WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Governor Scott Walker spent part of Tuesday morning in Wausau announcing a new $100,000 revolving-door loan fund to help minority small-business owners.
“It’s really about making sure that as the economy grows statewide, we ensure that every community in every part of Wisconsin benefit from that,” said Walker. He adds that the funding helps everyone achieve what he calls the ultimate American dream. “It’s not just having your own business or owning your own home. It’s having your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews be able to stay in this state and in this region close to home.”
Walker says the $100,000 grant comes from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and will be administered by the Marathon County Development Corporation (MCDEVCO). He credits Representative Pat Snyder and Senator Jerry Petrowski with spearheading the effort to get the grant.
Mary Thao, a small-business owner herself in addition to her publicly elected positions, says that for those who would like to start a small business the funding will be extremely valuable. “We’re very excited and humbled to receive this grant.” She went on to say that the money will make a huge difference to anyone who receives it just based on interest rates alone.
“You’re not going to receive interest rates that are just better than what traditional bank lenders can do for you.” Thao adds that another big help for her when she was starting was the support from MCDEVCO professionals. “They will not let you fail. They are there every step of the way. That’s something that you just don’t get everywhere.”
Walker adds that the funds from the grant will be somewhat of an incubator for the next generation of minority-owned small businesses, since as the funds are paid back they will go out to others looking to get their idea off the ground.
ON THE SUPREME COURT’S DECISION REGARDING GOLDEN SANDS DAIRY LLC
While making the trip to Wausau the Governor was also keeping his eye on the State Supreme Court ruling that allows Golden Sands Dairy LLC to expand their operation in the Wood County Town of Saratoga. Walker says it’s clear the decision of the court is final and the expansion can move forward, and that he remains confident that any environmental issues shouldn’t present themselves.
“Most of the regulations that are in place in terms of water quality and other issues are very stringent on larger operations. Frankly, most of the challenges you get in terms of run off come from small or mid-sized operations that don’t have to live under those regulations.” Walker adds that the state remains committed to finding a way to help farm operations of all sizes operate in a safe manner.
