Contact: Mike Finger, Executive Director
715-544-7457
The Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $100,000 Rural
Business Enterprise Grant sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Rural Development
funds will be used to find, evaluate, and match rural growth oriented businesses with talent that will focus on the
businesses barrier to growth. This grant fund can be used in communities with populations of fewer than 5,000 in
Barron, Clark, Dunn, Jackson, Polk, Rusk or Taylor counties.
The IFWW, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, helps start-up and growth companies by providing access to expertise. “We’re talking
real world talent” said Mike Finger, the IFWW’s Executive Director, “we match an entrepreneur up with someone who
has successfully dealt with exactly the issue the business owner is facing. We believe proven talent is the ultimate
business growth accelerator.”
While the IFWW promotes business growth and innovation through access to talent, it also helps pay for that talent.
Grant funds are provided to cover program costs, but clients are required to “pay forward” at least 50% of the project
costs to similar outcomes for other businesses in the region. The capital the IFWW provides makes the often difficult
decision to grow possible for the business owner.
To learn more about the Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin please contact Mike Finger and
mfinger@ifww.org, or visit the IFWW’s website at: www.ifww.org or on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/groups/
GroWIng-Space.