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This Weeks Articles for 2/4/2026 ...

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MRRPC Launches Small Business Development Grant Program: Turning Ideas into Action

The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC) is proud to announce the Small Business Development Grant - Business Plan and Pitch Contest, a program designed to help entrepreneurs transform their ideas into thriving businesses.

In partnership with the UW-La Crosse Small Business Development Center and the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) - La Crosse Office, and with $18,000 in funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), MRRPC is offering training, resources, and support to strengthen the regional economy through entrepreneurship.

Program Highlights:

Business Plan Contest: Open to new or existing businesses in the MRRPC nine-county region. Participants will develop a detailed business plan (up to 24 pages, not including cover page) covering areas such as executive summary, company description, market analysis, organizational structure, products and services, marketing strategy, financial projections, and supporting materials.

Prizes Totaling $12,000!

1st Place: $5,000
2nd Place: $3,000
3rd Place: $2,000
4th Place: $1,000
5th Place: $500
6th Place: $250
7th Place: $250

Pitch Contest: The top seven business plan winners will advance to pitch their idea in a 5-7 minute presentation to a panel of judges for a share of an additional $6,000 in funding.

Eligibility:

Entrepreneurs in the idea stage or startup stage
Existing businesses seeking expansion, operational improvements, or new market opportunities
Located within MRRPC’s nine-county region

All applications must be submitted by:
February 13th at 12:00 PM to jon@mrrpc.com.

Contact:

Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission
811 Monitor Street, Suite 201
La Crosse, WI 54603
Phone: 608.785.9396
Email: jon@mrrpc.com Website: www.mrrpc.com

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Jon Notes: Please share this with local businesses that have fewer than 24 full time equivalent employees, both new and existing small businesses operating in our 9 county region can submit their plans...

New DOT Program for Local Roads and Culverts

Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP)

The Local Small Structure Improvement Program (LSSIP) is a one-time appropriation authorized as part of the 2025-2027 Wisconsin Biennial Budget (Act 15) and is part of State Statute 85.64 (2)(a). This program sets aside $30 million to reimburse local governments to improve deteriorating small structure crossings also referred to as culverts. Culverts are defined as structures that are 20 feet or less in span but greater than 6 feet in span. Projects will be funded at up to 90% state cost share.

For the 2026-2027 LSSIP application cycle, applicants are encouraged to submit applications through the online LSSIP application in the AccessGov platform.

Solicitation Timeline

?Please note, the project review and awarding timeline are an anticipated schedule and is subject to change.

Project solicitation opens: February 3, 2026
Application deadline: 5:00 pm on Friday, May 1, 2026
Statewide Review and Selection: May-June 2026
Awards Approved and Announced: July 2026

Project Eligibility (details at the link)...
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Ken Notes: Please share this with your Transportation and Highway Departments. This money is available to projects with culverts rated 4 (poor) by a certified bridge inspector. See Details and Application access at the link.

Regional Economic Development Entities

Mississippi River Regional Planning Commision	SouthWest NorthWest State	Coulee Regional Business Center	THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE
	Vernon Co. Economic Development	La Crosse Area Development Corporation	SBDC La Crosse
Economic Development	Community Development	Economic Development	Economic Development

Trempealeau County Economic Development	The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)	Vernon Economic Development Association	Workforce Connections, Inc.
The Pierce County EDC EDC quarterly	Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council	Job and Business Development (JBD) Program
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority	USDA Rural Development Wisconsin	Xcel Energy Economic Development	Economic Development

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The Great River Road

MAP		Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video

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Tourism Resources and Events in Our Region

Western Wisconsin Regional Outdoor Recreation Plan for Rural Areas 2025

Monroe County Events Calendar	Crawford County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Vernon County Events Calendar Visitor Guide
La Crosse County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Trempealeau County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Buffalo County Events Calendar
Pepin County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Pierce County Events Calendar	Jackson County Events Calendar Visitor Guide

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Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC)

Working together to make the Mississippi River Region a great place to live and work.

The Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission provides planning and economic development services to improve the region`s environment, economy and quality of life. We serve a nine county region, providing studies and planning services, resources and data to help with your grant applications or reporting needs, and business loans.