Grants and Loans

There are a variety of grants, loans and financial vehicles available through Florence County or one of its partners. Contact Florence County Economic Development and they can help you identify your best financial solution depending on your specific needs.

Depending on your business project, there are other funding sources available through FCED in addition to the following:

Small Business FC RLF Loan Program: Florence County Economic Development received a $99,999 Rural Business Development Grant from USDA – Rural Development to start a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program to help small businesses grow and expand. Florence County is providing $25,000 of matching funds. The RLF program can fund loans from $10,000 up to $50,000 to help new or existing businesses purchase equipment, land, buildings, and inventory or for working capital.

Click here for RLF loan application
Click here for RLF loan manual

GEMSTAR Micro-Loan Program: The GEMSTAR micro loan program was established in 2012 with grant funds received from a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program. The program is a joint effort between NWTC (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College), MCABI (Marinette County Association of Business and Industry) and FCEDC (Florence County Economic Development Commission). The micro loan program was established to provide very small businesses not adequately served by the traditional financial system access to a micro loan from $2,000 to $10,000. Loans are set at low interest amortized over not more than 5 years.

Click here for Micro Loan brochure
Click here for Micro Loan application

WEDC - Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation provides programs and resources to help entrepreneurs get started and existing businesses grow.

Northern Initiatives: Is a Community Development Financial Institution delivering loans and business services to small business owners and entrepreneurs who create jobs and enable the people and communities of Northern Michigan and the border counties in Wisconsin to thrive. Click HERE to fill out their loan inquiry form and a lender will get back to you. Northern Initiatives offers all types of business assitance.

SBA Business Assistance: The US Small Business Administration website and regional offices offer a variety of help to plan, launch, manage and grow small businesses. There are free webinars, loan programs and assistance for a variety of business categories. Click HERE for the Wisconsin SBA Business Resource Guide.

WWBIC: Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation is a statewide economic development corporation that provides quality business education and financing to Wisconsin’s entrepreneurs and small business owners including men. Click HERE for their FAQ sheet about WWBIC loans. Their loans range from $1,000 up to $100,000 and possibly more with an SBA Guarantee. These loans fund equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, supplies and working capital but not real estate. A business plan is required to apply. WWIBC offers free classes about starting your own business, help with financial planning and other business topics.