Wisconsin

Healthy Food Fund: Nourishing Loans for Food Producers and Retailers

Catered to local grocers, convenience stores, and food producers in Wisconsin and Minnesota, the Healthy Food Fund offers low-rate loans with competitive terms paired with no-cost business advising.

Down Payment Assistance Grant Program: Boosting Business in Northern Wisconsin

Our Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance Grant Program offers financial assistance to qualified businesses in northern Wisconsin, putting capital in the hands of those who can make a real difference in their communities.

Racing Against Capacity: How Lightning Storm Graphics Overcame Its Biggest Roadblock

DeJay Jarecki's story exemplifies how important it is for rural businesses to have access to entrepreneurial support resources.

2023 Wisconsin Rural Equity Grant Program Impact

This program was a piece of a full expansion across northern Wisconsin to provide lending, services and programming aimed at assisting small businesses, particularly those underbanked and disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

EFund Expansion Sparks Economic Growth in Wisconsin: A Year In Review

Through low-interest loans, grant programs and strategic advising, our team invested $4.4 million in small business capital and supported 258 businesses in year one of our expansion into northern Wisconsin.

2023 Impact: Driving Change Through Our Mission

In 2023, we stayed true to our mission by providing accessible capital paired with strategic advising to 1,222 businesses across central Minnesota, northeastern Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin.

Nominations open for grant opportunities for northern Wisconsin businesses

As part of the Entrepreneur Fund’s commitment to northern Wisconsin businesses, we are awarding 30-40 grants of up to $10,000 each through 2024 to businesses in the now 12 northern Wisconsin counties we serve.

Partnering for Success: How we work together to grow small businesses in our region

How does the Entrepreneur Fund fit into the economic development ecosystem of Minnesota and northern Wisconsin?

Shape the Future: Apply to Join the Entrepreneur Fund Board of Directors

We're seeking three dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. We are looking for people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and creating strong and vibrant communities across our region. 

2023 Mid-Year Report: From Vision to Impact

Our impact is not merely measured in numbers, but in the transformative changes we have witnessed in the lives of entrepreneurs, their businesses, employees, and the communities they serve. We believe that our work can be a compass, guiding us toward positive impact every day.

Blending teaching & technology through entrepreneurship with EduTechTrek

Like many business owners, Kelly Shaggy’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a linear one.

EFund Doubles in Size & Grows Leadership to Best Serve the Region

The Entrepreneur Fund is actively expanding its capacity to further its leadership in fostering economic resiliency and economic mobility for the region.

Be Strategic: What is it and why should I apply?

The Be Strategic program allows business owners to work on their business, collaborate with non-competing businesses, benefit from experienced business advisors, create a strategic business plan for growth and build business confidence.

Partnership Powers Investment in Downtown Bayfield – St. James Social

With a focus on connection and community, Bermel is rehabilitating the historic 140-year-old building at 200 Rittenhouse Avenue in the heart of Bayfield, Wisconsin, into a boutique hotel with a main floor social lounge and lobby bar. She expects doors open and rooms booked this summer.

Get to Know Our Growing Wisconsin Team

The Entrepreneur Fund recently expanded to serve 12 additional counties in northern Wisconsin.

Entrepreneur Fund Expands Into Rural Wisconsin

Our expansion to northern Wisconsin is part of our ongoing mission to support the diversification of the rural regional economy.

How local partners helped Superior Waffles open its doors and expand into catering

The Entrepreneur Fund and regional Small Business Development Centers have a strong track record of collaboration with a common goal of small business success.

Fueling Vibrant & Resilient Communities Through Local Food Systems

As a CDFI, the Entrepreneur Fund plays an important role in strengthening local food systems to support communities of all shapes and sizes in rural Minnesota and Wisconsin. We do this through our ability to provide lending and advising services to clients.

Framing a strategic plan for business expansion with Anderson & Hammack Construction Company

Ready to expand their business, Nick and Robyn partnered with the Entrepreneur Fund on financing and strategic planning that has positioned them for growth.

Helping Bridge the Racial Wealth Gap Through Entrepreneurship

By investing in minority-owned businesses and creating new opportunities for minority entrepreneurs, we can help to create economic opportunities for those who have been historically disadvantaged due to systemic racism.

2022 Impact Snapshot: Evolving for Tomorrow

The past few years have required all of us to think, adapt and plan in new and innovative ways.

EFund receives $8 million in grants to expand small business support in northern Wisconsin

Using a phased approach over the next three years, EFund will expand to12 additional Wisconsin counties and five tribal nations in Wisconsin, which encompasses the communities north of Highway 8.

2021 Annual Report: Adapting to change, committing to growth

In 2021, small business owners sought support at a higher rate than in the past.

Application Open for Fall 2022 Be Strategic Courses in Superior, WI and Grand Marais, MN

New Superior office to better serve Douglas County businesses