Capital Ideas Technology Zone

Whitewater's historic downtown and the Whitewater Business Park are both included in the Capital Idea's Technology Zone. Businesses producing high tech products or employing advanced technology in their operation are eligible to receive up to $150,000 in state income tax credits for new projects in the zone.

Economic Development Loan Program

The Economic Development Loan Program has three components. Industrial Development Loans are made to larger projects, and are primarily targeted to manufacturing businesses. Commercial Enterprise Loans are made to larger retail and service businesses. Both of these loans have a 4.0% rate, and can be used primarily for asset expenses, such as land or building acquisition, building construction, or purchases of machinery. The CDA also has a loan program for small and start-up businesses. The Micro-Loan Program has a maximum loan amount of $15,000, and may be used for a greater number of purposes. Businesses should contact the CDA to determine if these, or another program may be suited to their project.

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Resources

The UW-Whitewater has several programs available to assist businesses, and has created many innovative partnerships such as the Technology Consortium, which utilizes the Management Information Systems program at the university to develop software applications for businesses. The following are links to some of the university's programs:

• Small Business Development Center
• Global Business Resource Center
• Wisconsin Center for Information Technology Services (Wi-CITS)
• Wisconsin Innovation Service Center
• Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

State of Wisconsin Resources

The Whitewater CDA is the local conduit to state and federal assistance programs. There are many economic development and related programs offering loans, and in some instances, grants for activities such as property acquisition, building construction, machinery purchases, business planning, technology commercialization, work force training, infrastructure development and related needs.

USDA Rural Development

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America. Through our programs, we touch rural America in many ways.

With financial programs supporting such essential public facilities and services as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telephone service USDA promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools. USDA offers technical assistance and information to help agricultural and other cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their member services. And they provide technical assistance to help communities undertake community empowerment programs.

Facade Loan Program

Owners of commercial buildings may be eligible for a Facade Loan to make improvements to the exterior of their buildings. This program is primarily targeted to the downtown district, although any building may be eligible. Certain design guidelines may apply. Applicants should consult with the program coordinator prior to submitting an application.

Facade Loan Program Manual and Application

Facade Grant Program

Business owners in the Downtown District may be eligible for a Facade Grant to make improvements to the exterior of their building. Any improvements made through the Facade Grant Program must follow the Downtown Whitewater Design Guidelines. Applicants should consult with the program coordinator prior to submitting an application.

Facade Grant Information and Application
Downtown Design Guidelines