Minocqua entrepreneurs receive financial help starting out during a slow season

MINOCQUA, Wis. (WJFW) - A new generation of entrepreneurs is trying to keep their doors open in Northern Wisconsin this winter. Ten business owners in the Minocqua area are redeeming grant money from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. It will help them cover overhead costs at a time of year when business is slow.

“Having this $10k allows them to take that leap," said WEDC's Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. 

The WEDC’s main street bounce back grant is helping entrepreneurs move into vacant spaces throughout Wisconsin.

“It gives us the opportunity to talk to businesses and understand their challenges, and understand what they see as opportunities," said Hughes.

As shopping small business continues to gain attention, WED Secretary Missy Hughes sees a new trend.

“Young people who are becoming entrepreneurs, really, and starting their own businesses, I actually have much more appreciation for them, and the courage that they have to start a business," said Hughes.

For some new business owners, it’s a chance to give back.

“My favorite spots are seeing Maddie across the street, who’s clearly a young person who grew up in Minocqua and she’s got her own business, it’s awesome," said Hughes.

Maddie Smith owns A Diamond in the North along highway 51.

“I like to see my hometown area growing, just being new on the main street for a couple months," said Smith.

When money is poured into these initiatives, Maddie Smith says it helps during a quiet time of year.

“It just keeps me going through the winter months without making it super stressful. It is hard with the slow season, but this definitely helps," said Smith.

For the WEDC, they hope investing in new businesses gives potential owners the strength to get started.

“This is a scary thing to take this on and have employees, and so just talking to the business owners and hearing their excitement and understanding that they’re really putting themselves out there," said Hughes.