Starting Your Business

“I opened the Steerage Dining Saloon in Downtown Port because it offers dual pathways for businesses seeking success. It’s a community with pride in its history, and so we try to embrace those same qualities here in our restaurant in order to grow that hometown pride. At the same time, Port has garnered national recognition as a destination for people all around the country to come to visit and relax. The advantage of having both of those types of customers to grow our sales is a unique benefit to our business and the community as a whole.”

Michael Ridgeway, Owner

Steerage Dining Saloon

Port Main Street Grants

Sign Grant – Up to $250 grants to reimburse up to 50% of the cost of an exterior business sign

Facade Grant – Up to $1,500 to reimburse up to 50% of the cost of approved exterior upgrades

Community Loan Program

Port Washington State Bank offers low-cost loans between $5,000 and $50,000 for new and existing businesses.

To apply, submit a loan application to John Schumacher, VP, Commercial Lender at PWSB.

City Revolving Loan Fund

The Fund is a program of the City of Port Washington to promote affordable financing for businesses

City Planner Bob Harris is the contact for this program – rharris@cpwwi.org or 262-284-2600.

WEDC Resources

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has a host of financial resources, including statewide grants, Kiva micro-loan assistance, and support for minority and veteran-owned businesses.

Contact Main Street for more information or visit the WEDC.org website.

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