GRANTS FOR GO-GETTERS. For the very first time, local nonprofit Red Letter Grant awarded both region one and region two business owners grants at its bi-annual ceremony on Nov. 14. (Region 2 winners pictured)

The Red Letter Grant awarded a total of $16,000 in grants during two biannual awards ceremonies, a first for the local nonprofit since it expanded last fall to cover more of the state. which is now divided into two regions. The program, which now awards a total of eight regional women-led start-ups each a $2,000 grant, was founded in 2017 by Rebecca Cooke.

Region 1 – which includes St. Croix, Pierce, Dunn, Pepin, Buffalo, Chippewa, Eau Claire, Trempealeau, Clark, and Jackson counties – celebrated its fall grant winners on Thursday, Nov. 14, at The Coven in Eau Claire: They are Ewe & Me Wool Company; Rellim Senior Day Care; More Than a Veteran Home; and Suzanne’s Foot & Nail Care. The Region 1 event was sponsored by the Idea Fund of La Crosse.

Region 2 – which includes Burnett, Polk, Washburn, Barron, Sawyer, Rusk, Price, and Taylor counties – celebrated this fall’s grant winners on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in downtown St. Croix Falls: They are WHAT Art School; Seams to Sew; Katie’s Coop Childcare; and Wolf & Stag Fine Jewelry. The Region 2 expansion was made possible thanks to the sponsorship by WBD Inc. of Madison.

“It was an inspiring evening filled with introductions from local small businesses, an overview of regional business resources, and vibrant community network,” Red Letter Grant said of the Region 2 ceremony. “Support our grant winners by following them on social media, buying their goods and services, and telling your friends about them!”

Region 1 winners.

Previous winners of the biannual Red Letter Grant awards include Integrity Audit & Tax (Black River Falls), The Good Wives (Eau Claire), Eau Claire Outdoors, Hive & Hollow (Menomonie), and many others. 

Learn more about Red Letter Grant at redlettergrant.org and keep up with the nonprofit on Facebook.