Input needed for regional economic development strategy update

All residents of East Central Wisconsin are being encouraged to take a survey that will assist in compiling a prioritized list of regional economic development projects and provide a snapshot of economic conditions in the region. In particular, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) will provide the latest information and analysis of demographic trends and socioeconomic conditions such as population, labor force, personal income, wage information, and regional industries. Preparation of the CEDS also ensures that all communities within the region are eligible for Economic Development Administration grants and loan programs and provides a roadmap for economic development in the district.

The East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission has embarked on preparing a five-year update to the CEDS for its 10-county region which includes Calumet, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Menominee, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago Counties.

Surveys need to be completed by June 15th. The survey is available at the following link: www.eastcentralrpc.org/planning/economic/EconDevelDistrict.htm.
 

Congressman Petri to host grants conference

Congressman Tom Petri will host “Assistance to Small Business, Local Government and Education: Leveraging Federal Resources for Success,” from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 29th at Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac.

The program will feature specific workshop tracks for local government; small business; and, education, both primary and secondary as well as college and university.  A fourth track will provide general information on grant writing and how to research which grants and programs are available at any given time.  Throughout the program, panel presentations will provide opportunities for those who have been successful in capturing federal dollars to share their tips and ideas.

A $25 registration fee includes materials, continental breakfast, and a soup and sandwich luncheon buffet. Space is limited and registrations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration deadline is May 23rd.  To register or receive more information, contact Congressman Petri’s office at (920) 922-1180; (800) 242-4883 or mary.schmidt@mail.house.gov.
 

Financing for Small Business Workshop

A two-hour workshop that will discuss how to finance the startup, growth and expansion of a small business will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 22nd, at UW-Fond du Lac in Room 242 of the Administration Building.

In addition to traditional and non-traditional equity and debt financing, there will also be a discussion of local, state and federal programs for small business. There will be time for questions and answers, and each workshop participant will receive a notebook with useful information and forms, along with contact information for local organizations which provide free assistance to small business.

Cost per person is $25. To register call the Small Business Development Center at (800) 232-8939 or register online at www.uwosh.edu/sbdc.
 

The mission of Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, a county-wide private/public partnership, is to improve the economic well being of the businesses, communities, and residents of the county via business attraction activities, existing business development, entrepreneurial services, community preparedness and consultation and workforce development.