by GCDC | Mar 27, 2025 | Programs
GCDC Launches Tech Connect Program for digital equity in the county
Flyer and links to applications found here
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is launching a program aimed at meeting the Adoption and Sustainability core values in Wisconsin’s Digital Equity Plan. The vision of this plan is to make sure all Wisconsinites have access to affordable broadband service and are able to engage in a digital society.
As work to expand broadband continues throughout Green County, additional needs indicated a lack of digital equipment, i.e. laptops and other devices to connect people digitally. In partnership with other local groups, GCDC is launching the Green County Tech Connect program.
This program will bring refurbished computers and similar devices to eligible Green County residents and entities at no cost. All applicants must live or work in Green County. Low-income people participating or eligible for government assistance, individuals 60 and over, veterans, students, non-profit organizations, and businesses in existence less than one year may qualify.
Dan Wiliams, Green County Human Services Director had this to say about the program’s value, “This program will empower low-income individuals to bridge the digital divide, providing them with the tools they need to apply for benefits, further their education, search for jobs, and ultimately help them achieve financial stability. This initiative not only enhances their access to opportunities but also helps them build the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
Devices will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. An application must be completed and can be obtained by calling 608-328-9452 or emailing [email protected]. More information can also be found on GCDC’s website at https://greencountydevelopment.com/live-work/. Every three months GCDC will follow up with awardees to ensure proper use of the device.
GCDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization working for economic growth in Green County, while maintaining the quality of life that makes our community a great place to live and work.
by GCDC | Mar 10, 2025 | Programs, Projects
Green County Development Corporation Launches $2.8 Million Housing Development Fund to Boost Local Housing
Monroe, WI – Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is excited to announce the launch of the Housing Development Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to address the county’s housing needs by incentivizing new residential development. Backed by $2.8 million in funding from six local partners, this program will provide low-interest loans to developers, encouraging the construction of new homes across Green County.
Fueled by the 2024 Housing Study conducted by Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, and multiple community housing forums hosted by GCDC and Green County Healthy Community Coalition (GCHCC), efforts were targeted to bring affordable, single and multi-family homes to the county. The 2024 study indicated a need for over 1,700 homes to be built before 2030 to support growth in the area.
“The Housing Development Fund is a momentum builder designed to create a thriving, sustainable, and diverse housing market that supports workforce growth, enhances community well-being, and fosters long-term economic stability. By bridging funding gaps, engaging local developers and financial institutions, and promoting strategic housing investments, we are not just building homes—we are building a future that says Green County is a great place to grow, invest, and call home,” said Olivia Otte, Executive Director at GCDC. “This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. It takes a strong, collaborative team to drive economic growth, and we are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our partners in making this vision a reality.”
The Housing Development Fund represents a unique collaboration between public and private stakeholders who recognized the urgent need for more residential options. With a matching funds pledge, the Colony Brands Foundation led the way for additional funders to commit to this program. Other supporters include Klondike Cheese, The Bank of New Glarus, Woodford State Bank, Lakeridge Bank, Green County Healthy Communities Coalition, and SSM Health. All have united in the efforts to make financing more accessible for developers ready to invest in Green County’s future.
Colony Brands Foundation President, John Baumann addressed their commitment to the project with this statement, “Strong communities take a long-term view in addressing the needs of their people and the schools, businesses and infrastructure they support. They understand the best interests of their people and businesses, and work hand in hand towards common goals. To support their families, people want to pursue viable careers and establish homes in neighborhoods near where they work. New housing development is crucial for addressing the growing demand for affordable and sustainable living options in Green County. The Housing Development Fund will provide sound gap financing for residential developers. The Colony Brands Foundation sees this program as a key incentive to drive smart growth across Green County. We are proud to support it.”
Through this initiative, GCDC aims to accelerate housing construction in Green County, providing opportunities for developers to build a variety of housing types, from single-family homes to multi-unit developments. This revolving loan fund will help alleviate financial barriers and promote sustainable growth in communities throughout the county.
Developers interested in learning more about the Housing Development Fund and how to apply for financing are encouraged to contact GCDC at 608-328-9452 or email Olivia Otte at [email protected]
About Green County Development Corporation
The mission of Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is to catalyze economic growth while enhancing the quality of life in Green County, Wisconsin, WI. By working with local businesses, government entities, and community stakeholders, GCDC promotes initiatives that support a strong and sustainable local economy.
For more information on the housing studies reference in the article, visit https://greencountydevelopment.com/live-work/#education
by GCDC | Sep 26, 2024 | Programs
Local Coalition in Green County Begins New Rural Entrepreneurship Program
The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) in Green County is partnering up with UW–Madison Extension on a new effort to engage rural entrepreneurs and strengthen community connection. As part of a grant-funded program from Compeer Financial, Extension is providing coaching and guidance for local groups to spur sustained entrepreneurship. The groups selected for this program recently moved into a phase to implement best practices and procedures for economic growth.
Extension’s Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) is an entrepreneurial development program designed to advance small town economies through a targeted business approach. Wisconsin REV is being developed in partnership with Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), Compeer Financial, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), and e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. This effort is being funded by Compeer Financial. Launched this year, Wisconsin REV provides coaching, resources and connections throughout the visioning and implementation process as each community explores what economic development means for their communities. More information can be found at https://go.wisc.edu/wirev.
Communities across the country have shown great success and economic growth by using a “grow your own” approach to entrepreneur development. Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) is an established program designed to advance small-town economies through a focus on businesses, nonprofits, and government. Wisconsin REV will use this same approach to help Wisconsin communities flourish.
REV kicked off its eReady phase in June. The eReady phase is designed to provide the background and foundations of the REV framework. It gives a REV community time to assemble their core leadership team, preview the REV processes and potential outcomes, and begin creating their goals as an entrepreneur-focused community. The leadership team then chooses to commit to the three-year REV program as they transition out of eReady.
The inaugural cohort includes:
City of Jefferson in Waukesha County
Green County, focusing on Latino Entrepreneurs
City of Amery in Polk County
City of Mineral Point in Iowa County
City of Hillsboro in Vernon County
“These communities are going to be using this framework to achieve their identified goals for supporting rural entrepreneurs,” said Lisa Taylor, UW–Madison Extension Rural Entrepreneurial Venture Specialist. “Very often those goals include increasing the number of businesses in sectors where there’s a need. They can also include creating an environment in which young people who are staying in the community or coming back do so with the notion that entrepreneurship is an opportunity for them.”
The five community leadership teams, which completed the eReady phase in August, are ready to start implementing the REV framework to realize the goals they created over the summer. Olivia Otte, GCDC’s Executive Director commented, “We are very excited to partner with REV for support in addressing needs of Latino and young entrepreneurs in Green County. REV training and mentoring is helping us to enhance entrepreneurial opportunities, respond to our shifting demographics, and strengthen our workforce environment.”
The City of Merrill and Washburn County will also be joining the inaugural cohort in September and October, respectively.
The REV program support team will join each community leadership team for a fall kick-off meeting to provide community-specific data and support the team as they prepare to work toward their chosen goals over the next three years with their REV Community Coach. Also, REV communities will gather during specific stages of the program to receive relevant training and foster peer-to-peer learning.
WI REV Cohort 2 is currently being planned for 2025.
The typical REV community is rural with a population of at least 1,500 but no more than 10,000, which may include an individual city/town/village, a combination of neighboring communities or a school district. Local leadership in a REV community is willing to invest time with their local entrepreneurs and work to establish a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and a diverse, more resilient economy. If you are part of such a community and would like to discuss potential WI REV program participation, please contact Lisa Taylor at [email protected].
Wisconsin REV is led by UW-Madison Division of Extension’s Community Economic Development Program in partnership with Community and Economic Development, Associates (CEDA), Compeer Financial, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), and Energizing Entrepreneurs “e2” framework.
by GCDC | Jun 3, 2024 | Programs
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) opened the doors to the first project house of the Home Construction Cooperative to celebrate and give recognition to the hard work and support of all involved. In addition to the donation of the home by SSM Health Monroe, GCDC received grant funds and additional donations from local banks, businesses and private donors to provide over $140,000 in support of the program.
The program, which began with the 2023/2024 school year brought Monroe High School, Skilled Building Trades LAUNCH students together to gain in-demand, home renovation and construction skills. With only one hour per day several days per week, students, teachers, and specialty contractors updated and transformed a home donated by SSM Health Monroe.
Students completed bathroom and kitchen demolition and worked alongside local contractors and instructors to learn HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry and landscaping. The home features new, energy efficient windows and exterior doors, updated plumbing and electric service, new central air unit, and a fully renovated bathroom.
The newly renovated kitchen was designed by students, and includes a small pantry, island, and new appliances. A new patio door and deck were added to open the kitchen space to the outdoors. New vinyl flooring, refinished hardwoods, light fixtures, and accents, along with fresh paint throughout complete the inside.
Additional work included drywall in the garage, freshly poured sidewalk and driveway, new shutters, and exterior lighting, along with landscape clean up and fresh planting. Local contractors provided instruction to teach the students other trades like electrical, plumbing, landscaping, and HVAC.
As students gave tours, attendees noted the “pride in the voices of the students as they explained what they did throughout the school year to transform the home.” GCDC’s Olivia Otte reflected on the community effort that made this project possible, and thanked the donors, attendees, teachers, and students for making the Home Construction Cooperative a huge success.
The home, located on 5th Street in Monroe, will be listed for sale in the coming weeks. All proceeds from the sale will be put back into the program to support next year’s new build planned on a vacant parcel donated by the City of Monroe. Program goals include expansion throughout Green County. Inquiries and interest in donating or being a part of the Home Construction Cooperative can be directed to GCDC.
Many thanks go out to the many donors and supporters of the program: SSM Health Monroe, School District of Monroe, Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, Inc, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), Alliant Energy, The Bank of New Glarus, Woodford State Bank, First Community Credit Union, Green Bay Packer Foundation, Monona Plumbing And Fire Protection Inc, First National Bank and Trust (Monroe, WI), CGSchmidt, Schlect Family Foundation, Builders FirstSource, Prosperity Southwest, Duxstad McDaniel Law Group, SC, Summit Credit Union, Greenwoods State Bank, Buehler Interiors, Kundert Construction , Monroe Morning Optimists, Marine Credit Union, Veridian Homes, Maz Electric, First Weber Realtors- Jeff Twitty Conway, Monroe Lions Club, Father Campions Champions, Monroe Kiwanis, WI, Monson Septic Pumping & Portable Restrooms LLC, Monroe Excellence in Education, Santos Concrete, Josh D Landscaping & Design, The Garden Spot, Green County Master Gardeners Association, Dane’s Lemonade Stand!
GCDC, a nonprofit Public/Private Partnership organization exists to encourage economic development while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County a great place to live and work. Contact information can be found at www.greencountydevelopment.com.
by GCDC | Feb 23, 2024 | Programs
GCDC grant award supports childcare efforts in Green County
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is proud to announce a $70,000 grant award for childcare education and capital improvement from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC),
The grant will support approximately 100 childcare workers and 25 childcare centers in Green County by providing incentives to join the field, enhance credentialing, and make improvements to their facilities.
“Empowering childcare providers through grants not only nurtures early childhood development but also fuels economic growth. Investing in quality childcare is an investment in our future workforce and community prosperity. At GCDC, we are excited to channel these funds into our community, promoting sustained economic growth.” Olivia Otte, GCDC Executive Director.
Childcare businesses that achieve certification, or individuals per business that earn an associate or bachelor’s degree, are eligible for a $500 bonus per business through a scholarship fund.
A stipend will be available for childcare facilities that sign-up to be part of the state’s YoungStar program at a level two, or to increase their current rating. The amount varies based on provider type and rating. YoungStar is Wisconsin’s quality rating and improvement system for childcare, giving parents and caregivers tools and information to give their kids a great start, and for parents to find quality childcare that fits their needs.
Funds are also available within this grant for childcare centers to make capital improvements aimed at enhancing ADA compliance. 2024 improvements to doorways, playgrounds, fire exits, and more are options for consideration.
An application and review process is in place for distribution of funds. To receive an application to apply for funds, or for any questions, please contact GCDC at [email protected] or call 608-328-9452.
by GCDC | Jun 21, 2023 | News, Programs
GCDC_Funding_Brochure_2023
Funding Available for Green County Businesses
Green County businesses looking to expand can benefit from low interest loans through Green County Development Corporation’s (GCDC) Revolving Loan Fund.
High growth startup or emerging growth companies in manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, medical devices, biosciences, or energy industries are eligible to apply for up to $100,000.
Activities can include acquisitions of buildings, land, or fixed assets; site prep, construction or reconstruction and fixed equipment installation; demolition, clearance or removal of structures or building rehab; and/or working capital for inventory and direct labor costs.
GCDC administers this loan with funds raised through donations from local banks and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). This program started in 2019 and is sustained with interest paid from current loan recipients – a revolving loan fund.
An application is completed and reviewed by the committee who then performs an interview with the company to talk through the plan and answer any questions.
GCDC is a 501c3 corporation committed to building public and private partnerships that promote and encourage economic growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County a great place to live and work.
More information about the Revolving Loan Fund can be found on GCDC’s website at https://greencountydevelopment.com/doing-business/#incentives or by calling Olivia Otte, Executive Director 608.328.9452 or emailing her at [email protected].
