The GRID

Our Story:
Nicolet College currently leads a collaborative economic development partnership called The GRID (Guiding Rural Innovation and Development).

The GRID (Guiding Rural Innovation and Development) is a collaborative economic development initiative focused on building a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Northern Wisconsin to generate a vibrant and diverse rural economy. Our Mission:
The GRID’s mission is to promote entrepreneurship and small business growth in North Central Wisconsin by networking and strengthening the innovatio

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.

Feeding Growth: How Hospitality Helps Fuel Wisconsin’s Economy

11/04/2025

Great listen/watch!

Feeding Growth: How Hospitality Helps Fuel Wisconsin’s Economy Chef Paul Bartolotta, owner and co-founder of The Bartolotta Restaurants, offers his insight into Milwaukee’s evolving culinary landscape, exploring the oppo...

06/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B8ABNFBEq/

05/05/2025

Great programing in our region for small businesses and entrepreneurs

Our Next Lunch & Learn Webinar - Know Your Numbers: Profit & Loss for Business Owners, with Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point is May 28th!

Did you know only half (54%) of Small Business Owners say they have a good understanding of financial management before starting a business? It's never too late to start learning YOUR Numbers!

🗓 Date: May 28, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
💵 Cost to Attend: $50 (Fee can be waived for qualifying businesses)

MSBB: Small Businesses can register at no cost, email to learn more https://centerex.wisconsinsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=19450012

Public: $50 https://centerex.wisconsinsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=19450013

Visit our website for more information: www.ocedc.org

05/05/2025

Happy Small Business Week Everyone!

Check out some of the great Virtual Programming to assist your small business here...

Also, if you are around Friday Morning, sign up for our region's 'In-Person Small Business Event' that will be hosted in Lac Du Flambeau at the Business Development Center!

Small Business Academy Let’s grow our business skills, together. 2025 Small Business Academy May 6-9, 2025 This free event offers flexible scheduling. You choose the virtual and in-person sessions that meet your needs. Review the agenda Register Now As many small business owners will tell you, there’s the

05/01/2025

Be there, or miss out!

04/28/2025

I read this today regarding Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and it struck a chord:

People and businesses grow in ecosystems, not through money alone. Create environments that nurture freedom, mastery, and belonging — and success will follow.

04/14/2025

***Attention all Mainstreet Bounceback Grant Recipients*** There are some FREE Business Training Opportunities that are available thanks to the WEDC, SBDC and Universities of Wisconsin. Take a look here to see if any of these FREE OFFERINGS would benefit you and your venture:

Main Street Bounceback Course Catalog Explore our Course Catalog to find out which of these trainings will best fit your small business goals. Have a question or not sure where to start? Reach out to our Business Navigator! Already registered for classes? Log in to see which ones!These technical assistance offerings are being supported,...

2025 Economic Summit | Lincoln County EDC

03/24/2025

A worthwhile event to be aware of in our region on April 8th, 2025. Sign up at:
https://www.lincolncountyedc.org/event-details/2025-economic-summit

2025 Economic Summit | Lincoln County EDC Economic Empowerment for Rural Communities

T.A. Solberg Co., Inc. Honored with NGA Peter J. Larkin Award for Community Service - National Grocers Association

02/28/2025

Congratulations to T A Solberg Company and Trig’s Grocery Store for the Peter J Larkin National Award bestowed upon them recently for their activity surrounding community service.

At a time when smaller grocers have been disappearing across the county, we are fortunate to have Trig’s Grocery in our area!

T.A. Solberg Co., Inc. Honored with NGA Peter J. Larkin Award for Community Service - National Grocers Association Las Vegas, NV – The National Grocers Association (NGA) proudly honored T.A. Solberg Co., Inc. (Trig’s) with the Peter J. Larkin Community Service Award, sponsored by Kimberly-Clark, during the Opening Session of the 2025 NGA Show on Sunday, February 23, at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in ...

02/27/2025

Opportunities in the Northwoods for solid, good-paying career opportunities. Share this with anyone you know looking for gainful employment!

02/27/2025

Follow Oneida County Economic Development Corporation for more programming in the Northwoods, and make sure to mark your calendar for the next visit from the Minneapolis Federal Reserve which will be in Lincoln County at the Bierman Building and Expo Center in Merrill on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.

02/13/2025

🚀 Ready to Launch or Grow Your Business? Join the SBDC Entrepreneurial Training Program!

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to take your venture to the next level? The SBDC Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) is here to help!

📅 9-Week Program
🕕 Evening Sessions | 3 Hours Per Week
📍 In-Person & Virtual Options Available

🔹 What You’ll Gain:
✅ Expert guidance on business planning, financing, and marketing
✅ Hands-on support to refine your business model
✅ Connections with local business mentors and fellow entrepreneurs
✅ A structured path to turn your ideas into reality

This program is a game-changer for anyone serious about starting or scaling a business. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to learn, network, and grow!

📌 Spots are limited—register today!
https://www3.uwsp.edu/conted/Pages/entrepreneurial-training-program.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawIa881leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHY6CuGMew-e7bd85nlUZGezpJfZIXx1NsL_NcwBd-N-0v2WRag1qF4HuLA_aem_QcU4mVOsYQpgAfWoqOidkA

📢NEW DATES📢

Ready to take your business to the next level? Don’t miss your chance to join our Spring 2025 Cohort for expert-led planning and growth! Learn from experienced instructors and connect with fellow entrepreneurs in a dynamic, hands-on setting. This opportunity only comes around twice a year!

Questions? Contact us via email today!

https://www3.uwsp.edu/conted/Pages/entrepreneurial-training-program.aspx

Claim ownership or report listing

Want your public figure to be the top-listed Public Figure in Rhinelander?
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Contact the public figure

Click here to send a message to the public figure

Telephone

+17153654425

Website

https://grownorth.org/new-resources-in-2024/

Address

PO Box 518
Rhinelander, WI
54501

The GRID

Share

Category

Contact the public figure

Telephone

Website

Address