Business Development

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs with Resources, Guidance, and Support

A smiling woman, owner of Sweet Tooth, stands in a colorful candy shop next to baskets filled with assorted wrapped candies, representing a Couleecap-supported small business.

Couleecap business development helps open Reiki Master Spa. People smile in front of a storefront during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A woman in the center holds large ceremonial scissors, while individuals on either side hold a long blue ribbon. One person wears a Couleecap T-shirt, showing the organization’s involvement in the event.

Removing Barriers to Entrepreneurship

Couleecap’s Business Development Department is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties. By providing personalized guidance, free resources, and financial support, we help local businesses start strong, grow sustainably, and contribute to thriving communities.

Our goal is to remove barriers to entrepreneurship so individuals can turn their ideas into income and their passions into purpose.

Our Free Services

Small Business Grants

Micro-grants designed to help new and existing businesses launch or expand operations.

Technical Assistance

One-on-one coaching in areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and operations.

Entrepreneurial Support

Access to business training, mentorship, and local networking opportunities.

Community Development Initiatives

Partnering with local governments and organizations to foster a stronger small business ecosystem.

The Collective on Main

Couleecap’s small business retail incubator provides a high-traffic space for entrepreneurs to test their business models and gain real-world retail experience.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for assistance, you must:

Live in or have a business located in Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, or Vernon counties

The Collective storefront display decorated for fall with mannequins wearing seasonal outfits, including a tie-dye hoodie set and a plaid shirt with a pumpkin head. Autumn leaves, wreaths, and themed accessories fill the window, offering a cozy view of a downtown street with brick buildings and parked cars outside.

Explore Additional Resources

Couleecap also connects entrepreneurs to a network of trusted partners and small business development resources.

WWBIC – Workshops and lending opportunities
SCORE – Free mentoring from experienced business professionals
1 Million Cups – Entrepreneur networking and peer feedback
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Planning and financial forecasting
UW-Extension Community Development – Training and education tools
Driftless Development, Inc. – Economic development in Crawford County
Vernon Economic Development Association – Food Enterprise Center and Inventors & Entrepreneurship Club

Let’s build a stronger local economy—together.

Ready to Get Started?

Complete our brief intake form and a member of our team will reach out to you.

Business Development Intake Form

Contact Our Team

Fill out the form to send us any questions you may have. Our team is happy to help!

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