SCVBIC awards $55,000 in micro-grants supported by WEDC

a group of 15 people stand behind a banner that says "Wisconsin"


St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center awards $55,000 in micro-grants supported by WEDC  

March 5, 2026 - The St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls has awarded a second and final round of micro-grants supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to help area businesses grow. During this final round, SCVBIC awarded $55,000 to 12 businesses to help with critical growth expenses.  

The micro-grants are supported by $100,000 from the WEDC, provided to support businesses in St. Croix, Pierce and Polk counties. Awarded along with the grants was a matching $100,000 worth of in-kind volunteer hours, with the bulk of the hours coming from the committee’s volunteer judges. The funding is part of more than $1.6 million provided by WEDC to 14 Wisconsin organizations assisting entrepreneurs. 
The grants were awarded during a public celebration at the SCVBIC on March 4.  

“Entrepreneurs launch businesses because they’re passionate about the product or service they offer, but the reality is that new business owners can quickly feel overwhelmed by all the roles they’re expected to fill,” said Sheri Marnell, SCVBIC director. “They face constant tradeoffs – ‘Do I hire a lawyer to review a contract or put those dollars into marketing? Should I invest in accounting software or secure my website domain? Buy equipment to improve efficiency or purchase more inventory?’ We’re incredibly fortunate to have WEDC investing in Western Wisconsin and helping local entrepreneurs move past these hurdles so they can grow.” 

Recipients of the second round of micro-grants include:

$9,000 grants: 

$7,000 grants: 

$5,000 grant: 

$1,500 grants: 

The first round of six grants totaling $45,000 was awarded Nov. 12. 

The SVCBIC is a combined effort of UW-River Falls, Chippewa Valley Technical College, the River Falls Economic Development Corporation and the City of River Falls.  

To learn more about resources available at the SVCBIC, contact Marnell at sheri.marnell@uwrf.edu or 715-425-4288 or visit stcroixinnovation.org. 
 

Photo: 12 area businesses received micro-grants during a celebration March 4 at the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center (SCVBIC) in River Falls. The micro-grants are being offered to support area businesses with growth expenses and are supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.