Business Incentives
There are a variety of state and local incentives for corporations and other businesses to locate or expand their operations in the Milwaukee Region. Wisconsin tax incentives include exemptions, credits and other special corporate tax treatment along with preferential treatment of capital gains.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., the state's primary agency for business development, offers loans, loan guarantees and tax credits to help companies grow and succeed in Wisconsin.
In addition, local governments have created Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) districts. Businesses locating operations within a TIF district benefit from infrastructure improvements financed by tax increments.
Tax Exemptions, Credits & Incentives is a fact sheet summarizing Wisconsin business incentives.
Local Economic Development Resources
Counties and several communities have economic development programs that provide financial and technical assistance. The community economic development programs typically work in partnership with the private lending community and utilize similar credit analysis and underwriting criteria. Following are the local economic development programs in the region:
Kenosha County
Kenosha Area Business Alliance: Economic development and business services, including revolving loan funds, site-selection assistance, economic data and training programs
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Economic and Community Development: Technical and financial assistance to businesses and municipalities
Milwaukee Department of City Development: Coordinates business development, real estate development, planning and permitting for the City of Milwaukee
Milwaukee Economic Development Corp.: Assistance with financing, property location, grant, tax credits, business plan preparation and environmental issues
Milwaukee Water Works: The City of Milwaukee's Water Works offers discounted water rates to encourage business growth and job creation
Wauwatosa Economic Development Corp.: Planning, financing and permitting assistance to business and developers located in or relocating to the city
West Allis Department of Development: Technical and financial assistance to new and existing businesses located in or relocating to the city
Ozaukee County
Ozaukee County Economic Development Corp.: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to Ozaukee County
Economic Development for Grafton Enhancement (EDGE): Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to the Grafton area
Racine County
Racine County Economic Development Corp.: Assistance with workforce and technology development, business financing, site location and government programs
Walworth County
Walworth County Economic Development Alliance: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to Walworth County
Washington County
Economic Development/Washington County: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to Washington County
Hartford Area Development Corp.: Planning, financing and permitting assistance to business and developers located in or relocating to the city
West Bend Department of Development: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to the city
Waukesha County
Waukesha County Center for Growth: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to Waukesha County
Brookfield Economic Development Division: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to the city
Menomonee Falls Economic Development Division: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to the city