Red Letter Grant Spring 2025: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Western Wisconsin

Donor: Red Letter Grant

About: The Red Letter Grant Spring 2025 is designed to support and empower women entrepreneurs in western Wisconsin who are starting new businesses. This grant program aims to foster innovation, economic growth, and community development by providing financial assistance and resources to women-owned start-ups. The initiative offers multiple grants to help women entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality, with a focus on passion, need, community impact, and business viability.

The Red Letter Grant is open to women entrepreneurs across 18 counties in western Wisconsin. The program provides four $2,000 grants each spring and fall, with additional grants specifically for Indigenous women. Applicants are encouraged to utilize local resources such as Small Business Development Centers, the Women’s Business Center, and other community organizations to strengthen their business plans and applications. The selection process includes a review of the business plan, market research, financial projections, and the applicant’s passion and commitment to their project.

Focus: Women Entrepreneurship, Business Start-ups, Economic Growth, Community Development, Innovation, Small Business Support

Region: Western Wisconsin
-Region 1: Buffalo, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, Trempealeau
-Region 2: Barron, Burnett, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Washburn

Eligibility:
-Majority woman-owned businesses
-Businesses located within the 18-county service region
-Businesses in their first 3 years of operation
-New business start-ups (expansions and franchises are not eligible)
-Applicants who have not previously received a Red Letter Grant for the same business

Benefits:
-Four $2,000 grants awarded each spring and fall in Region 1
-Four $2,000 grants awarded each spring and fall in Region 2
-Two $2,000 grants awarded each spring for Indigenous women from any county in Wisconsin
-Access to local resources and support for business plan development
-Recognition and support for women-owned start-ups

Terms:
-Red Letter Grant: A grant program supporting women entrepreneurs in western Wisconsin.
-Women Entrepreneurship: The pursuit of business ownership and innovation by women.
-Business start-ups: New businesses in their early stages of development.
-Economic growth: The increase in economic activity and development within a community.
-Community development: The process of improving the well-being and quality of life in a community.