4/24/25 WEDC Visits Ripon
24 April 2025 News
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation officials were in Ripon Wednesday morning to present the city with a $240,000 Small Business Development Grant to create the WRNC Business Opportunity Fund, a revolving loan fund to promote growth and sustainability of small businesses. Ripon will collaborate with Waupun, North Fond du Lac, and Campbellsport to provide financial and technical support to help businesses with 25 or fewer employees startup, grow, expand, and/or create jobs. Businesses that receive funding will also work with Envision Greater Fond du Lac’s Ignite Program. Ripon City Administrator Adam Sonntag says, “If we can help a couple startups and a couple of expansions in the next year, I would be thrilled.” WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes and Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers were also in Ripon Wednesday to see firsthand the progress that’s been made in the downtown and learn more about the city’s plans for the SBDG funds. They also toured Ernessi Foods and Knuth Brewing Company who got state funding for expansion and renovation projects. Ripon Main Street Executive Director Craig Tebon says, “Revitalization and transformation don’t happen overnight.”
In the photo courtesy WEDC: WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes, left, and Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers, right, learn about Ripon’s plans for a Small Business Development Grant at the Ripon Main Street, Inc., offices before embarking on a tour of the city.
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