Chamber is the Only Wisconsin Recipient of Grant Funds from the Economic Development Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media contact:  
Mary Rhode, Director of Marketing, Greater Green Bay Chamber; mrhode@greatergbc.org or 920.370.9515 
 

Green Bay, WI. (Oct 5, 2022) - The Greater Green Bay Chamber is excited to announce the receipt of a federal grant from the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE), part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), totaling $467,500. The grant was submitted with assistance from Courtney Zaugg, Founder and CEO of Plaka + Associates.  

The grant comes as part of EDA’s “Build to Scale” program which provides grants through the Venture Challenge and Capital Challenge. Grants are offered each year to accelerate entrepreneur efforts in the technology industry by increasing access to support and startup capital.  

“This grant will enable the Chamber to scale up our tech-based entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Laurie Radke, Chamber President and CEO. “These dollars will complement the Chamber’s existing entrepreneurial efforts, infusing even more businesses into the community and aiding in providing further support for those individuals looking to start a business.” 

Through the Venture Challenge – Build to Scale grant, the Chamber will be able to expand our startup accelerator services and employ an Entrepreneur in Residence, thus strengthening the existing entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

“The addition of a focused Entrepreneur in Residence allows for entrepreneurs to learn first-hand from an experienced technology entrepreneur,” said Kelly Armstrong, Vice President of Economic Development for the Chamber. “This individual will help entrepreneurs understand the journey, the challenges they may encounter along the way, and provide the solutions and network to build their dream.” 

Building the Greater Green Bay entrepreneurial ecosystem is a collaborative effort across the community and includes UW-Green Bay, whose partnership with the Chamber began with the WiSys Venture Home partnership and was continued today, with the announcement and unveiling of their building sign outside the Urban Hub. This downtown Green Bay presence for UW-Green Bay furthers the advancement of the ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in Greater Green Bay.  

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About the Greater Green Bay Chamber
Established in 1882, the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s mission is to strengthen member businesses, enhance economic and workforce development, and improve the quality of life in our community and region. For more information, call 920.593.3400 or visit greatergbc.org.