Heart Tank Entrepreneurial Grant Program
Graduates of the Mid-State Technical College Wisconsin Rapids Entrepreneurial Success Strategies Program are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity from the Heart of Wisconsin Community Incubator, designed to empower entrepreneurs in the Heart of Wisconsin area.
Entrepreneurial Success Strategies Program
Registration Link: https://cecourses.mstc.edu/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=516&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0
Funding Award
Selected applicants could potentially receive a grant up to $5,000.
*Heart Tank Committee reserves the right to not issue funds on a case-by-case basis.
Timeline
January 20, 2026 - Class starts
March 17, 2026 - Class ends
March 18, 2026 - Grant application opens
March 17, 2026 - Grant application closes
TBD - Selected applicant presentations
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Heart Tank grant opportunity, applications must:
- Complete the Mid-State Technical College Entrepreneurial Success Strategies Program in partnership with the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.
- Complete the Heart Tank Grant application, which includes a completed business plan that outlines the vision, operation, financials, and marketing strategy of the business.
- If selected, deliver a 5-10 minute presentation to the Heart Tank Committee.
Presentation Guidelines
Applicants will present in front of the Heart Tank Committee. Presentations should be 5-10 minutes long.
While funding is not guaranteed, presentations that incorporate the following criteria are more likely to be considered for funding:
- A clear and compelling presentation
- Confident and polished presentation
- Visual aids / slides
- Explanation of business model
- A demonstration of understanding the market
- An explanation of how the business will impact the community or local economy
- Clear explanation of what makes the business unique
- A clear justification of funding requested
Heart Tank Committee Members
Craig Bernstein
Matt Edwards
Chasten Vruwink
Tori Nanstad
Colton Kissinger
Staci Kivi
Jen Oswald