Program description: The ETP grant covers most of the tuition costs of qualified applicants who participate in the ETP course offered at select University of Wisconsin campuses.
• Incentive: Receive a grant covering 80% of the ETP course fee that typically costs $1,250, and receive training that can help you develop or improve your entrepreneurial business plan.
• General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this grant:
◦ Register for an Entrepreneurial Training Program course
◦ Meet attendance requirements
◦ Complete a satisfactory business plan within the given timeframe by the hosting UW campus
• How to apply: Contact the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center if you wish to apply.
Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) Grants
• Program description: This program can reimburse eligible employers who implement a workforce training program that provides trainees with transferable skills or industry-recognized credentials.
• Incentive: Receive up to $400,000 in reimbursement for your training program expenses, such as the costs of curriculum development, instructor salaries, training materials, or supplies.
• General requirements: Here are some of the general requirements for this grant if you’re a small business owner:
◦ Be a Wisconsin-based employer or partnered with a Wisconsin-based employer
◦ Propose a workforce training program
◦ Provide trainees with workforce training in Wisconsin
◦ Train economically disadvantaged individuals or people who are seeking higher wages and new opportunities
◦ Be financially viable
◦ Be current on all federal and state tax obligations
◦ Match 50% of the amount of the grant with cash or in-kind contributions
• How to apply: Apply online at Wisconsin Fast Forward grants program when the program is open.
Who Provides Small Business Grants in Wisconsin?
State-funded organizations and the Office of Skills Development at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development offer a variety of small business grants in the Badger State.
Do You Have to Pay Back a Small Business Grant?
Unlike small business loans, small business grants don’t generally require you to pay back the funds you receive. A small business grant typically comes with terms and conditions, and you may be responsible for paying back the grant if you violate those terms. But in general, small and mid-sized business owners are not required to pay back a grant if they have not violated any terms of the grant.
You will usually have to sign a funding agreement to accept a small business grant, and it may come with certain conditions. Using the grant for an illegitimate purpose may violate the agreement and require business owners to pay back the grant.
Small business grants may require you to spend the money by a certain date. You may also have to provide proof of payment and a written statement detailing how you’ve spent the grant.
Recommended: What to Know About Short-Term Business Loans
Who Is Eligible for Small Business Grants in Wisconsin?
Local business owners or operators of an enterprise with fewer than 500 employees may be eligible for small business grants in Wisconsin.
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy generally defines a small business as an independent business having fewer than 500 employees. A small business, including individuals who freelance, may be eligible for small business grants.
What Industries Does Wisconsin Support With Grants?
Virtually all industry sectors in the Badger State can be eligible for Wisconsin small business grants, including:
• Agriculture
• Construction
• Customer service
• Financial services
• Health care
• Information technology
• Manufacturing
• Research and development in biotechnology
• Scientific research and development services
• Transportation, logistics, and distribution
Recommended: Small Business Grants: Where to Find Funding
Wisconsin Resources for SMB Owners Looking for Funding
Here are some resources for small and medium-sized businesses looking for funding in the Badger State:
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Wisconsin SBDC is a statewide program that can provide Wisconsin’s small business owners with the following services:
• Business training courses
• Confidential business consulting
• Specialized initiatives and webinars
SBA District Office in Wisconsin
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that provides resources and support to small business owners. The SBA Wisconsin District Office has a location in Milwaukee, which serves all 72 counties in the Badger State.
Recommended: SBA Loan Calculator
Alternative Funding Sources for Small Businesses in Wisconsin
Here are some alternative funding sources for small businesses:
Wisconsin State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
Wisconsin’s SSBCI is a federally funded program for small business owners in the Badger State. Federal law — the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 — allocates nearly $80 million to Wisconsin’s State Small Business Credit Initiative program.
Here’s how Wisconsin generally uses some of its SSBCI funding:
• Wisconsin Investment Fund — $50 million. This program will help eligible startups access venture capital.
• WEDC Technology Development Loan Program — $8 million. This provides flexible financial help to eligible early-stage tech companies that need funds.
• WHEDA Subordinate Loan Participation Program — $6 million. This program uses SSBCI funds to expand Wisconsin’s loan participation. A loan participation program typically allows a state to partner with private lenders to support small business lending.
• WEDC Capital Catalyst Fund — $6 million. This program will help Wisconsin provide matching funds to nonprofits that operate small business loan programs.
Wisconsin Microloan Lenders
Community-based nonprofits may offer microloans of up to $50,000 to small business owners in Wisconsin. In general, microloans can range from $500 to $50,000 and may be available to startups.
Recommended: Applying for a Microloan for Your Startup
Wisconsin SMB Loans From Private Lenders
Banks, credit unions, and private lenders may offer different types of small business loans to Wisconsin business owners.
Here are some of the funding products you may consider depending on your needs:
• Commercial real estate loans
• Small business loans for startups
• Working capital lines of credit
Recommended: Small Business Loans in Wisconsin
The Takeaway
Small businesses in Wisconsin may be eligible for a number of grants, ranging from state and local governments to private sources.
If you’re seeking financing for your business, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your business in minutes.
FAQ
How do you get a small business grant in Wisconsin?
You can apply for Wisconsin small business grants, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be approved for one. You may have to submit a grant application as a qualified small business owner to be considered for a small business grant in Wisconsin.
How hard is it to get a business loan in Wisconsin?
How difficult it is to obtain a Wisconsin small business loan can depend in large part upon your qualifications. You may have difficulty getting a small business loan in Wisconsin if you have bad credit or insufficient business experience.
What is the easiest SBA loan to get approved for?
There’s no guarantee you’ll get approved for any SBA loan, but an SBA microloan may be one of the easier ones to get if you’re a new business owner. Startups may be eligible for SBA microloans of up to $50K.
Photo credit: iStock/kali9
SoFi's marketplace is owned and operated by SoFi Lending Corp.
Advertising Disclosures: The preliminary options presented on this site are from lenders and providers that pay SoFi compensation for marketing their products and services. This affects whether a product or service is presented on this site. SoFi does not include all products and services in the market. All rates, terms, and conditions vary by provider. See SoFi Lending Corp. licensing information below.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
SOSMB-Q226-031