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Innovation, Economic Resilience & Growth

Sauk County harbors a robust economic ecosystem encompassing diverse businesses, higher-wage jobs and an enhanced quality of life. Whether you’re the owner of an established corporation looking to grow or relocate your business, a newly minted LLC ready to set up shop, or an entrepreneur with a bold vision who needs seed money to launch their idea — find support and incentives to make it happen here.

Robust Transportation Infrastructure

While the landscape of Sauk County makes it the perfect place to connect with nature, its easy access to bustling trade routes makes it a prime connection point for commerce, too.

Railways

The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad moves commodities throughout the region, linking up with Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Union Pacific, Canadian National and Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroads.

Roads

By road, Sauk County is connected to Interstates 90 and 94, U.S. Highway 12 and 14, and 11 major state highways, including 13, 60 and 154.

Airports

Regional airports provide vital access points throughout the area, including Tri-County Regional Airport (KLNR), Reedsburg Municipal Airport, Baraboo-Dells Airport (KDLL) and Sauk Prairie Airport (91C).

For Businesses

Faster Internet Speeds

High-speed fiber connectivity is a priority for the professionals and residents of Sauk County, not just to ensure their businesses stay ahead in this fast-paced, digital-driven world, but for students to attend school, entrepreneurs to work remotely, farmers to run their agricultural operations and, frankly, little ones to stay connected to their grandparents. 

Here’s how we’re investing in improved broadband infrastructure:

  • The Reedsburg Utility Commission (RUC) has been significantly expanding its fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network into Sauk County since 2011, stretching from Reedsburg to Loganville, Lake Delton, Baraboo and Spring Green. 
  • The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) is providing funding to expand high-speed internet access in Sauk County.   
  • The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) grant program was established to provide significant funding to expand high-speed, reliable and affordable internet access.

Resource Center

For Large Businesses

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

A flexible source of supplemental financing for businesses expanding in or relocating to Sauk County, RLFs encourage business growth — creating jobs and improving the local economy — and are good options for startups and new businesses in search of capital.

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Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence

Championed by Gov. Tony Evers, the task force was issued by executive order in August 2023 and is aimed at identifying policies and investments that will advance equity and economic opportunity for the state’s workforce and employers by harnessing the power of generative AI.

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Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) Standard Grant Program

In an effort to train and retain highly skilled workers, the WFF program rewards Wisconsin business owners with grants that reimburse them for the costs associated with occupational training. These grants cover training costs for unemployed and underemployed job seekers and workers, in addition to incumbent workers.

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ExporTech Acceleration Program

ExporTech is an export acceleration program that helps Wisconsin companies expand their global market reach through targeted export strategy development and execution. It is designed to shorten a company’s “go-to-market” timeline by developing a customized international growth plan for the company’s products in key markets. Participants learn how exports can dramatically drive growth, identify hurdles to expansion and ultimately develop a customized international growth plan.

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BridgeUSA J-1 Visa Program

There are many benefits to acting as a sponsor in exchange visitor programs. Whether you’re looking for seasonal workers, want to train interns for eventual hire or simply wish to facilitate a valuable exchange of information in health care, engineering or another specialized field, the BridgeUSA program can help.

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For Small Businesses

Business AnswerLine

The Wisconsin Business AnswerLine helps established, new and aspiring business owners at no cost. AnswerLine staff draw from extensive curated resources to provide timely answers to your business questions.

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Small Business Development Center

The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Madison provides no-cost consulting and noncredit courses to help businesses from startup through growth. 

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Business Planning Help

The U.S. Small Business Administration has numerous resources to help you get your ideas off the ground.

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Boots to Business

The Boots to Business program offers entrepreneurial education and training for service members and military spouses. 

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Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)

The WWBIC funds small and micro businesses with loans up to $100,000. Strong applicants will be able to show well-conceived business plans, a record of existing business and measured growth, proven industry experience behind their startup, and a solid credit history.

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For Entrepreneurs

Start in Wisconsin

Explore an online directory of business and networking resources, plus a calendar of entrepreneur-focused events and programming, searchable by topic and location.

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Wisconsin Innovation Service Center

We help entrepreneurs and inventors assess market feasibility, identify opportunities for diversification and growth, learn about customer characteristics, better understand the competitive landscape and chart a clear path for marketing success.

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Wisconsin Entrepreneur Network (WEN)

WEN offers entrepreneurs access to a statewide network of incubators and expertise. Founders and new business owners are supported with mentoring, networking opportunities and more resources to grow their ventures and collaborate with stakeholders. 

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For Businesses

Let’s Connect

Invest Sauk County is your partner in growing from the ground up. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

For Businesses

A Strong Workforce

Sauk County is home to more than 66,000 people and boasts a record-low unemployment rate of 2.2%. Composed of a strong seasonal workforce, a high concentration of specialized-industry employees, and a diverse mix of trade, foreign and highly educated workers, the talent pipeline in Sauk County is unlike any other. 

While the state of Wisconsin saw record-high employment statistics in 2023 — including millions of new jobs created — Sauk County is actually outpacing the state in projected job growth. In fact, South Central regional employment is expected to grow by 11.2% (55,901 jobs) by 2030. 

Strength in Numbers, Power in People

See the benefits of a resilient local economy and labor force.

15% Startup Growth

Securing more than $2 million in state and federal funding for cultivating tech infrastructure, Sauk County has seen a 15% increase in startup growth since 2018. With an abundance of business support elevated by an enhanced quality of life, founders are flocking to Sauk County.

2.63% Unemployment

The unemployment rate in Sauk County is lower than that of Wisconsin overall. The tourism industry accounts for 25.2% of employment; agriculture, health care and manufacturing are also thriving.

11.2% Employment Growth

Sauk County is outpacing the state in projected job growth: South Central regional employment is expected to grow by 11.2% (55,901 jobs) by 2030.

Leading Industries

Manufacturing

Within manufacturing, there are exceptionally high concentrations of specialty industries, including plastics, automotive, vulcanized and fired materials, heavy machinery and production technology.

Financial Activities

While only representing 3.3% of total employment, this is the area’s fastest-growing industry, showing a 15.7% growth rate (163 new jobs) from 2018 to 2023.

Hospitality & Tourism

More than 32% of jobs in Sauk County are supported by tourism, and the industry generates nearly $2 billion in economic activity each year.

Trade, Transportation & Utilities

This supersector plays a critical role in keeping the economy running — by moving products, providing energy and water, and supporting consumer access to goods and services.

Education & Health Services

Promoting the health of our residents and supporting the growth and development of the next generation are top priorities in Sauk County.

Professional & Business Services

From accounting and law firms to data centers, staffing agencies and information technology companies, this industry includes knowledge-based jobs that employ highly skilled workers.

Homegrown Companies

Teel Plastics

Founded in 1951, Teel Plastics now operates four manufacturing facilities in Baraboo.

Ho-Chunk Gaming Casino

One of the three largest Ho-Chunk casinos in the state, this Wisconsin Dells location is a Class III casino.

The Nordic Group

The Nordic Group, a multigenerational family business, grew from humble beginnings into a major manufacturing force comprising Flambeau Plastics, Seats Incorporated and Duncan Toys.

Bank of Wisconsin Dells

Originally founded in 1910, Bank of Wisconsin Dells has been a consistent resource within the community, offering personal and business banking, mortgage loans, wealth management services and more.

Reedsburg Area Medical Center

The Reedsburg Area Medical Center is a well-known critical-access hospital for Sauk County’s rural communities.

Culver’s

Founded in Sauk City in 1984, Culver’s is now a nationwide favorite for wholesome food and heartfelt smiles.

The Communities of Sauk County

Sauk County can be separated into six municipalities, each a cornerstone contributing to the region’s enduring economic climate — explore them all below.

Baraboo
Lake Delton
Reedsburg
Sauk Prairie
Spring Green

Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

Dig a little deeper into the benefits of living and working in Sauk County, and find valuable insights and essential information in our Frequently Asked Questions.

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