Grow Cambridge
Building Business. Strengthening Community.
Cambridge has always been a place where neighbors support neighbors and businesses grow through collective effort. Grow Cambridge continues that tradition by investing directly in our local business community—providing the education, capital, and support that help entrepreneurs take their ventures to the next level.
Made possible by generous local donations and a matching grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Grow Cambridge offers four distinct pathways designed to meet businesses exactly where they are.
Four Pathways to Strengthen Our Business Community
Workshops
Essential education for local business owners and leaders
Knowledge is the foundation of sustainable growth. Our workshop series brings expert guidance directly to Cambridge entrepreneurs, covering everything from financial planning and marketing strategies to operational efficiency and leadership development. Whether you're launching your first venture or expanding an established business, these sessions provide practical tools you can implement immediately. Check out our Events page for upcoming workshops and browse past workshops on the News page.
Loan Fund
Revolving capital to help businesses grow and thrive
Access to capital shouldn't be a barrier to business growth. The Grow Cambridge Loan Fund provides flexible, community-backed financing to help local businesses invest in equipment, inventory, renovations, or expansion. As loans are repaid, funds revolve back into the community—creating a sustainable cycle of support for the next generation of Cambridge entrepreneurs. The Cambridge Revolving Loan Fund will be active in 2026.
Business Pitch Competition
Launch your storefront dream with community support
Have a vision for a new business that would add vitality to our community? The Grow Cambridge Pitch Competition gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their storefront concepts and compete for funding to bring their ideas to life. It's more than just capital—winners gain mentorship, visibility, and the backing of an entire community invested in their success. The next Pitch Competition will launch in early 2026.
Advance
Scholarship grants for mentoring and specialized training
Sometimes the next level requires specialized expertise. The Advance program provides scholarships that connect business owners with professional mentors and targeted training opportunities. Whether you need guidance navigating growth challenges, developing new skills, or accessing industry-specific knowledge, Advance ensures financial barriers don't stand in the way of your business reaching its full potential. Learn more.
Invest in Cambridge's Future
Grow Cambridge represents more than business development—it's an investment in the vitality and character of our community. When our businesses thrive, our entire village flourishes.
Every contribution to Grow Cambridge directly supports local entrepreneurs who are building not just businesses, but the fabric of our community. Your donation is multiplied through the WEDC matching grant, making your impact even greater.
Ready to help Cambridge grow?
Make a tax-deductible donation today and be part of strengthening our business community for generations to come.
Grow Cambridge is a program of Collaborative 523, Inc. in partnership with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.