Announcements and News

Producers First Grant Program
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection is accepting application which support small-midsized farms who need technical assistance.  Proposals must be received by April 19, 2010.  Successful applicants will identify a need for technical assistance and receive up to $3,000 to hire a consultant to meet that need.  Any Wisconsin farmer or producer may apply.  Grant application materials and additional information is available at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/directmktg/blbw.jsp or contact Keefe Keeley at 608-224-5095 or via email at keefe.keeley@wi.gov.

Broadband Funding Available
Nearly $5 billion is available from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the expansion of broadband into un-served, underserved and rural areas.  Application packages for electronic submissions will be available at http://www.broadbandusa.gov.  Applications are due by March 15, 2010.

Agriculture Grants Available
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced that they are accepting proposals for the Agricultural Development and Diversification (ADD) Grant Program.  Projects should stimulate the Wisconsin food and agricultural industry through research and exploration of new products, new markets, and new technologies.  Proposals are due to the Department by 5:00 p.m. on March 15, 2010.  Grant materials are available at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/add/index.jsp.  Questions can be forwarded to Mike Brandli at (608) 224-5136.

Grants Available for Manufacturers
State grant funds are available to help Wisconsin manufacturers improve performance, stimulate growth, and respond to new challenges, as the economy recovers.  The "Next Generation Manufacturing" grants, authorized by the Department of Commerce, are targeting small to mid-sized manufacturers with grants of $5,000 to $6,500 to pay up to 50% of projects costs for services delivered by the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP).  Eligible projects include lean transformation and for implementing "Eureka! Winning Ways", a system for rapidly generating and testing new product ideas.  For more information, visit www.wmep.org or call 1-877-856-8588.

Rural Energy for America Grant Program
Rural Development is accepting Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) applications for fiscal year 2010.  This competitive grant and guaranteed loan program funded 34 applications in 2009.  Funding priority will be given to small grants of $20,000 or less.  Complete application materials and program information can be found by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi/programs/rbs/energy/htm.

Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program
The purpose of the Rural Business Enterprise grant program is to finance and facilitate development of small and emerging businesses in rural areas.  Applications may be made by public bodies and nonprofit corporation serving rural areas.  To obtain additional information, copies of the regulation and forms, contact the USDA Rural Development State Office at (715) 345-7610 or visit their web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi.

WMEP & Wisconsin Department of Commerce Announce Joint Venture to Target Exporting
The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce announced a joint venture to ramp up the number of manufacturers that export their goods and services.  This initiative will target small and midsized manufacturers with the goal of assessing and developing their export potential at little or no cost.  For more information, visit http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/ie/IE-OurServices.html.

Are You A Business Looking To Develop Professional Contacts?
BNI Wisconsin is connecting businesses with referrals throughout the state.  BNI is the world's largest business referral organization with over 5,300 chapters and over 100,00 members in 42 countries.  If you are interested in becoming a member, visit www.bniwis.com for more information or contact Executive Director Dave Zemer at 1-888-531-3494.

New Clean Energy Business Loans Available
The State of Wisconsin, with funding from the federal Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is strategically deploying $55 million in funds to support clean energy business development across Wisconsin.

Specifically, the State Energy Program will target low-interest loans to businesses that promote:

• major renewable energy production projects;
• the manufacture of clean energy products;
• advanced manufacturing of clean energy components;
• retooling to provide component parts and other critical needs for a successful, totally integrated supply chain;
• improving industrial users' competitiveness through energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment.