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Small Business

Development Grant

About the
Small Business Development Grant

St Croix Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Development Grant (SBDG) is designed to provide direct financial assistance to small businesses and second-stage companies in St. Croix County.

Businesses may qualify for more than one grant program. The program has four capital stack components:

Rental/purchase Assistance Grants

Supports businesses opening in long-vacant spaces by offsetting rental or purchase costs and encouraging long-term commitments.

These $5,000 grants will be available to businesses filling spaces vacant for more than 12 months. To qualify, they must sign a 3+ year lease agreement for at least 750 sq ft and provide SCEDC with a copy for lease for verification or purchase the building. They may be purchasing or renting the building. The length of vacancy of the space must be verified by the municipality. Businesses must be in the space and operational within six months of signing the lease.

Facade Improvement Grant

Helps businesses enhance curb appeal and community vitality through exterior beautification projects.

These $5,000 grants will be available to businesses making facade improvements on their rental or purchased property. Receipts must be provided to SCEDC for verification. This is a reimbursement grant, so updates must be completed before application for the grant funds. Eligible expenses include beautification expenses such as paint, landscaping, signage, awnings, exterior lighting, windows, masonry work. Ineligible expenses include non-facade improvements such as interior renovations, routine maintenance or equipment.

Capital Access Boost Grant

Provides additional support to businesses leveraging non-traditional loan programs, increasing access to working capital.

Businesses that have been approved for certain non-traditional loan programs may receive an additional $5,000 in grant funding. Funds are unrestricted and may be used for general business purposes. Applicants will need to provide their approved loan fund application for verification.
Qualifying programs:

  • All SBA loan programs
  • All RBF loan programs
  • WWBIC loan programs
  • SCVBIC grants
  • Hmong Chamber of Commerce loan program

Additional loan funds may be considered by the SCEDC board of directors for Approval. Traditional bank lending programs will not qualify.

SCEDC Scale up Pitch Competition

Provides growth-stage companies the opportunity to pitch and win prizes.

This pitch competition will be open to businesses with at least one year in business with growth potential. This program will have a separate application process reviewed by SCEDC Board members. Up to seven businesses may be selected to pitch for each competition. There will be three prize winners: 1st place $5,000 | 2nd place $3,000 | 3rd place $2,000. This will take place twice within the grant period. Next pitch competition will be May 21, 2026. More details coming soon!

Additional details
for all grant programs

Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, using date/time stamps to review the applications in the order in which they are received. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant to ask for additional information and must be returned within 36 hours or the applicant will forfeit their place in line, and the late date/time stamp will be their new submission mark. The program will run from January 2026-December 2027.

  • All selected entities will be required to meet with the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center OR the UW-River Falls Small Business Development Center before receiving funds.
  • Businesses may qualify for more than one grant program. For example, someone filling a vacant space downtown may apply for the rental/purchase assistance grant for filling the space, apply for the facade improvement grant, and be eligible for the capital access boost grant.
  • For the capital boost grant, funds must have been approved on or after January 1, 2026.
  • For the facade grant, this is a reimbursement grant and updates must have been completed on or after January 1, 2026, to request reimbursement.
  • Any business applying for any grant funds must be in good standing with the State of Wisconsin (registered, licensed, current on taxes, etc.).f
  • All businesses must be headquartered in St. Croix County OR moving their headquarters to St. Croix County OR adding a location in St. Croix County
  • All businesses must have 25 employees or fewer full-time employees.
  • Businesses must be for-profit entities.
  • Eligible time frame for this program is January 2026-December 2027 or until funds are expended.
  • It could take up to eight weeks to receive the funds if your application is approved.

Total awards available: 40

SCEDC Scale up Pitch Competition: May 2026, May 2027

Apply Now

Questions? Contact us