The GRID

n community and connecting business builders to the resources, education, expertise, and social connections they need to succeed. Created in 2019, the GRID is structured as a department within the Economic and Community Development division of the college. The GRID acts as a one-stop connection to a wide-ranging list of business resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Northern Wisconsin. The GRID works with local community navigators to identify the most suitable business resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners to meet their specific situations and type of business. The GRID region consists of eight underserved rural counties of North Central Wisconsin (Florence, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Oconto, Oneida, and Vilas Counties) and includes three tribal communities (Forest County Potawatomi, Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Sokaogon Chippewa Community). Rural areas of North Central Wisconsin often lack adequate broadband access and typically are not reached by awareness and communication campaigns from organizations that provide business resources, thus residents are unaware of services and programs that are available and are unlikely to reach out for assistance. To ensure reaching targeted businesses, a focused direct outreach effort will be conducted by trusted and knowledgeable community navigators. Navigators are local champions for businesses within their communities and are equipped with the knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local relief programs. Local navigators meet business owners where they are to discuss their needs, challenges, and concerns. Following an in-depth assessment of needs, navigators will provide direct assistance to entrepreneurs and business owners to assist them in accessing appropriate resources and specialized support (e.g., accounting, tax, financial, legal services) available through the GRID’s extensive network of business mentors, counselors, and public and private resource partners.