http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-hospital-icu-s5.jpgSen. Jeff Smith writes about the “Reaching Higher for Higher Education” package he introduced with legislative colleagues to invest in Wisconsin’s higher educational institutions and make college more affordable for students and families around our state.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/dairyfarm-wi-wpr-news-s5.jpgAgropur, one of the world's largest dairy suppliers, will be building a new $168 million state-of-the-art cheese factory in Little Chute with help from the WEDC.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/las-vegas-shooting2-2017-s5.jpgBill that would ban bump-fire stocks, or “bump stocks,” in Wisconsin introduced on the fourth anniversary of the Las Vegas shooting that killed 60 people.

Eligible nonprofits must apply for the grant by Nov. 1, 2021, at 4 p.m.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary Mary Kolar today announced that applications are now being accepted for WDVA’s Entrepreneurship Grant program and will be accepted through Fri., Nov. 1, 2021, at 4 p.m.

“I’m deeply grateful for the service of our veterans, and as a state, we must keep working to serve them and ensure they have the resources and tools to not only meet their needs but achieve their goals,” said Gov. Evers. “This grant program will help local nonprofits provide our veterans with technical training and assistance, so they can join the community of small business owners and entrepreneurs who make our state a leader in innovation.”

The WDVA Entrepreneurship Grant is awarded to registered 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations that provide entrepreneurship training or technical, business, or other assistance to the diverse group of veteran entrepreneurs in Wisconsin. The Entrepreneurship Grant provides up to $100,000 to each recipient, with a total grant allocation of $300,000. WDVA especially encourages organizations that assist underserved veteran populations or veterans in underserved geographic areas to apply.

“We are pleased to offer the opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for these grants to inspire and give the entrepreneurial tools our Wisconsin veterans deserve to not just succeed, but to thrive,” said Secretary Kolar. “Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and we are pleased to have partners who are able to provide veteran entrepreneurs the support and resources they need to successfully launch or expand their businesses.”

Last year, the PenFed Foundation ranked Madison as #8 and the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis Metro Area as #14 on their list of top cities in the U.S. for veteran entrepreneurs, and according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau released in January 2021, veterans operate nearly six percent of all U.S. businesses and employ nearly four million people.

For additional information about the WDVA Entrepreneurship Grant, including evaluation criteria, application materials, and tips for applying, please see the WDVA Entrepreneurship Grant Program webpage here. Questions about the grant application process should be directed to the WDVA Grants Unit at 1-800-WIS-VETS or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/voting-2020-538-s5.jpgNonpartisan commission succeeded in drawing fair maps that better reflect the competitive nature of Wisconsin. Voices of the people heard.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/wi-fair-maps-s5.jpgPublic Input wanted. The preliminary maps developed by the Commission are available here and can be downloaded in other formats.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/ginseng-grower-wi-s5.jpgGather in Wausau to praise world famous local crop.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/trump-jan6-storm-capitol-s5.pngTrump aides involved in planning the rally, Women for America First link.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/business-small-open-s5.jpgSen. Smith writes about the work to help communities across the state recover from the pandemic and build our state up for success. He shares an example from Jackson County to support childcare providers, working parents and local employers.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/generac-headquarters-s5.jpgWaukesha based manufacturer of energy technology solutions will expand Pewaukee operations and add new manufacturing and office jobs throughout the state by the end of 2024.