We can connect you to many financial programs locally, regionally and at the state level.  There are local Revolving Loan Fund, (RLF), programs that provide low interest, (below prime), loans to qualified business ventures.  We can also assist you with grant applications that provide funds for market research and training/educational programs.

Plus, we have a large database of Strategic Partners.  SCEPI can be your liaison to help get you connected to each of their unique programs.

SCEPI Partner Links
Financial Organizations

Grant Programs to Help You Get What You Need!

We can assist you with applications to programs that can help you with market research, start up business viability analysis and educational and training programs.  Applications can be difficult at times but SCEPI can help cut through the red tape and get you connected to resources that will help you.

Wisconsin Early Planning Grant: The Early Planning Grant (EPG) program is designed to help individual entrepreneurs and small businesses obtain the professional services necessary to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed start up or expansion. Under the EPG program, the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN) can provide a grant to cover a portion of the cost of hiring a for-profit, in-state, independent third party to develop a comprehensive business plan. In addition to formalizing an entrepreneur's goals and objectives, a well-prepared business plan is critical to attract the capital financing necessary for a business to be successful. The grant (up to $3,000 and requiring a 25% match) is available to business start-ups in the following industry sectors:
• Automation
• Agriculture/Food Products
• Biotechnology
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing
• Medical Devices
• Paper/Forest Products
• Printing
• Tourism
• Childcare (not including in-home childcare).

Entreprenurial Training Grant: Provides funding for entrepreneurs to attend a course focused on determining the viability of their business. Coursework addresses legal and financial issues, staffing, accounting, record-keeping and marketing. In addition, individual counseling and coaching will help to complete the business plan and prepare to request financing from banks, investors and/or public institutions.

Low Interest Loans for Your Business!

SCEPI administers two Revolving Loan Fund, RLF), programs - one for businesses that are located in the City of Shawano and another for businesses located elsewhere in Shawano County. Each RLF loan program can provide matching fund loans of not more than 50% of total project costs.

Interest Rate & Terms

The interest rate and term are set individually for each loan and generally rangefrom 2%-7% depending on the current prime rate, economic benefits and risk assessment of the loan.  Business must create at least one full time job for each $20,000 of RLF loan funds within the first two years of a successful loan award. Loan terms are flexible.  Note that we will seek the best possible collateral position for RLF loans.

Eligible Activities:
Acquisition of land, buildings, and fixed equipment.
The payment of assessments for sewer, water, street, and other public utilities, if the provision of the facilities will directly create or retain jobs.
Acquisition of inventory.
The construction, reconstruction, or installation of buildings, fixed equipment, and site improvements.*
The clearance, demolition, removal, or rehabilitation of buildings and improvements.*

*While eligible, these activities are strongly discouraged due to federal requirements but can be used as match for our loans.

Shawano County Economic Progress Inc.
Steve Sengstock, Executive Director
1263 S Main St.
Shawano, WI  54166
Phone:  (715)526-5839
Fax:  (715)526-2125
EMail:  Scepi@frontiernet.net