RIVER FALLS – The St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls has awarded the first round of micro-grants supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to help area businesses grow. SCVBIC awarded $45,000 to six businesses to help with critical growth expenses.  

The micro-grants are supported by $100,000 from WEDC, along with a matching $100,000 from the SCVBIC Volunteer Committee provided to support businesses in St. Croix, Pierce and Polk counties. The funding is part of more than $1.6 million provided by WEDC to 14 Wisconsin organizations assisting entrepreneurs. 

The grants were awarded during a public celebration at SCVBIC on Nov. 12. 

"We know that businesses start because the entrepreneur is passionate about a product or service, but new entrepreneurs can be overwhelmed by all of the hats they need to wear to be successful,” said Sheri Marnell, SCVBIC director. “They must choose, ‘Do I pay a lawyer to review a contract or put that money toward marketing my business? Do I invest in QuickBooks or buy the domain for my website? Do I buy equipment to be more efficient or buy more supplies for product?’ These are real barriers. What a privilege to have WEDC supporting western Wisconsin and seeding businesses to scale in our community. Giving away money to help deserving businesses grow is pretty special!"  

Recipients of the first round of micro-grants include: 

• Win-Win Moving Solutions: $3,000 for marketing expenses. 

• Woodsy Wild nature learning: $7,500 for a mobile lab trailer.  

• That Girl Brie charcuterie: $7,500 to hire employees and expand hours. 

• South Ridge Ranch artisanal bacon: $9,000 for a walk-in freezer and other equipment. 

• Holy Donuts donut trailer: $9,000 dollars for a second trailer. 

• Mindful Fork Catering: $9,000 for a cooler, plates and tableware. 

The timing of the next round of grants will be announced by the end of November and applications will be open through the end of the year. Follow SCVBIC on social media or visit stcroixinnovation.org to subscribe to the newsletter to find out exact timing.  

The SVCBIC is a combined effort of UW-River Falls, Chippewa Valley Technical College, the River Falls Economic Development Corporation and the City of River Falls.  

To learn more about resources available at the SVCBIC, how you can become eligible for this grant, or to learn how you can be a judge for round two applications, contact Marnell at sheri.marnell@uwrf.edu or 715-425-4288 or visit stcroixinnovation.org. 

Submitted by UW-River Falls