Supporting Local Businesses
Let’s Build Something Together
The Vault was developed as a miniature incubator for rural entrepreneurs — inspired by larger innovation hubs but designed specifically for small-town businesses that want collaboration, momentum, and strategic guidance close to home. As such, we want to help you build your dream.
Services Available Through the vault
Startup strategy and business planning
Grant positioning and funding guidance
Growth and partnership strategy
Entrepreneur mentorship and advisory
Tools, Funding & Support
We believe rural entrepreneurs deserve access to the same momentum, strategy, and opportunity found in larger innovation hubs — just tailored for our community. That’s why we connect founders, small businesses, and community builders with trusted local, regional, and statewide resources. Whether you’re starting something new or scaling an existing business, Vault 209 is your gateway to real tools, real funding, and real support.
Statewide Entrepreneur Resources
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Wisconsin SBDC Network offers no-cost business consulting, education programs, and startup guidance for entrepreneurs at every stage. Their advisors help with business planning, funding strategy, and growth planning — making them one of the strongest starting points for founders in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Through WEDC Programs & Resources, entrepreneurs can explore grants, tax credits, community revitalization funding, and small-business growth programs. WEDC provides financial tools and technical assistance designed to help Wisconsin businesses expand and succeed.
Examples include:
Small Business Development Grants
Technical Assistance Programs
Rural prosperity and downtown revitalization initiatives
Start In Wisconsin
Start In Wisconsin Entrepreneur Directory connects founders with statewide partners, events, and programs — helping entrepreneurs find the right resources based on their business stage and goals.
U.S. Small Business Administration (Wisconsin District)
Through SBA Wisconsin District Resources, business owners can access funding programs, certifications, mentoring, and federal business resources that support long-term growth.
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
WWBIC Business Support & Financing provides training, lending programs, and financial education — especially valuable for women-owned and emerging businesses across Wisconsin.
Education & Innovation Partners
Sentry School of Business & Economics — UW-Stevens Point
The Sentry School of Business & Economics offers entrepreneurship education, business strategy programs, and innovation-focused learning opportunities for founders looking to strengthen leadership and business skills. The school was renamed following a transformational investment from the Sentry Insurance Foundation, highlighting its growing role in regional economic development.
Wisconsin Grant Opportunities & Funding
Wisconsin offers a strong ecosystem of grants and funding programs designed to help businesses launch, expand, and innovate. Many opportunities are coordinated through WEDC and statewide partners, supporting initiatives like workforce training, export growth, and entrepreneurship development.
Common categories include:
Small business development grants
Workforce and training grants
Innovation and commercialization funding
Rural and downtown revitalization programs
Vault-209 helps entrepreneurs identify which opportunities align best with their goals and stage of growth ideas, Real Impact.