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Other Economic Development Programs

PACE Wisconsin

The PACE Wisconsin program is a financing program that provides funding for energy-efficient upgrades to commercial and industrial properties. PACE stands for Property Assessed Clean Energy, and the is designed to help businesses save money on energy costs while also reducing carbon footprint. The program is available to property owners in participating Wisconsin municipalities and is administered by the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation. 

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     Market Development Director

     (608) 729.6900

     kjohnston@slipstreaminc.org 

Focus on Energy Program

The Focus on Energy program in Wisconsin helps residents, businesses, and farms reduce energy use and costs through energy audits, financial incentives, and educational resources. It provides rebates for energy-efficient upgrades, offers technical assistance, and supports sustainability efforts. The program aims to lower utility bills, reduce environmental impact, and foster economic development. Funded by utilities and administered by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, it is available year-round. 

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  • Assistance Type:  Technical Assistance 

  • Application Cycle: Continuous 

  • Contact and/or Application Link: Agents are available M-F 9am - 5pm, Tel. 800.762.7077 

Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) Grant Program

The Workforce Advancement Training Grant Program aims to provide funding for training programs that enhance workers' skills to meet employers' needs and economic growth. The program seeks support partnerships between businesses, training providers, and workforce development organizations to create training programs tailored to the local workforce's needs. Ultimately, the goal is to help workers gain the skills they need to succeed in the market and to help businesses find the skilled workers they need to grow. 

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  • Assistance Type:  Grant  

  • Annual/Biennial Funding Amount:  The funding amount each year will vary based on the state budget 

  • Application Cycle: rolling application cycle 

  • Contact and/or Application Link:

    • ​Wisconsin Technical College System Office Phone Number: (608) 266-1207 

    • Flyer Link

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Bureau of Commissioners of Public Lands State Trust Fund Loan Program

The Bureau of Commissioners of Public Land (BCPL) State Trust Loan Fund Program is designed to provide financial assistance to various local governments and other entities in Wisconsin. The program typically offers low-interest loans to support a range of projects, such as infrastructure development, land acquisition, or other community improvements. The funding comes from the State Trust Fund, which is managed by the BCPL. These loans are intended to help fund projects that benefit the public and support the economic development and well-being of communities within the state. 

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  • Assistance Type: Loan 

  • Annual/Biennial Funding Amount: The funding annually is not a fixed amount, as it varies based on demand for loans, loan repayments and revenue from investments. 

  • Application Cycle: rolling application 

  • Eligibility Obstacle: Program requires job creation for eligibility, which is a significant hurdle in the current economic environment that includes a severe workforce shortage.  

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Tax Increment Financing

Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) is a critical local economic development financing tool that enables Wisconsin municipalities to fund infrastructure and other improvements within designated areas, known as Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs), using the increased property tax revenue generated by rising property values in those areas. While TIF is a local economic development tool that is initiated and managed locally, it was established by state statute in 1975 legislation and TIDs must ultimately be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

 

Once a new TID is proposed, a local Joint Review Board, which is comprised of the municipality and other taxing entities such as the school district and county, evaluates whether public investment is necessary for development.

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After a TID is created, it begins to utilize the additional property tax revenue, or “increment,” to cover eligible development costs. This increment represents the difference between the property tax revenue from the base year and future years during the TID’s lifespan. TIF doesn’t raise or lower taxes but reallocates the increased tax revenue to support development. It remains Wisconsin's most utilized and effective economic development tool, vital for funding investments and fostering job growth and prosperity statewide.

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For more information on TIF, please visit the DOR Tax Incremental Financing website: DOR Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Information (wi.gov)

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