DUNN COUNTY, Wis. (DUNN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESS RELEASE) – Dunn Economic Development has taken a central role in a statewide effort to obtain a federal Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) designation for the region. This initiative, formally proposed by Governor Tony Evers to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), aims to provide essential resources to local small businesses, enabling them to compete for federal contracts and attract significant investment to the area.
The SBA’s HUBZone program is intended to promote small business expansion in historically underdeveloped zones by offering preferential access to federal contracting opportunities. For Dunn County, securing this status could serve as a catalyst for job creation, economic diversification, and long-term stability for local enterprises.
“Our small businesses are the heart of our communities and our local and state economies,” said Gov. Evers during the statewide announcement. “This HUBZone designation will help level the playing field for small businesses and working families in rural Wisconsin and bring much-needed investments to areas that have long been underserved.”
Despite the presence of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, a hub of innovation, many rural parts of the county still face economic difficulties and income inequality. The HUBZone designation would directly address these issues by opening new pathways for revenue and growth.
“Securing HUBZone status for Dunn County is transformative for our local economy,” said Adam Accola, Director of Dunn Economic Development. “This isn’t just about federal contracts; it’s about creating higher-wage jobs, empowering our local entrepreneurs, and building a more resilient and prosperous future. It provides a tangible advantage to the small and medium-sized businesses that form our economic backbone, allowing them to invest, expand, and thrive right here at home.”
The initiative has received widespread backing from a coalition of local governments, educational institutions, and economic development organizations across Wisconsin. Partners such as the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the state’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) are ready to offer technical support to help local businesses navigate the HUBZone certification process once the designation is approved.
“This is about building long-term, inclusive economic resilience,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “With the HUBZone designation, we can unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses across rural Wisconsin.”
If granted by the SBA, the designation will remain valid until at least July 2028, offering a crucial period for Dunn County businesses to compete in the federal marketplace and strengthen the broader regional economy.
— news from WEAU
— News Original —
DUNN COUNTY, Wis. (DUNN ECOMONIC DEVELOPMENT PRESS RELEASE) – Dunn Economic Development today announced its central role in a statewide initiative to secure a federal Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) designation for Dunn County. As part of a formal petition submitted by Governor Tony Evers to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), this designation would unlock critical resources for local small businesses, helping them compete for federal contracts and bringing significant investment into the community.
The SBA’s HUBZone program is designed to fuel small business growth in historically underutilized business zones by providing preferential access to federal contracting opportunities. For Dunn County, this designation would be a powerful tool to stimulate job creation, drive economic diversification, and support the long-term stability of the local business community.
“Our small businesses are the heart of our communities and our local and state economies,” said Gov. Evers in the statewide announcement. “This HUBZone designation will help level the playing field for small businesses and working families in rural Wisconsin and bring much-needed investments to areas that have long been underserved.”
While Dunn County is home to the innovative powerhouse of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, many rural areas of the county continue to face economic challenges and income disparities. The HUBZone designation would directly address these issues by creating new avenues for revenue and growth.
“Securing HUBZone status for Dunn County is a game-changer for our local economy,” said Adam Accola, Director of Dunn Economic Development. “This isn’t just about federal contracts; it’s about creating higher-wage jobs, empowering our local entrepreneurs, and building a more resilient and prosperous future. It provides a tangible advantage to the small and medium-sized businesses that form our economic backbone, allowing them to invest, expand, and thrive right here at home.”
The petition has garnered broad support from a coalition of local governments, educational institutions, and economic development organizations across the state. Partners like the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Wisconsin’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) are prepared to provide technical assistance to help local businesses navigate the HUBZone certification process once the designation is approved.
“This is about building long-term, inclusive economic resilience,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “With the HUBZone designation, we can unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses across rural Wisconsin.”
If approved by the SBA, the designation would remain in effect through at least July 2028, providing a critical window for Dunn County businesses to compete in the federal marketplace and strengthen the entire regional economy.