Black River Falls Organization Selected to Receive Entrepreneurship Partner Grants

Saturday, July 12th, 2025 -- 8:00 AM

Fourteen organizations supporting Wisconsin entrepreneurs with technical and financial assistance have received more than $1.6 million in the latest round of Entrepreneurship Partner Grants (EPG) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).

The Entrepreneurship Partner Grants were created in 2021 to assist organizations that provide training, financing, mentorship, and technical support to startups across the state.

The current round of grants will assist an estimated 600 individuals and/or businesses representing Ashland, Bayfield, Brown, Chippewa, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Iron, Jackson, Jefferson, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Pierce, Polk, Price, Sawyer, Sheboygan, St. Croix, and Walworth counties.

One local recipient includes First Nations Community Financial (aka Cedar Growth), Black River Falls – $200,000. Cedar Growth seeks to support Native, women-owned, and small businesses in rural communities by expanding entrepreneurial resources through combined services with expert partners and internal capacity.

A key initiative, “on the road” services, will bring in-person business training to Native entrepreneurs, leveraging partnerships with the Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC) and tribal business hubs.

With 11 federally recognized tribes and numerous Native enterprises, there is immense potential to create business opportunities through policy and infrastructure development.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.