Show All Answers

1. Who do I contact for more information about business assistance and loan programs?

For more information about business assistance and loan programs please contact Ken Pearson, Loan Fund Manager, at 715-635-2197 or Email.

2. Are there grants available for my business?

You will not be able to start a business without investing your own savings and other assets. You will not find a bank willing to lend you 100 percent of what you need or a government program to fund your business.

3. What types of technical assistance do you provide for businesses?

NWBDC provides hands-on assistance for all areas of business development. Check out our Business Resources page for a comprehensive list of assistance available.

4. How does my business qualify for financial assistance?

Businesses must be located in one of the following ten Northwest counties of Wisconsin: Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor and Washburn. Loans may be used for acquisition of land and buildings, site preparation, construction, remodeling of an existing building, purchase of machinery and equipment, start-up costs, working capital or for business acquisitions when the loan will keep the business from closing, prevent the loss of employment opportunities, or provide expanding job opportunities. The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed project is viable and that the business will have the economic ability to repay the loan.

Show All Answers

1. What Coastal Management Services do you provide?

NWRPC provides technical support to local units of government in addressing coastal issues; coordinating the provision of technical and financial assistance; undertaking technical studies and assisting in public information and educational activities.

2. How do I request technical assitance?

Contact Jason Laumann, Deputy Director at 715-635-2197 or Email.

3. How do I find the Lake Superior Water Trail Map?

Find information about the Lake Superior Water Trail Map.

4. What is the Coastal Zone Management Act?

The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) enacted in 1972 is the Federal government's primary tool for fostering comprehensive management of our nation's coastal resources.

Show All Answers

1. Where are the recycling facilities located in Burnett and Washburn Counties?

There are 11 sites located throughout the two counties. View a detailed map of recycling facilities throughout Burnett and Washburn Counties. Site locations, hours of operation, pricing, and additional information can be found in the Recycling and Waste Management Guide.

2. What is the Northwest Cleansweep Household Hazardous Waste collection schedule of events?

View the 2022 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Event Schedule (PDF)!

3. What items do you accept at your recycling sites in Burnett and Washburn Counties and is there a fee?

A complete list of items accepted as well as a list of applicable fees for certain items can be found in the Recycling and Waste Management Guide.

Show All Answers

1. What does NWRPC do?

NWRPC provides a variety of community and regional services focusing on economic, community and business development, transportation, land use, coastal and environmental resources.

To see recent examples of NWRPC's projects and programs in action, see our News.

2. Why should we choose NWRPC?

NWRPC has over 50 years of experience working within the region. We have a well-qualified staff who is familiar with State and Federal grants and programs. We have formed established relationships with State and Federal elected representatives and strong connections to State and Federal agencies. Because of our proven track record, we have been the recipient of numerous State and National awards.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find historical census data and maps for Wisconsin?

The Applied Population Laboratory has historical census data that can be easily mapped, printed and downloaded.

2. What are some resources to find information pertaining to GIS in Wisconsin?

Information about GIS in Wisconsin can be found on the State of Wisconsin Cartographer's Office website.

3. Where can I find the latest free orthophotography available for the State of Wisconsin?

Wisconsin View has the latest aerial and satellite imagery available for the State of Wisconsin.

Show All Answers

1. Can I get "free money" (grants vs. loans)?

All housing rehabilitation programs that NWRPC administers are in the form of zero percent, deferred payment loans.

2. What kinds of Housing Services are available?

NWRPC administers a number of housing rehabilitation and down payment/closing cost assistance programs. For more information about our programs, see our Regional Housing Program Page, CDBG Page or our NWAH Page.

3. Do I qualify for Housing Assistance?

Income limits as well as more information about our different Housing Programs can be found on our Regional Housing Program Page, CDBG Page or our NWAH Page.

4. I own a mobile home, but not the land. Am I eligible?

No. Mobile homes in parks or trailer courts are not eligible.

5. What if my home is in a life estate?

All people included in the life estate would be required to sign all loan documents.

6. What if my home is on a land contract?

The land contract holder would need to sign the loan/mortgage documents also.

7. May I be reimbursed for work previously completed?

Funds cannot be used to pay for work completed prior to loan approval.

8. May I do my own work?

Yes, an owner may act as their own contractor, but will not be paid for their own labor They must provide evidence of their ability to do the work and materials must be purchased and installed prior to payment.

9. May I choose my own contractor?

Yes, owners choose the contractor they will use. Participants are required to get 3 bids from contractors of their choice. Contractors must carry liability insurance.

Show All Answers

1. What types of businesses do the Northwest Enterprise Center Network serve?

For information about what types of businesses the NWECN serves, see our Clients Page.

2. What resources or services does the incubation program provide?

For information about what types of resources and services the incubation program provides, see our Services Page.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a client of the Enterprise Center Network?

For information about what types of resources and serviced the incubation program provides, see our Benefits of Incubation Page.

4. Where are the Northwest Enterprise Centers Located?

For a complete list of our enterprise center locations, as well as detailed information about each center, see our Locations Page.

Show All Answers

1. Who do I contact for information on NWRPC's Planning Services?

For more information on Planning Services, contact Jason Laumann, Senior Planner/Lake Superior Coastal Specialist at 715-635-2197 or Email.

2. How do I find a specific Planning document to view and download?

You can find all of our planning documents that are currently available for dowload in our Planning Folder .

3. How do I fund a Planning Project?

NWRPC can assist your community by identifying grant sources and providing grant writing services.

4. What Planning Services does NWRPC provide?

NWRPC assists member communities with comprehensive planning, transportation planning, hazard mitigation and community wildfire protection planning, park and recreation planning, historic preservation, tax increment financing and environmental issues like water quality and natural resource planning.

5. Where do I find information on Wisconsin Comprehensive Planning Laws?

General information about comprehensive planning and Wisconsin's comprehensive planning statutes can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Administration website.

Show All Answers

1. Who do I contact for more information about the Wisconsin Rural Enterprise Fund?

For more information on the Wisconsin Rural Enterprise Fund please contact Rick Roeser, Business Development Specialist at 715-635-2197 or Email.

2. What is the difference between a loan and equity investment?

A loan requires repayment of principal and interest beginning immediately. An equity investment provides funding in exchange for stock ownership in a business with a payout at the time of a liquidity event.

3. What types of businesses do the Wisconsin Rural Enterprise Fund consider for investment

Investments are usually aimed at early-stage and start-up technology based businesses.

4. What is a community based venture fund?

A community based venture fund has no private individuals as investors. The primary goal of a community based fund is job creation, with return on investment being secondary. Generally, all positive returns on investments are re-invested in the fund resulting in continuous sustainability.