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 | 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 | Sep 23, 2025 | Programs
YE Competition flyer
Green County Teens Invited to compete in Emerging Entrepreneurs Business Competition
Aspiring entrepreneurs in grades 9 – 12 throughout Green County will have the chance to turn their business ideas into real opportunities through the Emerging Entrepreneurs Business Competition, a dynamic new program designed to spark innovation, support business education, and connect with local business mentors.
Registered participants will get expert insight into building their business plan through a series of two interactive workshops. At the end of the program, students will submit their plans for a chance to win up to $2,000 in cash prizes to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.
Program Highlights:
- Open to Green County students grades 9 – 12
- Registration required, workshop participation encouraged/not mandated
- Workshops held at Monroe High School (4-5:30PM)
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- October 22 – Business 101 (know your customer/write your business plan)
- November 5 – Business Plan work session with Q&A and feedback
- November 6 – 14 Business Plan Submission window. Submit to GCDC at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com
- December 3 – Award Night
“This competition is about more than just winning,” said Olivia Otte, Executive Director of GCDC. “It’s about building confidence, critical thinking skills, and a belief that young people can shape the future with their creativity and drive. We also hope to show them that they can run a successful business in Green County.”
This program and the cash prizes are supported by a Small Business Development grant obtained by Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Workshops and expert advice are provided by the Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, and Green County high schools along with local business mentors.
Whether teens are dreaming of launching a new product, starting a local service, or building a tech solution, this program will give them the tools they need to take the first steps in entrepreneurship.
How to Register: Students can learn more and register at https://bit.ly/3I3ijUh or contact GCDC at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com or 608-328-9452
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 gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com. 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 olivia@greencountydevelopment.com
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 lisa.taylor@wisc.edu.
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.
