SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS & FUNDING

LRCMKE.com/finance-your-business

Milwaukee-based small-business loans and flexible financing for startups, growing businesses, and entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank funding.

City.Milwaukee.gov/DCD/BusinessToolbox/bids/CommercialRevitalizationFund
One of the strongest Milwaukee resources for eligible businesses improving storefronts, signage, commercial spaces, and other property-related needs. The City is reviewing applications monthly in 2026.

WEDC.org
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. WEDC funds local organizations that pass money and support directly to small businesses, including grants for business development and building improvements.

County.Milwaukee.gov/EN/Administrative-Services/Economic-Development/Business-Resources
Milwaukee County small-business financing, one-on-one help, CDFI connections, and revolving-loan resources for startups and growing businesses. 

WWBIC.com
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation offers small-business loans, training, business-plan help, and access-to-capital programs throughout Wisconsin. They also work with Kiva lending.

Kiva.org/borrow
0% interest small-business loans with no fees, no collateral, and no minimum credit score. Kiva currently offers U.S. entrepreneurs loans up to $15,000 through crowdfunding.

MEDConline.com
Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation offers flexible business financing throughout the Milwaukee region. Useful for businesses needing money for buildings, renovations, equipment, or expansion.

SBA.gov/funding-programs
Official federal small-business funding hub for SBA-backed loans, investment programs, and limited grant opportunities. Important: the SBA generally does not give grants just to start or expand a normal small business.

StudentAid.gov/FAFSA
The main starting point for college funding. FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, state aid, school aid, work-study, and federal student loans.

StudentAid.gov/pell-grant
Federal Pell Grants for eligible undergraduate students with financial need. For the 2026–27 award year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395, and it generally does not have to be repaid.

HEAB.State.WI.us
Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board. Official source for Wisconsin grants, scholarships, tuition programs, and other state financial aid.

HEAB.State.WI.us/programs.html
Direct list of Wisconsin aid programs, including the Wisconsin Grant and Talent Incentive Program Grant, plus aid for technical colleges, UW schools, tribal colleges, and eligible private schools.

StudentAid.gov
Also useful for comparing financial-aid offers, understanding work-study, and knowing the difference between grants and loans before accepting aid.

BigFuture.CollegeBoard.org/Scholarships
Free scholarship search from College Board with thousands of opportunities. You can build a profile and get matched with scholarships based on your background, goals, and eligibility.

CareerOneStop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
Free U.S. Department of Labor scholarship finder for college, technical school, certifications, and other education programs.

StudentAid.gov/Articles/Scholarship-Tips
Official federal guide for finding legitimate scholarships through colleges, employers, community organizations, state agencies, and national programs.

HEAB.State.WI.us
Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board. Check for Wisconsin grants, scholarships, and state financial-aid programs.