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News & Media

Incourage Recognized by Invest in Wisconsin

Mon. Apr 22, 2019

Incourage’s CEO Kelly Ryan (left) and CFO Dawn Neuman (right) with Salli Martyniak, President, Forward Community Investments.

(Wisconsin Rapids, WI, April 22, 2019) Incourage has received a 2019 Distinguished Foundation Partnership award from Invest in Wisconsin for its support of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and place-based investing in central Wisconsin’s rural communities.

Invest in Wisconsin provides access to economic opportunities and resources for low income individuals, minority-owned organizations and businesses throughout Wisconsin. Incourage invests in Community Assets for People (CAfP), Forward Community Investments (FCI) and Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC).

“Incourage, under the stewardship of Kelly Ryan, has been a statewide and national leader, investing in CDFIs as a means of responding to critical local issues, including entrepreneurship and small business growth, access to fresh foods and safe childcare, and the development of affordable housing,” said Salli Martyniak, President, Forward Community Investments.

The award was presented April 16 during CDFI Days in Madison. Incourage CEO Kelly Ryan and CFO Dawn Neuman accepted the award.

Wisconsin’s CDFIs help create thousands of jobs across the state every year by providing access to loans, when traditional lenders cannot. In addition, they provide hands-on technical assistance and mentoring with these investments, helping create jobs in distressed urban and rural communities.

Since 2005, CDFIs have invested hundreds of millions of dollars throughout Wisconsin to support community businesses, job growth, housing development, and more.

Local businesses that have been assisted by Incourage’s investment include: Make Mine Frosted, CyberOne Data, Vantage Mechanical, and Preston Hardscape Design.

Incourage CEO Kelly Ryan noted, “Local businesses may be challenged by limited access to the financial and business support services needed to spur economic development. Incourage is proud to partner with Invest in Wisconsin to increase access to these critical resources.”

View a video highlighting Invest in Wisconsin’s work. 

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  • About Incourage

    Established in rural Wisconsin in 1994 to serve the changing needs of the south Wood County area, Incourage has become a nationally-recognized leader in place-based philanthropy and community development. Guided by values of equity, opportunity, and shared stewardship, Incourage envisions a community that works well for all people. One physical manifestation of this vision is the redevelopment of the Tribune building, which demonstrates Incourage’s user-centered approach to growing a strong and inclusive local economy.