Financial Funding & Grants
Below, you will find numerous amount of area resources and programs that can help businesses with financing. Outside of these resources and programs, the Oshkosh Chamber can make the connection or refer any client to several different area financial institutions. Contact [email protected] for further information.
Oshkosh Chamber Revolving Loan Fund Program
The purpose of the Chamber’s Revolving Loan Fund is to promote local economic development through the expansion and retention of employment and business opportunities in the Oshkosh area, with an emphasis on the Central Business District. The fund is also designed to promote and foster entrepreneurial expansion in the Oshkosh area.
Such purposes are declared to be a purpose for which both public and private funds may be expanded. Through the Revolving Loan Fund, loans are provided on terms tailored to meet the needs of qualified borrowers for eligible projects. The guidelines provided are intended to be used in the general structuring of economic development projects.
The Oshkosh Chamber Revolving Loan Fund Policies and Application can be found here. For more information or questions, contact Sean Fitzgerald at [email protected] or call 920-303-2265 Ext. 20.
Business Improvement District (BID) Recruitment Grant Fund
The Oshkosh Chamber is part of a unique partnership to support downtown economic development.
The Business Improvement District (BID) and the Oshkosh Chamber developed the partnership to support the BID Manager position when it was first formed back in 2008. The partnership led to the hiring of Oshkosh’s first Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) Manager which was supported by the Oshkosh Chamber. Jessie Meidl is the current BID Manager and now has her office located within the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau.
From her office at the Oshkosh CVB, the BID Manager works to:
- Manage and coordinate downtown events
- Manage downtown initiatives
- Assist in making downtown the destination of choice for shoppers and visitors
- Create greater awareness of Downtown Oshkosh
- Enhance the beautification of Downtown Oshkosh
Ms. Meidl also manages the Downtown Oshkosh BID Recruitment Fund Grant (RFG), which provides qualified businesses with grants for up to $5,000 for expansion and/or relocation into the BID. Qualifying businesses must go through the RFG application process which can be found here. The Downtown BID also services The Beautification Grant Program and a Mural Grant Program. Visit www.downtownoshkosh.com to learn more.
Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) Programs
The Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation has several programs to assist with businesses throughout the greater Oshkosh area. These programs include the Greater Oshkosh Capital Catalyst Fund, Revolving Loan Fund, Rural Revolving Loan Fund, and the Winnebago County Revolving Loan Fund.
GO Capital Catalyst Fund
- Kickstart Growth with Startup Funding for Entrepreneurs and Emerging Businesses in the Greater Oshkosh Area
GO Revolving Loan Fund
- Unlock Growth and Expansion Opportunities for Existing Businesses in the Greater Oshkosh Area
Rural Winnebago Revolving Loan Fund
- Discover Flexible Gap Financing Solutions for Small and Emerging Businesses in Rural Winnebago County
Winnebago County Revolving Loan Fund
- Propel Growth Initiatives and Expansion Plans for Businesses throughout Winnebago County
SBA 504 Loans
An SBA 504 loan is a special product that can only be offered by a Certified Development Company (CDC) in partnership with a local lender. The 504 loan is designed to help small businesses grow and create jobs by financing fixed assets like real estate and equipment. The program is best suited for projects from about $250,000 – $20,000,000. Qualified borrowers can look forward to:
- Long terms (25 years for real estate, 10 years for equipment)
- Low, fixed rates (see top of page for current rate)
- Lower down payments (10%)
For more information inquire with Sean Fitzgerald at [email protected] or 920-303-2265 Ext. 20.
General Grants
For local & federal grants, several websites can identify opportunities. Some of those are listed below. If you have questions, please call Sean Fitzgerald at 920-303-2265 Ext. 20 or email him at [email protected].