Wisconsin
| Program | # of Grants | EDA Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Adjustment Assistance | 3 | $1,800,000 |
| Technical Assistance |
3 | $474,000 |
| Planning | 4 | $414,640 |
| Total | 10 | $2,688,640 |
During FY 2012, EDA awarded 10 grants totaling $2.69 million in the State of Wisconsin. These investments spurred job creation in agribusiness, food production, water-based technologies, automotive technologies, and high tech manufacturing. These projects leveraged the assets of the rural areas and the states university and community college system to create a holistic approach to economic development that is able to increase productivity, spur innovation and entrepreneurship, and increase long-term regional competitiveness and economic diversification.
Investment Spotlight: EDA Investment Promotes Innovation to Increase Exports
Building on the state’s tradition as the "Dairy State," dairy products remain a significant portion of Wisconsin’s economy. Dairy production is especially critical in the state’s rural areas as most dairy business manufacturing facilities are located in small communities with a population under 5,000. Expansion of the value-added dairy industry through new or expanding cheese and whey manufacturing businesses strengthens rural ecosystems and helps stabilize economic drivers in small communities.
In FY 2012, EDA announced the Wisconsin Innovates for Success (WINS) Proof of Concept Center as a winner of its i6 Competition. Focused on commercialization of dairy-based university research, the WINS program provides entrepreneurial and innovator support to launch new food products, expand dairy plants, or create startups. The public/private partnership, led by the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, facilitates and fosters ideas between technical and business partners, higher education, not-for-profit organizations, export groups, and trade associations representing the dairy industry. The University has identified three key goals for this project which will have major economic impact: to make the U.S. the leading exporter of cheese to Asia by developing new products specifically designed to meet the needs of China/Asian markets; to grow U.S. whey exports by converting all cheese and by-products into valued-added, nutritious ingredients; and to find healthier cheese alternatives for school menus. The commercialization of this innovation is anticipated to generate $15 million in private investment and create an estimated 200 jobs in Wisconsin communities.