More than 179,000 businesses in Wisconsin are owned by women, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2025 Wisconsin Small Business Profile. For women looking to start or grow a business, there are several ways to find financial support across the state. There is a wide range of resources, including grants for women-owned startups, funding for exporters and technology companies, and local initiatives supporting ventures in specific communities. Here are the available funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Wisconsin.
1. Red Letter Grant
The Red Letter Grant provides funding to women starting or expanding a new business in 18 counties across western Wisconsin. The current fall 2026 cycle offers three $2,000 grants and one $4,000 grant in each of its two regions. Indigenous women anywhere in Wisconsin can also apply through a separate statewide opportunity.
To qualify, the business must be at least 51% women-owned, and the organization considers a startup to be a business that is three years old or younger. Franchises and nonprofits are not eligible. Existing businesses older than three years cannot apply for an expansion project, but newer women-owned businesses can apply to expand. The fall 2026 application period runs through October 12 at 11 p.m.
To apply, visit the Red Letter Grant page and complete the application for your region.
2. Royal Credit Union Small Business Grant
The Royal Credit Union Small Business Grant provides $3,000 to one local business to help with startup costs, equipment, technology upgrades, or another business need. The 2026 program is open to pre-launch businesses, startups, and businesses that have been established for no more than three years.
The grant is available to businesses in Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Trempealeau, or Taylor counties. Applicants must be Royal Credit Union members or eligible for membership and will need to provide information about their financial needs, community impact, and future plans. A business plan and financial projections are also required.
To apply, complete the Royal Credit Union Small Business Grant application. The 2026 deadline is October 1.
3. Langlade County Women in Business Pitch Competition
The Langlade County Women in Business Program gives women entrepreneurs access to business education, networking, one-on-one technical assistance, and a pitch competition. The competition has $10,000 in total prize funding, with $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $2,000 for third place.
The program is designed to help women start, grow, and strengthen businesses in Langlade County. To compete for the funding, participants must complete an educational workshop, attend a networking event, receive a technical assistance consultation, and participate as a vendor at the November 7 Women in Business Trade Show. The prize money is provided as matching funds for eligible business expenses.
To apply, visit Langlade County Economic Development for program details, upcoming events, and participation requirements.
4. BizBuilder Grant
The BizBuilder Grant gives up to $5,000 to business owners who graduate from Madison’s BizReady program. The grant is funded through Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Development Grant program and is intended to help businesses invest in activities that can increase revenue.
BizReady is a 12-month program that includes business education, one-on-one mentoring, presentations from industry experts, workshops, networking, and an action plan. Businesses can use the grant for needs such as business plan development and digital readiness, with an emphasis on expenses that support revenue growth. Twenty-five businesses are expected to receive grants through the program.
To apply, start by looking into the City of Madison’s BizReady program and its current requirements for participation.
5. 7 Rivers Small Business Revitalization Grant
The 7 Rivers Small Business Revitalization Grant Program provides up to $10,000 to small businesses in rural western Wisconsin. Funding can be used for equipment and technology upgrades, building projects, facade improvements, signage, working capital for startups, and startup rent assistance for up to three months.
The program serves businesses in Buffalo, Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties, with a focus on communities with populations of 4,000 or less. Businesses receiving the grant must complete up to 20 hours of education, mentoring, or technical assistance, although a 10% cash match can be provided instead.
To apply, check the 7 Rivers Alliance page for the next grant cycle and application information.
6. Milwaukee County Building Bridges Program
The Building Bridges Program provides $10,000 grants to small businesses in Milwaukee County, along with technical support. The program focuses on helping businesses establish or expand brick-and-mortar locations and improve commercial corridors.
The grants can support building improvements that help strengthen local commercial areas. The program has already awarded funding to businesses across Milwaukee County, including grants to new businesses such as Brim Café & Catering and Twelve29 Lounge in 2026.
To apply, visit Milwaukee County’s Building Bridges Program for current program and application information.
7. International Market Access Grant
Wisconsin businesses that want to expand into international markets can look into the International Market Access Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. It reimburses eligible export development expenses, with businesses able to receive up to $10,000 per application or up to $30,000 per application after completing ExporTech.
Eligible expenses can support short-term projects aimed at growing international sales. To qualify, the business must have been registered and operating in Wisconsin for at least one year, have substantial export-related operations in the state, have an exportable product or service, and generate less than $50 million in annual revenue. The business must also show that at least 35% of the value of its product or service comes from Wisconsin cost inputs.
To apply, review the International Market Access Grant requirements and submit an application for an eligible export project.
8. Technology Development Loan
Women building innovative technology companies can also explore the Technology Development Loan through WEDC. It provides fixed-interest, below-market loans to Wisconsin startups and emerging-growth companies developing and commercializing innovative products and services.
There is no single award amount because funding depends on the company’s stage, capital needs, financial position, growth potential, and the project being financed. Loan proceeds can support business operations, equipment, infrastructure, customer acquisition, product development, and other costs involved in reaching the next stage of growth.
To apply, review the Technology Development Loan information on WEDC’s website and contact WEDC about eligibility and the application process.
9. WWBIC Loans
The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) provides business loans ranging from $1,000 to $350,000 to entrepreneurs starting or expanding businesses. The organization also provides business and financial training, making it a useful option for women who need both capital and business support.
WWBIC loans can support startups and existing businesses, and loan terms vary based on the amount and purpose of the financing. Fixed interest rates vary according to prime rates and WWBIC funding sources, while the maximum standard term is 72 months, with longer terms possible through an SBA Community Advantage guarantee.
To apply, visit WWBIC Lending to review the current loan requirements and application process.
10. Kiva Loans Through WWBIC
For smaller funding needs, Kiva offers Wisconsin entrepreneurs loans of $1,000 to $15,000 at 0% interest with no fees. The program does not require a credit score, collateral, business plan, or financial statements as part of the application. WWBIC serves as the Kiva hub for Wisconsin.
The loans are crowdfunded, with individual lenders contributing to the business owner’s campaign. This can make Kiva useful for women who need a smaller amount of capital and don’t have the financial history required by traditional lenders.
To apply, start with Kiva through WWBIC and review the borrowing process.
11. Amber Grant
The Amber Grant, one of the most popular business grants for women in the US, provides female founders with several opportunities to receive funding throughout the year. WomensNet awards a $10,000 grant each month through its general, Startup, and Business Category grant programs. Women who are still in the idea stage or have less than $10,000 in gross sales can also qualify for the Startup Grant.
Monthly winners can also qualify for one of three $50,000 year-end grants. One application is used to consider applicants for the different WomensNet grants for which they qualify, and an application fee applies.
To apply, complete the online application through WomensNet. Read our guide on Amber Grant to learn how the program works, including eligibility details and tips to increase your chances of being funded.
12. Hey Helen Grant
The Hey Helen Grant awards $10,000 each month to women and nonbinary founders running qualifying, mission-driven businesses in the U.S. The money can be used for general business expenses, including marketing, hiring, technology, operations, and inventory.
Eligible businesses must be at least 50% women-owned, legally registered in the United States, and generate less than $1 million in annual revenue. Pre-revenue businesses can also apply. A $15 administrative application fee applies, and applications can remain on file for 12 months.
To apply, submit the online application through Visionaries.
13. HerRise MicroGrant
The HerRise MicroGrant provides $1,000 each month to women-owned businesses in the U.S., with a focus on under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color.
Businesses must be at least 51% women-owned, registered in the U.S., and have less than $1 million in gross revenue. The application also includes a pre-revenue option, making the program relevant to some women who are still building their businesses. A $15 administrative fee applies.
To apply, complete the online application through HerSuiteSpot.
14. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant provides $10,000 grants to eligible small businesses through its 2026 program. To access the grant application, business owners first need to create a free Digital Ready account and complete two eligible courses or events.
The program is open to qualifying for-profit small businesses in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Verizon and LISC are selecting businesses through monthly grant rounds, with applications remaining eligible for the year’s remaining selections after submission.
To apply, create an account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, complete the required courses or events, and submit the grant application.
15. Giving Joy Grant
The Giving Joy Grant provides small grants to women entrepreneurs around the world, including eligible women in the United States. Funding can support a business, nonprofit, or project that creates positive economic or social impact for women, girls, or families. The current grant amount is up to $500.
Women age 18 and older can apply, and the program accepts both business ideas and existing ventures. The relatively small award makes it more suitable for a clearly defined project or an early investment than a major business expansion.
To apply, visit the Giving Joy Grant page and check the current application requirements and deadline.
Conclusion
Wisconsin women entrepreneurs have several funding options to explore, including grants and business programs, loans, and export assistance. The right choice depends on your business stage, industry, and what you need the money for. These funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Wisconsin can help you find the right support for your next business goal.
