Four rural Wisconsin communities are joining the second cohort of Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV), an entrepreneurial development program designed to advance small town economies through a targeted business approach. 

Baldwin-Woodville, Hurley, Medary, and White Lake-Wolf River were selected as part of a program of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Extension of Division. REV is a three-year program that provides customized support and coaching to help rural communities bolster their entrepreneurial environment.

“Through education, support, and technical assistance, we help rural communities take the guesswork out and develop an effective game plan to grow their entrepreneurial landscape,” said Lisa Taylor, UW–Madison Extension Rural Entrepreneurial Venture Specialist. 

The first cohort of WI REV launched in June 2024. Now in its second year, the next batch of cohorts will launch in June 2025.

The typical REV community is rural with a population of at least 1,500 but no more than 10,000, which may include an individual city/town/village, a combination of neighboring communities or a school district. Local leadership in a REV community is willing to invest time with their local entrepreneurs and work to establish a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and a diverse, more resilient economy

The program is designed to advance small town economies through a targeted business approach. Wisconsin REV is developed in partnership with Compeer Financial, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), and e2 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. This effort is being funded by Compeer Financial. Launched last year, Wisconsin REV provides coaching, resources and connections throughout the visioning and implementation process as each community explores what economic development means for their communities.