Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

WEDC Secretary John Miller joined Governor Tony Evers on a trade mission to Africa last month.

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Ghana's Niche Cocoa. The company is currently building a cocoa processing plant in Franklin.

Read more:

Africa trade mission aimed to deepen state ties with Niche Cocoa | WisBusiness Africa trade mission aimed to deepen state ties with Niche Cocoa August 5, 2026 During the recent WEDC trade mission to Africa, state officials sought to deepen the economic ties between Ghana’s Niche Cocoa and Wisconsin.  The trade mission took place July 20-25, featuring diplomatic meetings wit...

In March 2023, Rick Covin and his wife Terri Bowman got a phone call from the local fire department. Their restaurant, R&T's Dinky Diner, was on fire and, unfortunately, burned to the ground.

Three years later, R&T's Dinky Diner is open again in a new location in Rhinelander.

Now in its new location, R&T’s Dinky Diner isn’t so dinky anymore.

At 12,000 square feet, the restaurant has doubled its seating capacity from 50 to 100 and has several rooms to accommodate large parties.

WEDC supported the project through a $250,000 Community Development Investment Grant.

Full story:

Rhinelander’s R&T’s Dinky Diner rises from the ashes After a devastating fire, Rhinelander’s R&T’s Dinky Diner rises from the ashes, reopening stronger than ever thanks to community support.

There is renewed energy in downtown Pittsville. The Shops at the Greenspace recently opened, bringing a boost to entrepreneurship, retail, and community gatherings in the heart of the city.

Thanks to funding from the Vibrant Spaces Grant program, the city was able to put up four sheds. City leaders say the market village was designed in the 1880s "false-front" boomtown style.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3RwElDA

WEDC grant funds Shops at the Greenspace in Pittsville - The Business News Pittsville’s new Shops at the Greenspace transforms a vacant lot into a market village supporting small businesses, tourism and growth.

Last week, WEDC Deputy Secretary and COO Sam Rikkers attended the ribbon cutting of Cardamom's new Madison office. Cardamom, a technology-forward health IT professional services company, recently expanded its office space and continues growing its health IT workforce.

Cardamom is one of twelve Wisconsin Companies that received investments through the Wisconsin Investment Fund.

Cardamom's CEO, Vivek Swaminathan, was born and raised in Madison and is a UW Alum. Learn more about his path to starting Cardamom in his Wisconsin Ambassador profile: https://wedc.org/vivek-swaminathan-strategic-mindset-servant-leadership-style-and-results-focused-approach/

We are thrilled to share that will be taking place Dec. 8-10 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee.

You will have the opportunity to meet with business leaders, government and corporate buyers, and resource providers from across Wisconsin. Discover new opportunities and gain insights on digital marketing, funding, and other business trends.

Mark your calendars and look for updates on our social media channels in the coming weeks!

More info: https://bit.ly/3RHVBFK

WEDC is pleased to partner with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development in supporting Wisconsin’s Workforce Solutions Initiative. Monday's roundtable discussion at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County in Fitchburg brought together workforce partners and other local voices to share perspectives on regional workforce challenges and innovative solutions to help people overcome barriers to employment.

Thank you to DWD and Secretary Amy Pechacek for inviting WEDC Secretary John W. Miller to join this important conversation to help strengthen regional partnerships.

Does your organization support Wisconsin small businesses? If the answer is yes, we want to let you know we are now accepting applications for the Small Business Development Technical Assistance program.

Any organization that provides technical assistance to small businesses can apply to use funds for operational costs, training and events, or in-depth programs. The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 2.

To learn more about eligibility and to apply, click on the link here: https://wedc.org/programs/small-business-technical-assistance-program/