Resources for Existing Businesses
The Main Street Program provides Ashland business and property owners a variety of helpful resources.
Free Facade/Signage Design Assistance:
Thinking about updating your storefront or signage to better reflect your brand and draw customers? You can receive free renderings and design assistance through the Wisconsin Main Street Program.
Contact: Joe Lawniczak, Downtown Design Specialist joe.lawniczak@wedc.org
Marketing & Promotions Assistance:
Need help setting up your social media accounts? Interested in changing your branding package? Looking for support with marketing and enticing image to shoppers, investors and visitors? You can receive free marketing and Promotions support through the Wisconsin Main Street Program.
Contact: Adriana Saia, WEDC Promotions Specialist adriana.saia@wedc.org
Historic Tax Credits:
Owners of historic income-producing properties in Wisconsin may be eligible for two income tax credits that can help pay for their building’s rehabilitations, including adaptive reuse:
- 20% Federal Tax Credit for dollar for dollar reduction to federal income liability
- 20% State Tac Credit for dollar for dollar reduction to WI state income liability.
Contact: Claire Bushemi 608.264.6490 or claire.bushemi@wiconsinhistory.org.
Opportunity Zone:
Ashland’s downtown is location within an Opportunity Zone, making investments of capital gains within the district eligible for capital gains tac deferral and reductions.
Contact: Wisconsin Diversified Investments, LLC 414.350.4207 or invest@widiversified.com
KIVA 0% Loans
Unlike loans from traditional lenders, other microlenders, or other crowdfunding platforms, Kiva US offers loans from $1,000 to $15,000 that are 0% interest fee-free, crowdfunded loans with applications that require no credit score, collateral, business plan or financial statements.
Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce Revolving Loan for Main Street:
The Ashland area Chamber of Commerce offers a revolving loan to downtown existing and new businesses. Unlike traditional revolving loans, this one considers a Mom & Pop small retailer as two jobs. Therefore, there is no “Job Creation” need for applying for the loan. Loans are from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 and are for everything from inventory to signage. Payments are set up on a monthly automatic withdrawal out of the business account.
NWPRC Revolving Loan Fund
The Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NWRPC) has access to revolving loan funds that assist startups and existing businesses that are looking to strengthen their capacity or recover from a declared natural disaster in Northwest Wisconsin. Program requirements include: marching funds, collateral, demonstration of projected cash flow, job creation and/or retention and evaluation of economic impact and market saturation of proposed business.
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