For more information, contact:
Tricia Rathermel, Director of Economic Development,
Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
(920) 230-3326 tricia.rathermel@greateroshkosh.com
Greater Oshkosh EDC Access Capital Awards Announced
OSHKOSH, WIS. (May 21, 2021) – Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation is proud to announce the signing of a Revolving Loan Fund award for the Oshkosh Food Co-op and the award of two Capital Catalyst grants to local startups Dr. Dyslexia and The Venture Project.
The Oshkosh Food Co-Op plans to open late Summer and was able to raise funds through grants, member loans, charitable donations, and membership. This $250,000 is the main business loan needed to complete the Food Co-Op project.
“In addition to supporting business growth in Oshkosh, the goal of our program is to create jobs and provide amenities to our community. The Oshkosh Food Co-op project does all of these things and will be a great addition to Downtown Oshkosh.” Says Tricia Rathermel, Director of Economic Development and manager of the Access Capital Programs.
Additionally, Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation was awarded a $125,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to support the Capital Catalyst grant and loan program for startups and small businesses in March of this year. The City of Oshkosh provided 100% match, another $125,000, to assist Greater Oshkosh Capital Catalyst grant, which targets small businesses in advanced manufacturing; agriculture and food processing; aviation and aerospace; software development; medical devices; research, biology, and energy sectors. Like our Revolving Loan Fund, one of the Capital Catalyst program’s primary goal is job creation in the greater Oshkosh area.
This is the third round of Capital Catalyst funding Greater Oshkosh EDC has received from WEDC after successfully distributing the first two rounds of grants to area startups. Fifteen loans and or grants, for a total of $500,000, has been disbursed to area businesses since this program’s inception. Some notable past recipients include, Fifth Ward Brewery, Bee Bella, Thunderbird Bakery, MToxins, Prexo and Tap Tech.
Two awards have already been made from this round of funding. Dr. Dyslexia is a game-based spelling and reading application for students in grades 4-8 with dyslexia. They received a $10,000 grant through the Capital Catalyst Fund to complete their proof-of-concept development.
The Venture Project is a coworking space and business incubator in the heart of Downtown Oshkosh. They also received a $10,000 grant to complete projects and start an educational series for entrepreneurs.
With over 170 total years’ experience in business management and consulting, the Revolving Loan Fund committee’s small business, finance, and investment professionals can additionally provide insight and mentorship to small businesses aiming to scale successfully. Greater Oshkosh EDC director of economic development, Tricia Rathermel has several potential applicants in the pipeline and looks forward to talking with area entrepreneurs looking to take their startup idea to the next level.
Interested parties can learn more about Capital Catalyst and all our business assistance programs at www.GreaterOshkosh.com/doing-busines/access-capital/
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