Medford, Gilman entrepreneurs among finalists for Red Letter Grant

Area entrepreneurs are among the nine finalists in the running for four $2,000 Red Letter Grants, part of a regional initiative that supports women-owned startups across Northwestern Wisconsin. The Red Letter Grant recently expanded into Region 2, which includes Taylor County, and will announce the Spring 2025 grant recipients next Wednesday evening, May 21, at a celebratory event in Amery.

Representing the area are MacLead D. Grace Bridal (Medford), Lynn Rosemeyer with Vault Village (Gilman), and Megan Nolan of Grandma's Care LLC (Rib Lake). They are joining a strong cohort of innovative new businesses from the region including:

• Morgarosa Farm – Springbrook, WI

• The Dog Resort – Cameron, WI

• Vault Village – Gilman, WI • MacLean D. Grace Bridal - Medford, WI

• Roxie’s Puerto Rican Cuisine – Rice Lake, WI

• Craft & Magic Creative Studio Boutique – Hayward, WI

• Grandma’s Care LLC – Rib Lake, WI

• Stone & Oak WI – Amery, WI

• Paul’s Pizza Den – Birchwood, WI The Red Letter Grant Award Ceremony will take place at the Amery Lions Club North Park Picnic Shelter beginning at 6 p.m. on May 21.

This outdoor celebration is open to the public and will include light refreshments. It’s a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from the women launching bold new ventures in our rural communities and to cheer them on as four of the nine finalists are awarded $2,000 grants.

“This program recognizes the courage and creativity it takes to start something new,” said Debbie Elmer, Region 2 Director for Red Letter Grant. “It’s not just about the money—it’s about growing a culture of support around small, independent businesses that power our local economy.”

Thanks to the generosity of WBD Inc., the Region 2 Red Letter Grant has been made possible for two consecutive years. The organization is now seeking additional sponsors to ensure the continued support of women entrepreneurs across Barron, Burnett, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, and Washburn counties.

All are welcome to attend—especially local business leaders, community supporters, and anyone who believes in the power of small business to transform our towns.

For more information, visit: www.redlettergrant.org