DE PERE, Wis. (WFRV) – De Pere’s efforts to revitalize its downtown just got a major boost. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has awarded the city a $100,000 Small Business Development Grant.
From a press release, the announcement came Tuesday at Orsetta Craft Kitchen, a local restaurant that already benefited from the city’s Experience De Pere program. Mayor James Boyd and WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes were on hand for the news.
Launched in January, Experience De Pere helps small businesses move into empty storefronts. So far, the program has awarded $120,000 to eight businesses, including Orsetta and Voyageur Bakehouse.
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Thanks to this new funding, the program will now expand beyond downtown to include the Main Avenue corridor between Fort Howard Drive and Lawrence Drive. Business owners in that area can apply for grants of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with a focus on unique business ideas and underserved entrepreneurs.
“Together, we’re not just revitalizing our downtown. We’re building something deeper — a community rooted in purpose, belonging, and resilience,” Mayor Boyd said.
More details about the grant program are available at www.deperewi.gov/development.
