Business Funding Opportunities We Can Help You Explore
The Rib Lake Community Development Foundation welcomes entrepreneurs who want to grow in our community.
The current funding options we can help you access are:
Loans designed to help you move forward with competitive financing and manageable repayment timeline. See RLCDF Loan Fund Overview below.
Guidance finding grant assistance through local, state, and regional partners
Marketing opportunities around the Rib Lake area
Apply for Business Loans, Grants & Support In Rib Lake
Steps to Request Support for Your Rib Lake Business
Step 1: Submit Your Business Idea
We invite you to begin by sharing your concept with us via email: riblakecdf@gmail.com.
Please include:
A short description of your business
Is your project a start-up, expansion or revitalization?
Will you use these resources to create or retain jobs? If so, how many?
How will your project benefit the Rib Lake area?
Have you approached any banks or private investors?
Once we’ve reviewed your submission, we’ll invite you to a monthly meeting.
Step 2: Meet with the Foundation
During the meeting, please be ready to present and discuss your idea in greater detail:
A description of your business + Market Research
How your project benefits the Rib Lake area
What kind of support you’re looking for and how the funding will be used
Any estimates, expenses, quotes, or cost breakdowns you’ve gathered
Timeline and when funding is needed
Your current funding situation
To determine the available funding options, we may ask:
Have you approached traditional banks or lenders? If not, what’s held you back?
Are you open to a loan from the Foundation, knowing it requires repayment?
Have you secured any other funding yet or received any commitments?
Would this investment solve a short-term need or is it part of a long-term plan?
These questions help ensure your support is used wisely and that your business has the strongest possible chance to succeed.
Step 3: Apply for Support
If your project looks like a strong fit for support, we’ll point you to next steps to apply for support.
This may include:
Loans through the RLCDF Loan Fund
Local or regional grants from partner organizations
Investor referrals
RLCDF Loan Fund Overview
We consider loans for local businesses that aim to create jobs, retain jobs, revitalize downtown spaces or fill essential gaps in the community.
These loans are often used in combination with bank loans, angel investments or grants to help make a start up more feasible. They’re designed to bridge the gap when conventional financing falls short, especially for promising projects that just need a little extra support to move forward.
Already have a Primary Lender?
When a primary lender is involved, we can often significantly simplify the process. Have you already spoken with a lender and received a loan summary or presentation? If so, we may be able to accept that in place of a full formal application. Please contact us at riblakecdf@gmail.com.
Loan Application
The loan application process is in place to review overall business viability and conduct appropriate due diligence.
Business Grant Resources
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
wedc.org
WEDC supports new and growing businesses with a range of tools and connections. RLCDF works closely with WEDC to bring large community grants to Rib Lake.
Through WEDC, you can:
Explore state-level business grants
Get matched with industry-specific assistance
Receive startup guidance and technical support
Indianhead Community Action Agency
indianheadcaa.org
The Indianhead Community Action Agency’s Diverse Business Assistance (DBA) mini-grant program is designed for low-income new or existing entrepreneurs located in rural Wisconsin counties (Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Clark, Douglas except Superior, Iron, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, and Washburn). The program supports business owners who need technical help and startup or expansion funding, often at pivotal moments such as launching a new venture or overcoming cost overruns.
Northwest Regional Planning Commission
nwrpc.com
Businesses must be located in one of the following ten Northwest counties of Wisconsin: Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn. Loans may be used for acquisition of land and buildings, site preparation, construction, remodeling of an existing building, purchase of machinery and equipment, start-up costs, working capital or for business acquisitions when the loan will keep the business from closing, prevent the loss of employment opportunities, or provide expanding job opportunities. The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed project is viable and that the business will have the economic ability to repay the loan.
Non-profit Grant Local Resources
Fulcrum Foundation
Fulcrum Foundation’s grants are ideal for nonprofit and civic-minded organizations operating within its service area (Taylor County, the southern half of Price County, or within 25 miles of Medford, WI) that are working collaboratively to address physical, emotional, intellectual or societal community needs.
The AnnMarie Foundation, Inc
The AnnMarie Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and tax-exempt community service organizations located in communities historically served by Phillips Plastics employees, such as Eau Claire, Medford, New Richmond, Phillips, Prescott, Menomonie, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Eligible projects include educational, humanitarian, cultural, or recreational activities, with a strong emphasis on STEM-focused, student-engagement initiatives.
United Way of Taylor County
uwtaylor.org/funding-application
Organizations eligible to apply include 501(c)(3) nonprofits that deliver health, education, financial stability, or basic needs services to residents of Taylor County, Wisconsin. Ideal applicants are those with a governing volunteer board, demonstrated administrative capacity, and experience managing programs that measurably improve community well‑being.
Taylor County Tourism Grant
co.taylor.wi.us/county-clerk/tourism-grant/
Nonprofit organizations based in Taylor County, Wisconsin are invited to apply for the county’s Tourism Marketing Grant. This program supports values-aligned groups planning to promote community events, cultural experiences, or tourism activities aimed at boosting tourism.
Business Planning Tools & Resources
SCORE Business Plan Template
Great for service or product-based businesses: includes market research, financials, and executive summary.
LivePlan
Step-by-step business plan builder with financial projections and industry benchmarking. Camp 28 used this for their business plan.
Join The Chamber (Medford & Taylor County): Membership benefits include business planning tools. Please verify before purchasing membership.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Tool Offers structure and examples, plus links to funding resources.
Wisconsin One Stop Business Portal
Make your business official through the State of Wisconsin’s streamlined registration platform.
WEDC Small Business Academy