Small Business Financing Options
- Dec 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Funding Resources, Programs, and Local Lending Partners
Access to capital is one of the most common challenges for small businesses and startups. Whether you are launching a new venture, expanding operations, purchasing equipment, or navigating cash flow gaps, understanding small business financing options in Wisconsin can help you make informed, strategic decisions.
Crawford County businesses benefit from a strong network of local, regional, state, and federal financing partners. These organizations offer loans, grants, technical assistance, and incentive programs designed to support business growth in rural and small-town communities.
Many successful businesses use a combination of financing tools, including traditional loans, revolving loan funds, incentives, and technical assistance. Understanding how these programs work together is often just as important as identifying a single source of capital.
Below is a curated overview of trusted small business financing resources, including who they serve and how they can help.
Federal Small Business Financing Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) works with approved lenders to make financing more accessible to small businesses. While the SBA does not lend directly, it reduces risk for lenders by guaranteeing portions of loans, which helps businesses qualify for funding they might not otherwise obtain.
Best for:
Startup and expansion loans
Businesses needing longer repayment terms
Owners seeking lender-backed financing support
Common SBA programs include:
SBA 7(a) Loans
SBA 504 Loans
SBA Microloans
USDA Rural Development – Business Programs
USDA Rural Development provides financing and technical assistance to support business creation and expansion in rural communities. These programs focus on strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and supporting long-term rural sustainability.
In some cases, USDA Rural Development financing is delivered through local utilities or development organizations using revolving loan structures. These programs can offer highly favorable terms and are often paired with other financing tools.
Best for:
Rural businesses and manufacturers
Equipment purchases and facility improvements
Workforce development and job creation
Programs often work through local lenders and development organizations to provide capital and support services.
Wisconsin Statewide Business Financing Resources
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
WHEDA Business Lending offers specialized loan programs that support small and medium-sized businesses throughout Wisconsin. WHEDA financing is often used alongside private lenders to close funding gaps and make projects viable.
Best for:
Business expansion and redevelopment
Equipment and real estate financing
Projects with community or economic impact
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
WWBIC is Wisconsin’s largest micro-lender and a leading provider of small business education and financial coaching. WWBIC offers loans up to $250,000 and works with both startups and existing businesses.
Best for:
Early-stage businesses
Microloans and smaller financing needs
Entrepreneurs seeking guidance through the loan process
WWBIC also provides business education, technical assistance, and financial readiness support.
Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Business Tax Incentives
Wisconsin offers a variety of tax credits and incentives designed to encourage business investment, job creation, and economic growth. These incentives can significantly impact a business’s bottom line.
Examples include:
Manufacturing and Agriculture Tax Credit
Investment incentives
Business development tax programs
Understanding available tax incentives can be an important part of an overall financing strategy.
Regional and Local Financing Options
Regional Revolving Loan Funds (Crawford County)
Administered by the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC), these revolving loan funds provide flexible, low-interest financing designed to fill capital gaps that traditional lenders may not cover.
These funds are commonly used in combination with bank loans or SBA financing.
Key programs serving Crawford County include:
CARES Act Revolving Loan Fund: Originally created to support recovery and resilience, this fund continues to provide gap financing for small businesses creating or retaining jobs.
CMV Growth Development Fund: Focused on business expansion, equipment purchases, and projects that strengthen the local economy in Crawford, Monroe, and Vernon counties.
Business Capital Fund: Designed to support targeted industries and projects that need flexible terms or longer amortization periods.
Best for:
Gap financing
Equipment and working capital
Expansion projects that support job creation or retention
Local Banks and Credit Unions
Local banks and credit unions are often the first stop for business financing in Crawford County. These institutions provide traditional business loans, lines of credit, and SBA-backed financing, and many have deep knowledge of the local market.
In many cases, local lenders partner with state, federal, and regional programs — such as SBA loan guarantees or revolving loan funds — to structure financing that meets a business’s needs.
Best for:
Traditional business loans and lines of credit
SBA-backed financing (7(a) and 504 loans)
Long-term banking relationships and ongoing support
(DDI can help businesses understand how local lenders may fit into a broader financing strategy and connect them with appropriate partners.)
Compeer Financial
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving agriculture and rural businesses across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Compeer offers loans, leases, risk management services, and specialized agricultural financing.
Best for:
Agricultural operations
Rural businesses
Renewable energy and ag-related enterprises
Compeer also supports rural communities through grants and scholarships focused on agricultural education and development.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Every business is different, and the right financing path depends on your goals, timeline, and readiness. Many businesses benefit from combining multiple funding sources or working with advisors to prepare for financing.
DDI works with entrepreneurs and business owners to:
Identify appropriate financing programs
Understand eligibility requirements
Connect with trusted partners
Prepare for next steps
👉 Request Business Assistance
(Business assistance begins with a short intake form so we can understand your needs and connect you with the right resources.)
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