Incentives and Historic Tax Credits

Explore Business Incentives and Historic Tax Credits

Various programs and incentives are available to help you get started or expand your current business. These programs include both grants and tax credits. Different programs are sponsored by different governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and private firms, so check in with us to help you identify who may be a good match to help you meet your needs.

City of Racine Grant Programs

The City of Racine offers an exterior Façade Grant for things such as exterior renovations and signage. This program has specific requirements that must be met for eligibility, so be sure to check in with the Business Concierge to see if your project qualifies. In addition to this grant, the city offers a REC Grant to offset the cost of upgrading water service.

Business Incentive Programs

A number our agency partners have access to financial resources for startups and expanding businesses. These include some grants and a number of low interest loans. We can assist you in identifying which of these agencies may be a good fit for your situation. The city’s goal is to help you in any way that we can, and one of the most important ways to do that is to help you find ways to finance your business.

See if your project is eligible for PACE Wisconsin Financing
EB5 Program from FirstPathway Partners

State of Wisconsin Incentives and Tax Credits

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) was created as a public/private partnership in 2010. WEDC offers assistance to businesses in 10 regions located statewide. Each region has economic development staff who have specialized knowledge of their region and the resources available to business. The WEDC’s mission is based on the following key Catalysts of Growth: strategic Eeconomic competitiveness, business development, community and economic opportunity, growth, brand development and strategy, and operational and fiscal excellence. The City of Racine is in WEDC’s Milwaukee 7 Region.

Historic Building Rehabilitation Tax Credits

The following programs support the rehabilitation of properties that have received a historic designation after review. Strict program guidelines apply. The State of Wisconsin administers these programs. Click on the following links for more information.

Opportunity Zones

Opportunity Zones, established under the U.S. 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, encourage private investment and economic growth in severely distressed urban and rural areas. Three of the 120 Opportunity Zones in Wisconsin are located in the City of Racine. The Racine County Economic Development Corporation has resources detailing this Federal program.

Opportunity Zone Information

Small Business Resources

There are numerous small business resources available to help you succeed. The City of Racine partners with these organizations to offer you a wide variety of assistance. These organizations offer specified training on topics ranging from marketing, workforce recruitment, accounting, networking and more. They can also guide you in the financial aspects of starting or expanding your business. A number of these programs are free or low cost, so take advantage of these excellent resources available to you.