WEDC Micro-Grant | St. Croix Innovation Center
top of page

We want to help scale your business!

We know that businesses are more successful when they are connected to resources to help the business grow!  Through collaboration with the WEDC, the St. Croix Valley Innovation Center is proud to announce our brand-new micro-grant program (covering 90% of project, up to $9,000), which is designed for businesses headquartered in St. Croix, Pierce, and Polk Wisconsin Counties that want to scale but need a financial boost. A list of qualifications and requirements has been provided below. 

Qualifications

  • Must be established/headquartered in St. Croix, Pierce, or Polk Wisconsin Counties with preference to businesses led by underserved populations (ex: rural, women-owned, Minority, Veteran). 

  • Complete/be registered for a minimum of 2 additional trainings (SCORE, SBDC, monthly topics at SCVBIC, etc.)

  • Preference will be given to business that meet 1 or more of the following (If currently not connected to any of the below, reach out to get connected to have higher preference for Round 2):

  1. Incubator Member or Graduate of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center Incubation Program for a minimum of 3 months

  2. SBDC Entrepreneur Training Program Graduate (students may be considered)

  3. Partnering with/looking to partner with UWRF for technical assistance/training (Farm entrepreneurs encouraged) 

  4. Graduate of the Chippewa Valley Technical College or Northwood Technical College Entrepreneur Program

​​

NEW for Round 2 

- Video Option - You are welcome to video record the answers to your questions, save the recording online (Private YouTube channel is recommended) and include the link in the application.  Please complete all the core information below and use the video to explain your business, vision, fund plan). You can then put n/a in the written fields. Video to not exceed 10min.

- Vision - Help us understand your long term vision for your business?  In 5-10 years.

​

NOTE: Award must be utilized within 4 months of award. Once proof of funding has been provided, award will be issued. 

Timing

We have opened our 2nd round of grant applications to allow time for businesses who are not connected to resources for round one, time to get connected. Round 1 was awarded November 12, 2025.  IF there is funding left after round 2 or a recipient does not spend their award in the given timeframe, we will have a 3rd award.

  

Timing of 2nd round applications are below. 

  • 1st round applications due: Sunday January 25th 11:59pm

  • February 16-18 - 15-30min Zoom calls will be set up with top candidates for questions and answers on application/project

  • No later than February 25th - Awardees will be contacted

  • Wednesday March 4th 4:30-5:30pm Public event to hear from Awardees and celebrate with peers at the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center

Contact

Do you have questions or want to learn how you can qualify?  Click on the button below to set up a quick chat or tour with the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center Executive Director, Sheri Marnell.

bottom of page