$150,000 in grants awarded to support Vernon County entrepreneurs through the Elevate Vernon Grant Program

Oct. 29, 2025

VERNON COUNTY, Wis. — Sixteen Vernon County businesses have been selected to receive a total of $150,000 in grant funding through the Elevate Vernon Grant Program, a new initiative designed to help local entrepreneurs start, strengthen, and grow their businesses right here in Vernon County.

In addition to direct financial support, the Elevate Vernon Program provides pathway navigation and resource connection through Vernon County Economic Development — helping business owners access free and low-cost tools, trainings, and expert guidance available through regional and statewide partners.

The program is funded by a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Small Business Development Grant and administered by the Vernon County Community Development Department.

Vernon County is committed to supporting the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy,” said Larkin Breckel, Vernon County Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator. “This program was shaped by feedback from small businesses across the county who shared their greatest needs: greater access to flexible funding, and help connecting to resources that build their capacity and skills. We’re thrilled to help business owners and entrepreneurs seize new opportunities — and, in doing so, strengthen our local economy.”

Grant recipients represent a wide range of industries and communities across the county, from downtown revitalization projects to value added farm upgrades and building and manufacturing. Each grant is designed to help recipients invest in critical business needs such as equipment, building improvements, marketing, or startup costs.

2025 Elevate Vernon Grant Recipients include:

• Attention 2 Detail – Viroqua – Equipment to increase options for customers
• Birch Point Distillery – Westby – Marketing materials and signage for new distillery.
• Driftless Pole Barn – Viola – Equipment to increase efficiency, safety, and project capacity.
• Driftless Seed Supply – Sterling Township and Viroqua – Equipment to enhance processing.
• Driftless Veterinary – La Farge – Building a small animal veterinary suite to expand on-site services.
• Havlik Custom Wrapping – La Farge – Improving bale wrapping efficiency and materials to support farms.
• Hidden Springs Creamery – Westby – Adding packaging equipment to expand distribution.
• Jovita’s Kitchen – Hillsboro – Upgrading equipment and expanding offerings.
• Kickapoo Hardware – La Farge – Enhancing building façade and signage to improve visibility and appeal.
• May Queen Floral – Hillsboro – Opening a new flower shop with expanded expertise in wedding floral design.
• Noble Rind – Viroqua – Expanding catering offerings with upgraded equipment, space, and marketing.
• Pleasant Valley Seniors – Stoddard – Upgrades to enhance safety, accessibility, and facility appeal.
• Rhythm Bakery – Viroqua – Expanding product line with upgraded equipment.
• Schiffer Services – De Soto – Renovating a downtown storefront as part of a larger artisan and housing project.
• Viroqua Aronia Co – Viroqua – Strengthening digital presence and regional market reach through upgraded content and campaigns.
• WayPoints – Viroqua – Investments in infrastructure to launch a specialized digital marketing business.

The Elevate Vernon Grant Program highlights Vernon County’s broader efforts to grow the local economy through entrepreneurship and business support, infrastructure improvements, and access to services.

For more information about Vernon County Economic Development programs and small business resources, visit vernoncountywi.gov under the Community Development Tab.