by GCDC | Jun 14, 2023 | News, Programs
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 here GCDC_Funding_8.5x11_Trifold_2023_3_29_Optimized or on GCDC’s website, greencountydevelopment.com
Contact Olivia Otte, Executive Director at 608.328.9452 or through email at Olivia@greencountydevelopment
by GCDC | May 31, 2023 | News, Programs
GCDC Small Business Series Pitch winners (left to right):
Brianna Wethal -The Bank of New Glarus, Laura Eyler – 1st Place Thyme Savor Cuisine, Lauren Siegenthaler – 2nd Place Erda & Arch, Keri Mertens – 3rd Place Pi Bakery, Olivia Otte – Green County Development Corporation
Green County Small Business Series Ends with Business Pitch Contest
Since April 19th, 21 aspiring Green County entrepreneurs participated in a free Small Business Series hosted by Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) and The Bank of New Glarus, with special help from the Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other guest speakers.
The Small Business Series was created to help entrepreneurs kick-start the dream of owning their own business. Participants committed to once weekly training sessions over a five-week period and gained insights into licensing their business, understanding legal considerations and financial documents, defining the customer base, marketing, and creating business plans and pitches for lenders and investors. All topics were enhanced with 1:1 meet-ups with SBDC consultants.
“We were excited to have so many enthusiastic entrepreneurs in our area commit to this program.” stated GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte, “The model for this program meets so many needs and directly connects each participant with specialists that can step them through details that will keep them on target for opening their business.”
Nora Roughen-Schmidt, Business Consultant with SW Wisconsin SBDC said, “The GCDC Small Business Series provided an accessible format for small businesses to learn from entrepreneurial start-up experts to go from idea stage and business plan to a new business. I was thrilled to participate and assist in developing new businesses in Green County. The series is an economic development driver that empowers participants with education, resources, consulting, and relationships. Thank you to the GCDC team for developing the program and to the Bank of New Glarus for their sponsorship. Congratulations to all the new businesses that formed as a result of the series!”
The program culminated on May 17th with a Pitch Contest, giving participants the opportunity to present their business plan to lenders and peers. Judges heard pitches for food related businesses, comfort care, home contracting services, and traveling entertainment. A cash prize was awarded by The Bank of New Glarus to the top three participants that demonstrated unique solutions to problems in Green County and presented a sound business plan that reflected enthusiastic commitment for long-term success.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Green County Development Corporation in offering the recent Small Business Series,” said Ron Schaaf, President and CEO of The Bank of New Glarus. “The entrepreneurs who attended have many great business ideas. We wish them all the best as they complete their planning and move forward with opening businesses across Green County.”
In all, ten Green County entrepreneurs pitched their business, and included:
1st Place Thyme Savor Cuisine (presented by Laura Eyler): a personal chef service, offering custom tailored meals for special events or any time meal support for busy schedules.
2nd Place Erda & Arch (presented by Lauren Siegenthaler): A polymer clay and paper makery/goods, including handcrafted jewelry available online and in specialty boutiques.
3rd Place Pi Bakery (presented by Keri Mertens): A Brodhead based completely homemade pies, cookies and baked goods.
Arlonia Jackson (presented by Arlonia Jackson): home crafted comfort care babies with fitted clothing, and cost saving patterns.
S&T Sealcoating LLC (Tayveon Cameron & Seth Lindsay): an asphalt maintenance company, providing cleaning and sealcoating of asphalt driveways and parking areas throughout Green County and surrounding areas.
JM’s Event Planning & Organization (presented by Jenna Curran): an event planning and organizational solutions company.
Bassett Painting LLC (presented by Brian Bassett): providing interior and exterior painting.
Daisy’s Axe Box (presented by Todd & Brenda Coy): a mobile entertainment company providing on-site axe throwing for private parties and community events.
Thanks to all who participated!! We can’t wait for the next series to begin!
by GCDC | Apr 13, 2023 | News, Programs
Green County Development Corporation was a recipient of a grant from Compeer Financial to assist entrepreneurs through a Pop-Up Shop program. Pop-Up Shops provide a low cost opportunity for a new business get into a storefront and get started in making their dream a reality! See the article for more information and please feel free to contact us anytime and for any ideas on new programs you would like to see GCDC provide! [email protected] or call 608-328-9452 Compeer grant for pop-up shops
by GCDC | Mar 1, 2023 | News, Programs
GCDC in partnership with The Bank of New Glarus is excited to host a five-part series for entrepreneurs and small business hopefuls to get started living your dream. This series begins in April 19th and continues once per week until May 17th, ending with a pitch contest! Additional details below. Register today at: https://GCDC-SmallBusinessSeries.eventbrite.com
Starting in April – Register today
by GCDC | Oct 21, 2022 | News, Programs
Bob Erb, President & CEO of Colony Brands accepts the Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award from Olivia Otte, GCDC Exective Director
Owners Chad Boeck & Gilbert Moore accept the Outstanding Small Business of the Year Award from GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte
David Parr owner of Parrfection Produce accepts the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from Olivia Otte, Executive Director of GCDC
SSM Health Monroe President Jane Curran-Meuli accepts the award for Outstanding Large Business of the Year from GCDC Executive Director Olivia Otte
by GCDC | Oct 29, 2019 | Programs
Do you have a startup or new business (in business 5 years or less) that could use gap financing to grow? Green County Development Corporation can help you achieve your financing goals!
GCDC’s Growth Opportunity Fund loans of up to $100,000 per business are available for high growth startups and emerging growth companies such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture or food processing, information systems or software, medical devices, biosciences and energy.
There is no job creation requirement to be eligible. Financed activities must be located within Green County or within a municipality partially located in Green County. As businesses pay back their loans and interest, that funding will be used to make loans to more businesses (a revolving loan fund).
Interest Rates and Eligible Activities
The rate may be fixed or graduated on a fixed schedule, but the interest rate will never be more than 2 percent above the Wall Street Journal prime rate at the time the loan is issued.
Eligible activities for loan monies include: acquisition of land, buildings, and fixed assets; site preparation and the construction or reconstruction of buildings or the installation of fixed equipment; clearance, demolition, or removal of structures or the rehabilitation of buildings and other improvements; payment of assessments for sewer, water, street, and other public utilities if the provision of the facilities will directly create or retain jobs; and working capital (inventory and direct labor costs only).
Apply Now!
First, contact our local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business counselors at [email protected] to figure out how much money you need and discuss funding sources. Then we can help you work with your local lender to determine how much funding you can obtain in the private market and the amount still needed to start or grow your business (the gap). Your local SBDC business counselor will help you complete your application for the gap funding you need. Applications are then submitted to the Growth Opportunity Fund Committee for review.
Applications may be submitted at any time and will be processed in the order received. For more information, contact GCDC at (608)328-9452 or [email protected].
