2026 · Wisconsin Small Businesses
The Tech Turtle Small Business Growth Grant
We're awarding $50,000 in total in-kind website, marketing, and LeadRilo technology services to 9 Wisconsin small businesses. No application fee. No purchase required. Chosen through a transparent, competitive review.
Applications open September 1, 2026. No purchase required. Early applications are reviewed with the 2026 cohort.
2026 Program — accepting applications
Applications open September 1, 2026. No purchase required. Early applications are reviewed with the 2026 cohort.
Award structure
Nine businesses. Three kinds of growth support.
Each award is delivered as in-kind services. Final scope is tailored to the selected business's real needs — figures below are per-recipient ceilings, not guarantees of every listed service.
Grand Growth Grant
1 recipient
Our largest award — a comprehensive growth package for one Wisconsin business with strong potential for measurable impact.
May include
- Premium website design & conversion improvements
- Local & technical SEO foundation
- Analytics & attribution infrastructure
- Strategic landing pages & marketing strategy
- Reputation infrastructure
- LeadRilo implementation & lead-response automation
- Up to 12 months of LeadRilo access where appropriate
Digital Growth Grants
4 recipients
Website, search visibility, and conversion improvements for four Wisconsin businesses ready to grow online.
May include
- Website redesign, development, or expansion
- Local SEO & search visibility
- Conversion optimization
- Analytics & strategic landing pages
- Lead-generation infrastructure
- Reputation strategy & marketing technology
Lead & Technology Growth Grants
4 recipients
Lead-management, automation, and technology implementation for four Wisconsin businesses losing opportunities to slow follow-up.
May include
- LeadRilo implementation & onboarding
- CRM / lead centralization
- Lead follow-up & missed-opportunity recovery
- Lead-response automation & appointment workflow
- Lead attribution & follow-up infrastructure
- Eligible LeadRilo subscription access
Who can apply
Built to stay accessible to real Wisconsin businesses
The program is intentionally open to a wide range of Wisconsin small businesses — from startups with real operations to established family businesses, trades, and professional services.
- Operate a legitimate small business
- Primarily serve customers in Wisconsin
- Have an active Wisconsin business presence
- Be able to demonstrate a genuine business need
- Have authority to apply on behalf of the business
- Be willing and able to participate in implementation if selected
How recipients are chosen
A transparent, competitive review
Every application is scored by a Tech Turtle review committee against the same weighted criteria. There is no random drawing — selection is based on merit, need, and potential impact.
Weights shown sum to 100% and apply equally to every applicant.
Potential Business Impact
30%How meaningfully the awarded services could improve the applicant's growth, visibility, and results.
Demonstrated Need
25%A clear, genuine need where Tech Turtle and LeadRilo services would make a real difference.
Community / Local Economic Impact
20%The applicant's contribution to their Wisconsin community and local economy.
Clarity of Growth Plan
15%How clearly the applicant articulates their goals and how they would use the services.
Ability to Implement & Benefit
10%Capacity to participate in implementation and benefit from the awarded services.
How it works
From application to implementation
- 1
Apply Online
Complete the free application and tell us about your Wisconsin business, your goals, and where you need support.
- 2
Competitive Review
A Tech Turtle review committee evaluates every application against transparent selection criteria.
- 3
Verification & Selection
We may verify eligibility and details before finalizing the nine recipient businesses for the year.
- 4
Onboarding & Implementation
Selected recipients are onboarded and we begin implementing their awarded services.
Program timeline
Key 2026 dates
Applications Open
September 1, 2026Applications Close
October 31, 202611:59 PM Central Time
Application Review
November 2026Recipient Announcement
December 2026Implementation
Following recipient onboarding
How the 2026 program works: The $50,000 total program value represents the combined retail value of in-kind website, marketing, technology, automation, and LeadRilo services awarded across all 9 recipient businesses. It is not cash, a check, or government funding.
There is no application fee and no purchase is necessary to apply or to receive an award. Recipients are chosen through a competitive, criteria-based review — this is not a sweepstakes, raffle, or random drawing. Tech Turtle is privately funded and is not affiliated with the SBA, WEDC, or any government agency.
Read the full Official Rules for complete terms.
Ready to apply for the 2026 Growth Grant?
Applications open September 1, 2026. No purchase required. Early applications are reviewed with the 2026 cohort.