Dunn EDC Awarded $250K to Disperse to Area Small Businesses -…

BIG BUCKS FOR BUSINESSES. The Dunn EDC was one of 10 recipients of the state SBDG’s latest awards, receiving a total $250,000. 100% of those funds will be dispersed to Dunn County businesses through a few different grant options which open for applications this fall. (Photo via WESTconsin Credit Union from last year’s Great Community Cookout)

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently announced over $1.5 million in Small Business Development Grants (SBDG) were awarded to 10 regional economic development organizations, municipalities, and counties – including the Dunn Economic Development Corporation (DEDC).

100% of the recently awarded SBDG funds will be passed along to small businesses, in an effort to support and bolster the area’s economy and entrepreneurial successes. For Dunn County small businesses, there are a few routes forward to potentially see some of those SBDG funds.

SBDG grant awards ranged from $50,000 to $250,000, with three of the 10 total recipients awarded the highest possible amount: the Urban League of Greater Madison, Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation, and the DEDC. Of those three organizations, DEDC notably represents the smallest county in terms of population.

“I believe this grant, particularly its significant funding level, is a clear affirmation that Dunn County is on the right track and that the state recognizes our immense potential.”

ADAM ACCOLA

DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, DUNN COUNTY

“I believe this grant, particularly its significant funding level, is a clear affirmation that Dunn County is on the right track and that the state recognizes our immense potential,” DEDC Executive Director Adam Accola said. “It signals that our data-driven analysis of our specific economic challenges – like the underutilization of technical assistance and limited access to capital in some areas – resonated with the state.”

Similar to the large-scale collaborative approach several Dunn County organizations took toward its ambitious Murals in Menomonie project (slated to see fruits of its labor, or 15 brand-new murals, in 2026), DEDC’s latest grant award required joint efforts between a number of local partners.

While DEDC took the lead applicant role, eight additional key partners were involved: the Center for Innovation and Development, Small Business Development Center, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Business Fund, Downtown Menomonie, the Menomonie Area Chamber and Visitor Center, and the Greater Menomonie Development Corporation.

“This isn’t just about filling out a form; It was about designing a program that truly aligns with our community’s needs and leveraging existing partnerships.”

ADAM ACCOLA

DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, DUNN COUNTY

Accola, who was appointed to his current role – a first-time role for Dunn County – less than one year ago, noted the SBDG application opened just as he stepped into the position last fall.

The application process, for DEDC, involved specific research into the county’s economic landscape and compilation of statistical data on local business’s access to capital and technical assistance.

“This wasn’t just about filling out a form,” Accola said. “It was about designing a program that truly aligns with our community’s needs and leveraging existing partnerships.”

Accola said the organization and its partners aim to address three specific areas through the newly-awarded grant funds: Increase access and address service gaps; foster growth and resilience; and support vibrant communities.

DEDC will disperse its $250,000 SBDG award to small businesses through a few routes: Technical assistance grants, rental assistance grants, economic development loan fund program matches, and Downtown Menomonie grant matches. Eligible businesses could be awarded up to $10,000 across those grant programs.

“We’ve designed the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant with multiple ‘entry points’ to make it as accessible and impactful as possible,” Accola explained.

The rental assistance grants could award $2,000 for new businesses (less than two years old) which sign a new lease for a previously vacant commercial space or expansion location for at least three years. “The goal here is to help fill empty storefronts and revitalize commercial areas across Dunn County,” Accola said.

He explained the technical assistance grant as the “most flexible and lowest-barrier entry point” into the program. Businesses can seek free technical assistance from various area organizations – Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, and others – and in return receive a letter qualifying them for some reimbursable business expenses.

Those could include the costs of acquiring vital business equipment, facility upgrades, inventory purchasing, receiving business-related legal advice, marketing support, and more.

“Essentially, it’s about giving businesses the tools and knowledge to operate more effectively and grow,” Accola said of the technical assistance grants.

The Downtown Menomonie grant matches will specifically support projects – located in the downtown Menomonie area – which have already been approved, including up to $1,000 for beautification projects and up to $150 for signage grants, Accola said.

The economic development loan fund program matches can provide a 25% grant match, up to $5,000, towards a Revolving Loan Fund loan from one of DEDC’s partners, like the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce or the Regional Business fund.

“This is a powerful component for businesses looking for larger capital investments,” Accola said of the economic development loan fund program matches. “This significantly reduces the upfront cost for the business and makes larger growth projects, like significant equipment purchases or facility expansions, much more attainable.”

Each route ultimately contributes to an overall structure which aims to encourage small business owners to seek funding from multiple sources for larger projects, or what Accola noted as “capital stacking.”

“Once these businesses are ready to pursue a more ambitious and capital-intensive project, we are able to build on the skills gained through this grant program and assist in putting together multiple sources of funding to move those initiatives forward,” Accola explained.

For small- and medium-sized businesses in Dunn County, the DEDC’s significant grant award from the state could open the door to a new era of entrepreneurial success – and bolster the county’s economy.

“The state’s support demonstrates their confidence in our ability to translate these funds into real, positive growth for our communities,” Accola said.

Dunn County businesses can sign up online to be notified when applications for the DEDC’s new Small Business Development Grant program opens. The full media release from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. about its recent grant awards can be found online.