What the Badger 100 Program Does

The Badger 100 is a Wisconsin state program that provides grants to small businesses and nonprofits to help them recover from economic hardship. The program does not require repayment — the money is a grant, not a loan. Badger 100 grants have historically ranged from a few thousand dollars up to around $25,000, though the exact amount and availability depend on the funding cycle and the type of organization you run.

The program is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), a state agency that manages business support programs. Badger 100 opens periodically rather than staying open year-round, so timing matters. When a funding round opens, the state announces it through WEDC's website and through local economic development offices.

Key Takeaways

  • Badger 100 grants do not require repayment and are intended for small businesses and nonprofits facing economic hardship or recovery needs.
  • The program opens in funding rounds rather than continuously, so you need to check WEDC's website or contact your local economic development office to learn when the next round begins.
  • Grant amounts have historically ranged from several thousand to around $25,000, but the exact amount available varies by funding cycle.
  • You will need to document your business structure, financial situation, and the specific hardship or need the grant would address.

Who Can Receive a Badger 100 Grant

Badger 100 is designed for small businesses and nonprofits in Wisconsin. The program typically targets organizations that have experienced a specific hardship — such as a natural disaster, significant revenue loss, or other documented economic challenge — rather than providing general startup funding. Nonprofits must be registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions or the IRS.

Your business or nonprofit must be based in Wisconsin and conduct operations in the state. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and nonprofits are all potentially may be able to access, but the program does not fund certain industries or activities. You should contact WEDC directly or your local economic development office to confirm whether your type of organization and industry are covered in the current funding round.

How to Find Out When Badger 100 Opens

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announces Badger 100 funding rounds on its official website at wedc.org. You can check the "Funding Opportunities" or "Grants" section to see whether a round is currently open. WEDC also maintains an email list for program updates — you can sign up on their website to receive notifications when a new round begins.

Your local economic development organization is another reliable source. Most Wisconsin counties and larger cities have an economic development office or chamber of commerce that tracks state funding opportunities. Calling your county economic development office and asking specifically about Badger 100 will tell you whether a round is open and what the current requirements are. This is often faster than searching online, because staff can answer questions about your specific situation.

What You Will Need to Prepare

Before you contact WEDC or submit a request, gather documentation about your business or nonprofit. You will need proof of your business structure — articles of incorporation, a business license, or nonprofit registration. You will also need recent financial records, typically the last one to three years of tax returns or financial statements, depending on how long your organization has been operating.

Prepare a clear description of the hardship or need the grant would address. This might be recovery from a specific event, funding for equipment or facilities damaged by a disaster, or documented revenue loss during a particular period. The more specific you can be about what happened and how the grant would help, the stronger your request. Have your business address, contact information, and the names and titles of key decision-makers ready as well.

The Process After You Contact WEDC

When you reach out to WEDC or submit a request during an open funding round, a staff member will review your initial information to determine whether your organization meets the basic requirements. This screening typically takes a few days to a week. If you pass the initial review, WEDC will ask you to submit more detailed documentation — usually a formal request form, financial records, and a written explanation of your need.

After you submit the full request, WEDC reviews all applications and makes funding decisions. The timeline from submission to decision varies depending on how many requests the program receives, but you should expect several weeks to a couple of months. WEDC will contact you with a decision. If you receive a grant, the state will issue the funds directly to your organization's bank account.

What Happens If Badger 100 Is Not Currently Open

If you check WEDC's website and no Badger 100 round is currently open, you have a few options. First, sign up for WEDC's email notifications so you learn when ready when the next round begins. Second, contact your local economic development office to ask when the program typically opens and whether they know of other state or federal grants your organization might be able to pursue in the meantime.

Wisconsin also offers other grant and loan programs for small businesses and nonprofits through WEDC and through federal agencies. Your local economic development office can point you toward programs that match your situation — whether you need disaster recovery funding, equipment financing, or general business growth support. Some programs stay open year-round, so you may not have to wait for Badger 100 to reopen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to repay a Badger 100 grant?

No. Badger 100 grants do not require repayment. The money is a grant, not a loan. Once you receive the funds and use them for the stated purpose, you have no obligation to return the money to the state.

Can I use a Badger 100 grant for any business expense?

The grant must address the specific hardship or need you documented in your request. If you received the grant to recover from flood damage, for example, you would use the funds for repairs or replacement of damaged property. Using the money for an unrelated purpose could result in the state asking you to return the funds. Ask WEDC in writing what uses are permitted before you spend the money.

How long does it take to receive the money after I am approved?

Once WEDC approves your request, the state typically processes the payment within two to four weeks. The exact timeline depends on your organization's banking information and whether WEDC needs any additional documentation from you before releasing the funds.

What if my business is in a rural area — am I still may be able to access?

Yes. Badger 100 is available to small businesses and nonprofits throughout Wisconsin, including rural areas. Location within the state is not a barrier to may be able to access, though some funding rounds may prioritize certain regions or industries. Contact WEDC to confirm the current round's focus.