About the Fund

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The Central Wisconsin Economic Development Fund (CWED) Revolving Loan Program works with entrepreneurs and their lenders to structure financing packages for start-up and expanding businesses to encourage economic growth in the area. CWED loans usually have low interest rates, reduced collateral requirements, and flexible terms.

CWED does not seek to compete with banks for projects, but rather complement them and other programs in a total financial structure.

Participating counties include Adams, Forest, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, Vilas, and Wood.

Fund Objectives:

  • Encourage business development that supports job creation
  • Raise personal incomes by providing opportunities for employee growth
  • Promote creation, retention, and expansion of existing businesses
  • Leverage private investment throughout the region.

The application deadline has been extended until June 26 for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) “We’re All In” Small Business Grants. The program, which will provide $2,500 grants to 30,000 small businesses, is designed to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, while also encouraging them to adopt best practices to keep employees, customers and communities safe. More than 26,000 businesses have already applied. The online application, FAQs, and other information about the grant can be found at https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/wai-small-business-grant/. The online grant application will be open at the same site from until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 26. WEDC anticipates releasing the first round of payments by early to mid-July.