Dept. of Commerce: Gov. Doyle Announces Business Development Grants

Contact:
Tony Hozeny, 608/267-9661

MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that four Wisconsin businesses will share $16,000 in funding from Department of Commerce for business development.

“My Grow Wisconsin plan promotes business development,” Gov. Doyle said. “These grants will help increase productivity by investing in employee training and helping two small businesses obtain professional advice to assess the feasibility of their business ideas.”

The projects are as follows:

Western Container Corporation, Beloit, Rock County, $5,000 Business Employees Skills Training (BEST) grant

Western Container Corporation is a manufacturer of spiral wound paper tubes, precision cores, and composite cans. The company will use the funds to upgrade the skills of its workforce. Western Container Corporation is investing $3,975 to train 15 employees.

Befour, Inc., Saukville, Ozaukee County, $5,000 BEST grant

Befour, Inc. is a manufacturer of digital electronic scales and sports scoring systems. The company will use the funds to train six employees in order to achieve IS0-9000 certification. Befour, Inc. is investing $9,500 to train six employees.

The Organic Meat Corporation, La Farge, Vernon County, $3,000 Rural Economic Development (RED) – Phase 1 grant

The Organic Meat Corporation will use the funds to hire the professional services necessary to evaluate the feasibility of expanding its organic meat selling business.

Taylor-North, Inc., Minong, Washburn County, $3,000 RED – Phase 1 grant

Taylor-North, Inc. will use the funds to hire the professional services necessary to evaluate the feasibility of producing bio-mass product heating and energy products.

Businesses throughout Wisconsin can apply for funds through the BEST program for assistance in training employees. Interested businesses should contact their Commerce Area Development Manager to determine if one of Commerce’s programs can assist them. Contact information can be found at www.commerce.wi.gov/MT/MT-FAX-0901.html.

The RED Program, administered by the Department of Commerce, helps small rural businesses start-up and expand operations. For further information, contact Jamie Wall, Commerce, 608/267-0770.