by GCDC | Sep 1, 2026 | Programs
Welcome Home Green County Grant Program
Green County Development Corporation Launches Welcome Home Green County, a $10,000 Grant Program for First-Time Homebuyers
New program pairs down payment assistance with volunteer service to help newcomers put down roots in Green County
MONROE, Wis. — Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) today announced the launch of Welcome Home Green County, a first-time homebuyer program that provides a $10,000 grant toward the purchase or construction of a home in Green County in exchange for volunteer service in the community.
“Green County is a place of opportunity, where you are a part of something bigger than yourself and your work matters,” said Olivia Otte, Executive Director of GCDC. “Welcome Home Green County was built to help people turn that opportunity into a home, and to help them get plugged into the community from day one.”
Under the program, eligible first-time homebuyers receive a $10,000 grant at closing, secured by a subordinate mortgage on the property. In exchange, recipients complete 100 hours of volunteer service over five years, 20 hours per year, with an approved Green County nonprofit organization. After five years of continuous ownership and completion of the volunteer requirement, the grant is fully forgiven and the lien is released. If a recipient sells the home within five years, the grant is repaid on a prorated basis.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, be a first-time homebuyer, purchase or build an owner-occupied home in Green County (or in a municipality partially located in Green County), contribute at least $5,000 in personal funds toward the purchase, and have a total household income of at least $55,000 per year. Applicants must also receive a mortgage prequalification or preapproval from The Bank of New Glarus and pass a background check.
Welcome Home Green County is made possible through a $690,000 investment from Colony Brands Foundation, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Klondike Cheese Company, The Bank of New Glarus, and Grandé.
“The Welcome Home initiative represents a major ‘win win.’ First time home buyers get meaningful financial backing while establishing roots in Green County. This is exactly the type of high impact community program the Colony Brands Foundation is looking to help drive and support.” – John Baumann, President of Colony Brands Foundation.
Prospective applicants can find out if they may be eligible by completing a short prequalification questionnaire at greencountydevelopment.com. Applicants who prequalify will receive the full application and a step-by-step guide to the closing and volunteer process.
For more information about Welcome Home Green County, or to learn about GCDC’s other economic and community development initiatives, visit greencountydevelopment.com or contact GCDC at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com or 608-328-9452.
About Green County Development Corporation
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is a nonprofit regional economic development organization based in Monroe, Wisconsin, dedicated to growing Green County’s economy and communities. GCDC leads initiatives spanning housing development, broadband and digital equity, workforce development, and business retention and expansion, in partnership with municipalities, private investors, and community organizations across Green County.
by GCDC | Jun 4, 2026 | News
The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) has successfully completed a $60,000 grant awarded through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), delivering both a comprehensive economic study and direct planning assistance to local dairy farms.
A Deeper Look at the Industry
In partnership with UW-Extension, GCDC commissioned the Green County Dairy Cluster Economic Analysis & Action Plan — a thorough examination of the dairy industry’s current state and long-term outlook in Green County. The study combined interviews with 13 stakeholders across the dairy cluster — including farmers, processors, bankers, and researchers — with robust quantitative data analysis.
The findings underscore just how vital dairy is to the local economy. Dairy farms and processing operations together support 3,448 jobs and generate over $2.1 billion in industry revenues, accounting for more than 35% of the county’s total economic output. Green County’s cheese manufacturing sector holds a location quotient of 9.68 — nearly ten times the national concentration — reflecting a true regional competitive advantage.
The study also identified key challenges ahead, including an aging workforce, succession planning gaps, and the need for greater entrepreneurship and market diversification. The resulting action plan lays out six strategies to address these issues: supporting farmers, strengthening marketing and market opportunities, expanding workforce development, fostering industry networking, managing biowaste, and encouraging entrepreneurship and business diversification.
Direct Support for Local Farms
Beyond the research, $40,000 of the grant was put directly to work. Eight local dairy farms each received $5,000 in grant funding to access professional consulting services for succession planning, business continuity, financial modeling, and long-term operational strategy — exactly the kind of individualized, expert guidance that can make the difference between a farm that thrives across generations and one that doesn’t make it to the next.
The impact was felt immediately by participating producers.
“The Dairy Transition and Planning Grant helped our farm get the planning assistance we needed to set up the next generation for success, and
continue our tradition of dairy farming in Green County.”
— Jordan Reimer, Reimer Farms
Looking Ahead
This grant initiative is part of GCDC’s broader commitment to keeping Green County’s dairy industry strong and competitive for decades to come.
“The long-term strength of Green County’s dairy industry depends on proactive planning. This program is designed to give producers the tools
and expertise they need to navigate transitions, reduce risk, and remain competitive for generations to come.”
— Olivia Otte, Executive Director, GCDC
With the analysis complete and planning assistance delivered, GCDC is now positioned to move forward on the action plan’s broader strategies — from establishing a Green County Dairy Growth coalition to launching entrepreneurship programs and exploring new market opportunities for local producers.
by GCDC | Apr 7, 2026 | Programs
The Green County Dairy Planning Transition Program, a grant offered by Green County Development Corporation, provides up to $5,000 in technical assistance to dairy farmers for succession planning, transitional planning, business continuity, and long-term stability. Funded through a Wisconsin DATCP Export Expansion Grant, support is delivered through paid professional consulting services. Eligible activities include transition planning, financial modeling, and operational strategies, while capital expenses are not covered. A limited number of farms (8–12) will be accepted on a rolling, first-come basis. Applications open April 10, 2026, and will remain available until all funds are committed, so early application is encouraged. Email completed applications to gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com, or call 608-328-9452 for more information.
Green County Dairy Planning Transition Program Guidelines
Green County Dairy Transition Assistance Program Intake Form
by GCDC | Nov 24, 2025 | Events
CONNECT GREEN COUNTY ANNOUNCES 3RD ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY PARTY
MONROE, WI — Connect Green County will host its 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on Thursday, December 18, at the Monroe Golf Club, 2205 21st Street in Monroe, Wisconsin. The event runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is free for all attendees. Guests will also receive a complimentary raffle entry and one drink ticket.
Connect Green County is a networking group created to bring together local professionals, community members, and newcomers who want to build relationships and get more connected in Green County. The group hosts casual events throughout the year to help people meet one another, share ideas, and engage in the community.
“The Ugly Sweater Party has become one of our favorite traditions,” said Michelle Prien, Connect Green County Board President. “It’s a simple, fun way for folks to unwind, make new connections, and enjoy the holiday season together.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear their most festive or outrageous holiday sweaters and join in for an evening of relaxed conversation, light activities, and seasonal cheer.
For more information, contact Olivia Otte at 608-328-9452 or gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com, or check out theConnect Green County Facebook page for updates.
by GCDC | Jan 22, 2025 | News
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is pleased to announce the start of an exciting statewide project and partnership with the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, the Wisconsin Community Health Empowerment Fund, and four United Way organizations. This project is one of 66 projects supported by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin (AHW) Endowment.
Empowering Community Health is a unique and exciting community health Learning Collaborative that will advance avenues and possibilities for health equity, access to nutrition for families with young children and the building of innovative long standing community health resource infrastructure in four primarily rural communities throughout Wisconsin – Green, Fond du Lac, La Crosse, and Marshfield service areas.
The four rural communities are guided by innovative local United Way led teams with partners from a variety of sectors including business, health system, government, and philanthropy with the goal of improving nutrition access to over 350 families vulnerable to poverty.
The Empowering Community Health Project is part of a portfolio of projects that GCDC participates in to advance community health, economic prosperity, and the greater engagement of business in health. GCDC is honored to be a part of this important work and looks forward to sharing its learning throughout Green County, with the state of Wisconsin and with other national partners. Business engagement = better health!
https://ahwendowment.org/AHW/Public-and-Community-Health-Improvement/00005190.htm
To read more about the all of the awarded projects, click here: https://blog.ahwendowment.org/2025-seed-awards
