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Financial Funding & Grants

Below, you will find a numerous amount of area resources and programs that can help businesses with financing. Outside of these resources and programs, the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce can make the connection or refer any client to several different area financial institutions. Contact us for further information.

City of Rhinelander Tax Incremental Financing (TIF)

Tax Incremental Financing can help a municipality undertake a public project to stimulate beneficial development or redevelopment that would not otherwise occur. It is a mechanism for financing local economic development projects in underdeveloped and blighted areas. Taxes generated by the increased property values pay for land acquisition or needed public improvements. The City currently has active tax incremental districts. For more information contact the City of Rhinelander -https://www.rhinelanderwi.us/ 

CWED and NEWEDC Loan Opportunities

The OCEDC offers support with two key financing opportunities to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in Oneida County: the NEWEDC Micro Loan Program, which provides loans from $5,000–$35,000 over 1–3 years (designed to meet short-term cash-flow needs, not for real estate or major fixed-asset purchases), and the CWED Start-Up Loan Fund. If you’re ready to explore these options, contact OCEDC to get started. Learn more here - https://www.ocedc.org/

Downtown Works Revolving Loan Fund

The City of Rhinelander Downtown Works Revolving Loan Fund provides financial support to help strengthen and revitalize the Downtown Business District. Designed for property and business owners within the district, this program offers loans up to $20,000 for eligible capital improvement projects, such as façade upgrades, signage, equipment purchases, or outdoor seating enhancements.

The revolving loan fund is administered through a formal review process by the Downtown Works Revolving Loan Committee. For more information contact the City of Rhinelander -https://www.rhinelanderwi.us/

Entreprenuer Fund Small Business Lending

The Entrepreneur Fund is a mission-based lender dedicated to stimulating the growth of successful businesses and strengthening communities across our region. They do this by partnering with small business owners through flexible financing, expert advising, and business-building programs.

How they can support your business:

  • Financing: Small business loans for renovations, equipment, inventory, and working capital. They collaborate with financial partners on gap financing, commercial real estate loans, and relief funding. Industry-specific solutions are available for sectors like food production and local grocers.
  • Advising: Expert guidance on financial projections, cash flow, pricing strategies, marketing, growth planning, and more.
  • Resources: Access to tools, technology, and business-building programs that strengthen operations and position your business for long-term success.

Ready to grow your business? Visit efund.org or email info@efund.org to get started today.

Kiva Nanoloans

Kiva US offers access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs to build their borrowing potential and empower them to reach their business goals. WWBIC is the hub for all Wisconsin Kiva loans. Unlike loans from traditional lenders, other microlenders, or other crowd-funding platforms, Kiva offers loans from $1,000 to $15,000 that are 0% interest, fee-free, and the application process does not require a credit score, collateral, a business plan or financial statements. Learn more here - https://www.wwbic.com/kiva/

WWBIC Loans

WWBIC makes loans to small and micro start-up and established businesses from $1,000 to $350,000. They work with both women and men in analyzing their business’ financial needs and guiding them through the loan process. Learn more here - https://www.wwbic.com/business-lending/

General Grants

For local & federal grants, several websites can identify opportunities. Some of those are listed below.

From the US Chamber of Commerce - https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/small-business-grants-and-programs

Federal Grants - https://www.grants.gov/

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