Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurial Venture
The Rural Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Initiative supports the development of rural entrepreneurial ecosystems across the state of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurial Venture
Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) is a proven entrepreneurial development program designed to advance small town economies through a targeted business approach. Wisconsin REV is being developed in partnership with Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA), Compeer Financial, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), and e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. This effort is being funded by Compeer Financial. Launching in 2024, Wisconsin REV provides coaching, resources and connections throughout the visioning and implementation process as each community explores what economic development means for their communities.
Wisconsin REV Program
Grow Your Own
Communities across the country have shown great success and economic growth by using a “grow your own” approach to entrepreneur development. Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) is an established program designed to advance small-town economies through a focus on businesses, nonprofits, and government. Wisconsin REV will use this same approach to help Wisconsin communities flourish.
Communities See Impact
- Increased prosperity, measured through tax revenue and school enrollment.
- Increased new businesses, better small and new business support systems, and new or improved training opportunities.
- Increased diversity in leadership and community entrepreneurial activity.
- Increased resilience, demonstrated through economic diversity.
Program Deliverables
Each Wisconsin REV community will be provided:
- A trained coach to work one-on-one with the community leadership team for up to 3 years.
- The tools to identify and expand the leadership base to support entrepreneurial activity now and into the future.
- A greater understanding of its new business opportunities.
- Financial assistance to cover meeting expenses, technology needs, and coordinator stipend.
- A long-term and long-lasting processes that supports the needs of businesses as they grow.
Community Snapshot
The typical Wisconsin REV community is:
- A rural community with a minimum base population of 1,500 residents but no more than 10,000 residents, which may include an incorporated municipality, partnering municipalities, and/or school district boundaries.
- The community is program ready, with local leadership available and willing to spend time with aspiring entrepreneurs.
- The community is committed to growing a more resilient, sustainable, and diversified economy over time.
To learn more and get started, contact the Wisconsin REV: Lisa Taylor, Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurial Venture Specialist, lisa.taylor@wisc.edu
