Local & State Incentives

Companies that consider relocating, or expanding in Racine County have access to a diverse range of incentives to encourage business growth, investment and job creation. Racine County Economic Corporation (RCEDC) works with companies interested in a Racine County location to access incentive assistance to make their project a success in our community.

Availability of incentives is determined by:

  • Project location
  • Capital investment
  • Job creation

For more information and assistance: 

    LOCAL INCENTIVES

    Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

    For projects located in a Tax Increment District (TID), the municipality may choose to provide an incentive equal to a portion of the taxable property value added as a result of a project. Job creation and capital investment are considered by the community when determining level of assistance. RCEDC’s staff can assist you in determining if sites under consideration are located in a TID.

    Tax Reinvestment Program (TRIP)

    For projects located outside of a TID, the Tax Reinvestment Program (TRIP) may be used to provide an incentive equal to the municipal portion of the taxable property value added as a result of a project. Job creation and capital investment are considered by the community when determining level of assistance.

    Low Interest Financing

    Business Lending Partners (BLP), a division of RCEDC, specializes in processing and servicing a variety of loan programs in Racine County. BLP is committed to business growth and community development by providing alternative financing options.

    State Corporate Income Tax Rate Comparison

    Wisconsin’s Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit essentially eliminates the tax on qualified income from manufacturing activity in the state by providing a 7.5% credit on corporate income*. The current state tax on corporate income is 7.9%. This credit is direct and non-competitive. Note: The credit is a percentage of “eligible qualified production activities income.”

    CORP. TAX1
    SALES TAX2
    Wisconsin

    WISCONSIN

    0.40%*
    5.00%
    Illinois

    Illinois

    9.50%
    6.25%
    Indiana

    Indiana

    5.50%
    7.00%
    Michigan

    Michigan

    6.00%
    6.00%

    Minnesota

    9.80%
    6.88%
    Sources: (1)Tax Foundation, (2) State Sales Tax Institute

    Development Tax Credits

    Business Development Tax Credits supports job creation, capital investment, training and the location or retention of corporate headquarters by providing companies with refundable tax credits that can help to reduce their Wisconsin state income tax liability or provide a refund. RCEDC provides technical assistance to existing and companies relocating to Racine County to complete applications for business development tax credits. The program is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

    Recent Finance Solutions News

    DW Coffee LLC is expanding from its Rochester location into Wind Lake with the purchase of real estate and equipment at 7910 S Loomis Rd. Owner Leslie Kinsey, who launched the business in 2021, will continue overseeing operations with support from her husband, Shawn. With help from lender Jay Cashmore at Community State Bank and RCEDC, funding was secured through the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), making the new location—with drive-thru service—possible.

    Sound Decisions, a longtime automotive and electronics business in Racine County, is expanding its operations with the purchase of four adjacent commercial condominiums in Yorkville. Owner Chris Hilbert—who took over the business from his parents in 2013—will consolidate two companies, Sound Decisions and Echo Sales/MED, under one roof. With financing support from RCEDC and Josh Sopczak at Town Bank, Chris secured a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) with just 10% down, helping move this expansion forward. Today, the business operates as both a retailer and a regional distributor for top brands like Alpine, Viper, and Metra.

    Oak Wine & Spirits is bringing a new tasting experience to downtown Waterford—offering self-serve wine and beer stations, premium spirits, and curated small bites in a relaxed, upscale setting. Owners John Palmer and Rebecca Vanwormer, both experienced local business owners, are combining their strengths to create a welcoming destination for both casual visitors and enthusiasts. With support from RCEDC and lender Jay Cashmore at Community State Bank, the pair secured Revolving Loan Fund financing with just 15% down, helping turn their vision into a reality.

    Destroy Iron Fitness, owned by Cornelius Knottnerus (Neil) and Melissa Webster, is expanding its offerings with the help of a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), which covered 90% of the cost for new equipment. Since taking over in 2024, Neil has led the transformation of the gym into a 24/7 fitness center specializing in bodybuilding and strength training. With unused space ready to be filled and a commitment to creating a premier training environment, the new equipment will help round out their offerings and take the gym to the next level.

    RCEDC helped secure a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for Modern Aesthetics Skincare to purchase a new MOXI laser, replacing outdated equipment and expanding the clinic’s advanced skincare offerings. Owned and operated by Cala Newholm, a licensed esthetician with over a decade of experience, the clinic opened in 2022 and offers personalized treatments to meet a variety of skin care needs.

    I worked with BLP to secure an RLF loan and structured a deal with just 10% down. BLP and I worked seamlessly to make it happen.

    The RCEDC team really worked hard to come up with the best solutions for both projects. They are great at keeping everyone on track and making sure that there are no surprises at the closing. The client was very happy with the results.

    RCEDC’s Business Growth Solutions event brought Racine County’s entrepreneurial spirit to life, drawing over 50 business owners, lenders, and community members for a celebration of local success.

    The owner of Lavagio Express Laundry has over 20 years of experience that turned an entrepreneurial vision into reality with the opening of this modern laundromat in Mount Pleasant, WI.

    The Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) and its partner communities are proud to present a comprehensive overview of loans and grants specifically designed to support local small businesses.

    Trene McCaskill, owner of H.E.R. Valley - a self-care and revitalization service in Racine - will celebrate the grand opening of her new location at 904 State St. on July 9th at 11:45 a.m.

    Racine, WI – Lisa Ramirez opened Blueberry Hilltop Cafe on October 2023 with the goal of providing home-cooked meals in a family-friendly atmosphere.

    INVEST IN RCEDC

    RCEDC’s mission is to grow Racine County’s property tax base by supporting business expansions and providing employment opportunities to Racine County residents. In 2024, RCEDC staff were able to facilitate 71 projects that included comprehensive site selection, loans, grants, and incentives resulting in $749 million in expansion projects and/or new developments. RCEDC’s Loan Committee and Board of Directors approved $9.7 million in loans and $136,120 in grants to facilitate this private investment.

      INVESTOR BENEFITS

      INVESTMENT LEVELS

      Gold

      $2,000+

      Silver

      $750+

      Bronze

      $200+

      Core

      $50+

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