Economic Development

Lisbon has a variety of financial resources available that can assist with the expansion of existing businesses or the startup of new businesses. Many of these resources are available directly from Lisbon or cooperating agencies in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Other resources are available through the State and Federal government. Regardless of the source of assistance, Lisbon staff are available to answer questions and assist businesses in accessing these programs.

Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB)

IRBs can be used to stimulate capital investments and job creation by providing private borrowers with access to financing at interest rates that are lower than convention bank loans. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) allocates the bonding authority or the volume cap for the program.

For more information on Wisconsin's Industrial Revenue Bond Program visit the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation website.

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program

The Waukesha County Revolving Loan Fund, in partnership with Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), is a small business loan program seeking to create employment opportunities and increase local incomes through the support of small businesses in Waukesha County. Both startup and existing businesses looking to create jobs are eligible for this fund. Loans range from $25,000 to $200,000.

Find more information regarding this program from the WWBIC website.

Tax Incremental Financing (TIF)

Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) is a financing program that allows Lisbon to designate areas of the community as tax incremental districts. By creating tax incremental districts, the Village is allowed to finance infrastructure improvements through the taxes collected on the increase in value for taxable property, or the tax increment, resulting from development and redevelopment projects.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

Through Waukesha County, Lisbon is a part of a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program know as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The primary purpose of the CDBG Program is to develop and maintain viable communities that provide decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate-income residents. 

The CDBG Program provides a flexible decision-making tool for assisting local governments in meeting identified needs through innovative and comprehensive approaches to improve the physical, economic and social conditions in specific geographic areas.

For more information regarding this program, visit the Waukesha County website.

Waukesha County Business Alliance

Waukesha County Business Alliance, a private, member-driven organization, has been the voice of business since its founding in 1918 as the Waukesha Association of Commerce. Initially established to serve the Waukesha business community, the Alliance evolved from the Waukesha Chamber of Commerce to the Waukesha Area Chamber of Commerce in the mid 1980's. The Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce was then established in October of 2003 to meet the diverse and changing needs of its members. 

In 2010, the Alliance joined forces with Waukesha County Action Network to create an even stronger unified voice for business in Waukesha County as the Waukesha County Business Alliance. With over 1,100 members, the Alliance is a strong, driving force ensuring the region's economic vitality. For more information regarding this program, visit the Waukesha County Business Alliance website.