Grant Opportunities

Whether you are thinking about starting a small business or want to grow your existing business, WREN is here to help. 

For more than fifteen years, hundreds of emerging and established WREN business owners have received support in growing their enterprises thanks to Community Development Block Grant dollars. Funding for this program flows from HUD to the CDFA to Grafton County and then to WREN. Each year, WREN receives funds to assist 25 low to moderate income (LMI) businesses. As long as a business owner meets our program guidelines, they may receive up to three years of free assistance.

Selection for this program depends on three factors: the likelihood that the emerging or established business will grow its earnings and jobs over time, the current number of employees in the business (must have 5 or less employees), and family size/correlated income. 

Eligible business owners receive the following assistance:

  • A free annual WREN Business or Retail Vendor membership, valued at $75
  • Free enrollment in all WREN’s business development classes
  • Free one-on-one assistance and mentorship from WREN staff and consultants

In return for this support, participants are expected to annually share data on their business income and expenses for the prior year, current number of employees, total wages, salaries or owner’s draw paid in the prior year, and total business loans taken in the current year.

Are you interested in WREN’s CDBG Microenterprise Grant Program? See if you are eligible! 

  1. Download the appropriate Family Income Verification Form for your county.
  2. Download WREN’s CDBG Intake Form.
  3. Fill out each document in its entirety, including a signature and date.
  4. E-mail them to juliab@wrenworks.org.

We can’t wait to work with you!

For more information, please contact WREN’s Operations Manager at juliab@wrenworks.org.