SMALL BIZ SUPPORT. The Dunn Economic Development Corp. is accepting applications for its Small Business Development Grant program, now through 11:59pm on Sept. 18. The program debuted in 2025, awarding over 25 small businesses and startups with funding. One of those awardees was Town & Country Antiques (owner Sylvia Gengenbach pictured).

Last summer, the Dunn Economic Development Corp. (DEDC) launched its inaugural Small Business Development Grant program thanks to funding from the state EDC. One year later, that program is looking for its next round of awardees – and is calling for applications, open now through Sept. 18.

The grant program offers up to $10,000 per eligible business across three areas: technical assistance, commercial space support and economic development loan fund matching.

To qualify, businesses must be located in Dunn County (and cannot relocate to the county for the sole purpose of receiving these funds, the grant webpage emphasizes), have 25 or fewer full-time employees and be a for-profit business. Both startups and existing businesses may qualify.

“From recovering from disaster to launching new manufacturing technologies, these grants are making immediate, tangible impacts.”

ADAM ACCOLA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DUNN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

In 2025, nearly $115,000 was awarded to 27 small businesses and startups in Dunn County. Those included familiar local storefronts and businesses like Town & Country Antiques (632 Broadway St. S, Menomonie), Vino Cappuccino (N5734 US-12, Elk Mound), Mike’s Art & Design Supply (105 Main St. E, Menomonie), among others.

Then, DEDC Director Adam Accola told Volume One, “the real story is found in how these businesses are using the funds to solve problems and serve their neighbors.

“From recovering from disaster to launching new manufacturing technologies, these grants are making immediate, tangible impacts,” he said.

Town & Country Antiques, for instance, suffered a fire in May 2025, resulting in a total loss of their building and inventory. The Small Business Development Grant from the DEDC covered costs for infrastructure – point-of-sales tech, security systems and office equipment – that allowed them to reopen in downtown Menomonie.

This DEDC grant program also collaborates with a number of organizations in the Chippewa Valley to support its awardees, including Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council and the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, among others.

Read more about the grant in Volume One’s August 2025 article online and learn more about the program or apply for funding assistance at dunneconomicdevelopment.com. View the grant application here.