Funds flow into Waupaca County

NEW LONDON — The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants to support small business development statewide, including $250,000 for Waupaca County and $100,000 for the village of Hortonville.
The grants were announced during a July 29 press conference in New London, where WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes joined local officials to highlight the local impact of the funding.
The Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation (WCEDC) received a $250,000 Small Business Development Grant (SBDG). The funds will launch a Building Improvement Grant Program aimed at helping small business owners who own or are purchasing older commercial buildings in historic downtowns or aging commercial corridors across the county.
“This grant will allow WCEDC to help business owners who operate in older downtown buildings in Waupaca County,” said Jeff Mikorski, WCEDC executive director.
“We hope to support the preservation of the iconic buildings seen throughout our communities by improving safety, accessibility, energy efficiency and structural integrity.”

Small businesses approved through WCEDC’s Revolving Loan Fund may qualify for grants up to $50,000 for eligible building upgrades. Additional support will include business planning assistance and financial counseling.
In neighboring Outagamie County, the village of Hortonville received a $100,000 grant, which it will pair with $50,000 in local matching funds. The village plans to issue façade improvement grants of up to $20,000 to downtown businesses for exterior improvements including paint, windows, doors, signage, lighting, and landscaping.
“These investments will give communities another tool to keep momentum building,” said Missy Hughes, WEDC secretary and CEO.
“Across Wisconsin, I’ve had the chance to meet local leaders who are stepping up to create communities where people are excited to live, work, and grow.”
“Waupaca County and the nine communities involved in this grant are a great example of collaborative growth,” said Hughes.
“These funds will help small businesses renovate spaces and acquire what they need to succeed. The county will work with individual communities to support business owners who need working capital to take the next step.”
Local leaders expressed enthusiasm for the new grant opportunities, citing the long-term benefits to small business growth and downtown revitalization.
“Clintonville City Administrator and interim WCEDC President Caz Muske said, “This grant is a game changer—not just for Clintonville, but for all of Waupaca County.
It allows us to breathe new life into historic downtown buildings by improving safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and structural integrity.”
Muske said that with up to $50,000 in matching funds per project, the grant would help break down barriers that often prevent small business progress.
“It’s not just about fixing buildings—it’s about fostering entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and showing that our communities are ready for the future,” said Muske.
“This grant builds on the momentum of Clintonville’s revitalization work and our “Clintonville 2040” plan.
We are aligning resources to support passionate small business owners who are committed to Main Street and rural vitality,” she added.
New London Mayor Mark Herter said, “In New London this opportunity couldn’t come at a better time. We just completed a major, two-year, multi-million-dollar street reconstruction project in our downtown district.
That project was about more than just replacing pavement—it was about revitalizing the heart of our community.
Our investment in infrastructure was a foundation for future growth, and now, with this grant program, we can help our small businesses take the next step in building out and beautifying that foundation,” said Herter.
“We believe so strongly in this opportunity that we’re stepping up to support it with an additional $50,000 of our own city funds dedicated specifically to improvement projects within downtown New London.”
Mikorski noted the WCEDC is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
He said without the support of the board of directors, the county, municipalities, members and business sponsors they would not be able to continue supporting local businesses.
“In recent years, WCEDC has addressed workforce and tourism-related challenges—from rural transportation programs to childcare initiatives and promoting outdoor recreation.
All of these have been important, but this grant program will create a visible impact in our downtowns—you’ll be able to drive through and see it,” said Mikorski.
“The goal is to generate at least $500,000 in downtown investment, including matching contributions, through our existing revolving loan fund.
Businesses outside of downtowns are still eligible for support through the original revolving loan program.”
The county and municipal organizations receiving the latest round of competitive grants will pass 100 percent of the SBDG funds on to small businesses.
For more information about the program, visit https://wedc.org/programs/small-business-development-grant.