| ELIGIBILITY | Open to women throughout ten counties in western Wisconsin who want to start a NEW business. We will consider applications from existing women-owned businesses looking to expand, but preference is given to applicants in the start-up phase. We consider the start-up phase to be three years old or younger. If you have already received a Red Letter Grant, you cannot re-apply for the same business, but you may apply for a new start-up. RLG does not fund non-profit organizations.
Eligible counties include: Buffalo, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, and Trempealeau.
| HOW MUCH | Up to four $2,000 grants are awarded each spring and fall.
Additionally, CoLab co-working space in downtown Eau Claire offers four, free 3-month memberships to awardees.
*New in Fall of 2022 – Alyssa Tollefson will be offering a free website design package for one applicant!
| Fall 2022 Timeline |
Applications Opens: August 1st
Application Deadline: Monday, October 24th
Interview Process: November 11th – 14th *Please note: not all applicants will receive an interview. You will be notified by November 7th whether you advance to the interview round.
Red Letter Grant Awards: Friday, November 18th. All applicants should hold this date on your calendar! Whether or not you are funded, the awards are a great networking opportunity!
| RESOURCES | We encourage you to utilize the following community resources as you develop your business plan:
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Beth Elliott – The Hippie Banker: https://www.thehippiebanker.com/
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Small Business Development Centers at:
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UW-Eau Claire: https://wisconsinsbdc.org/centers/eauclaire/
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UW-La Crosse: https://wisconsinsbdc.org/centers/lacrosse/
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^Serving Buffalo, Jackson + Trempealeau counties
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UW-River Falls: www.uwrf.edu/CBE/Centers/SmallBusinessDevelopmentCenter
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Women’s Business Center – Western Dairyland: www.successfulbusiness.org/#
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Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit: https://wisconsintechnologycouncil.com/entrepreneurs-toolkit/introduction/
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SCORE of Western Wisconsin: westernwisconsin.score.org
| OTHER RESOURCES/ACCESS TO CAPITAL |
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DECI Jump-Start Competition: www.downtowneauclaire.org/jumpstart/
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EDC Idea Challenge: www.eauclaire-wi.com/entrepreneurs/idea-challenge/
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Doyenne Group: https://doyennegroup.org/
Current Counties Served
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