Something Special from Wisconsin

04/23/2026

The first ever Something Special from Wisconsin commercial is airing now across Wisconsin - have you seen it on your TV?
somethingspecialwi.com

04/22/2026

Thinking of starting a business or looking to take your business to the next level? You still have time register for this no-cost conference, just two weeks away.

We are now just two weeks away from the 13th annual Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy. You still have time to join the hundreds who have already signed up for this no-cost conference that is perfect for someone who is thinking of starting a business or looking to take their business to the next level.

includes a day of in-person programming in regions across Wisconsin.

Look at the map for the session in your area.

Register now: https://wedc.org/build-your-small-business/small-business-academy/

04/17/2026

Did you know? Wisconsin is the nation's leading grower of cranberries by state, producing about 60 percent of all the cranberries grown in the United States. Cranberries are Wisconsin's number one fruit. In 2024, Wisconsin produced nearly nine million barrels of cranberries.

04/17/2026

Reminder: The deadline for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program is coming up quickly. April 22, 2026. VAPG helps U.S. agricultural producers enter into value-added activities.

Maximum Grant Amounts:
Planning Grants: Up to $50,000
Working Capital Grants: Up to $200,000
Matching Requirement: 1:1 match (100% of the grant amount), which may include cash or eligible in-kind contributions.

Learn more at

This program assists agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income.

04/13/2026

What can be better than two Something Special from Wisconsin members pairing up their incredible products to bring an entirely new culinary experience to your tables. Starla's Seasonings, Dips & Mixes and Westby Coop Creamery for the win!

A perfect pairing starts with quality ingredients!

Westby Creamery is teaming up with Starla's Seasonings, Dips & Mixes to bring together the best of what Wisconsin has to offer. Starla will be circling tradeshows throughout the Upper Midwest showcasing her bold seasoning packets blended in Westby Creamery’s award-winning dairy products.

Mix blends like Glorious Garlic or Cheesy Bacon Ranch into rich Westby sour cream or try Grandma’s Garden with cottage cheese for a fresh, flavor-packed dip. It’s an easy way to elevate everyday snacks with high-quality, locally made ingredients. Learn more about Starla’s Seasonings (or place an online order) at https://www.ilovedip.com/.

When you support this pairing, you’re supporting Wisconsin farmers and local entrepreneurs. From our families to yours, get ready to dip into something extraordinary!

04/10/2026

Something Special from Wisconsin member and a Wisconsin legend, the Dane County Farmers' Market, returns outdoors tomorrow morning, Saturday, April 11, 2026.

"On the first Sat­ur­day in 1972, eager buy­ers set out to the square with the hopes of load­ing their bags, wag­ons and crafts with nature’s gifts, only to find just five farm­ers and their wares."

Explore the rest of the story on their website.
https://dcfm.org/about/history

Make sure to support your local farmers' markets this season. Find a market near you on Something Special from Wisconsin member, Wisconsin Farmers Market Association, website. https://www.wifarmersmarkets.org/

Can't make it to the market? Check out the SSfW member map for more locally produced products throughout Wisconsin. https://members.somethingspecialwi.com/map

04/10/2026

Happy National Farm Animals Day! What's your favorite farm animal?

Happy National Farm Animals Day! From dairy cows to sheep, these hard-working animals are vital to American agriculture. We thank our nation's farmers for their care and protection! 🐓🐄🐑🐖🦃

03/30/2026

"If you’re building innovative food, beverage, supplement, personal care, or wellness products grounded in sustainability and strong values—this is the stage built for you.”
Naturally Wisconsin application deadline March 31, 2026.

🚀 WISCONSIN CPG FOUNDERS — THIS IS YOUR MOMENT.

Applications are now open for Naturally Rising Wisconsin, the pitch competition that spotlights mission‑driven brands shaping the future of natural consumer goods across our state.
If you’re building innovative food, beverage, supplement, personal care, or wellness products grounded in sustainability and strong values—this is the stage built for you.

WHY THIS MATTERS

💰 More than $10K in prizes
🎪 Free booth at Newtopia Now 2026
🎤 Deliver your 3‑minute pitch in front of Wisconsin’s natural products community, retail buyers, and investors looking for the next breakout brand
🧠 Expert Mentorship Before You Pitch
🎖️Finalists work 1:1 with industry pros—including operators, retailers, and investors—to sharpen your pitch and strategy
🌟 Unmatched Visibility
💼 Business services from our sponsor community

WHO SHOULD APPLY
✓ Emerging CPG brands with $25K–$2M in revenue
✓ Available in at least one retail location
✓ Wisconsin‑based founders preparing to scale
✓ Mission‑driven, sustainability‑focused companies
🎟️ Open to Naturally Wisconsin members

YOUR MENTORS
You’ll be coached by experienced leaders from the Food Finance Institute ecosystem:
Jamie Valenti‑Jordan, Sarah Larson, Brad Rostowfske, Tera Johnson, Anna Thomas, and Andy Larson — experts in scaling food brands, investment readiness, product strategy, and market growth.

YOUR JUDGES
Judges will be selected from the Naturally Wisconsin Advisory Council, with the full panel announced soon.

⏰ Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
📆 Event: May 8, 2026, Online
This isn’t just a pitch competition —
It’s a launchpad for Wisconsin’s next generation of natural product innovators.
👉 Apply to Pitch: https://zurl.co/bbXwy
📍 Event Details & RSVP: https://zurl.co/A9RPS
Tag a Wisconsin founder who should throw their hat in the ring! ⬇️

03/26/2026

You won't want to miss this! Tickets have gone live for the 79th Alice in Dairyland Finals! There are two opportunities for guests to see the Top Candidates in action, enjoy some delicious food, and celebrate Wisconsin agriculture. We'll see you there!

Tickets have gone live for the 79th Alice in Dairyland Finals! There are two opportunities for guests to see the Top Candidates in action, enjoy some delicious food, and celebrate Wisconsin agriculture. Friday night's showcase will feature candidate presentations and the chance to connect with friends across the agriculture community. Saturday night's event will include a dinner banquet, special recognitions, and the official selection of Wisconsin's next agriculture ambassador! 💜🎟

Seats are limited and you will not want to miss a chance to meet the outstanding six Top Candidates for Wisconsin's 79th Alice in Dairyland, so purchase your tickets soon!‼️

Visit https://marathonppa.org/alice-in-dairyland/ to find more details on the Finals happening in Marathon County May, and to access the links where you can purchase your tickets! 👑

03/26/2026

The newest edition of the Growing Wisconsin magazine features a wide variety of businesses and farms enrolled in Something Special from Wisconsin.
Check out the magazine at https://farmflavor.com/.../wiscons.../growing-wisconsin-2026.

Do you know about the Something Special from Wisconsin™ program?

This program lends its iconic logo for use on products with at least fifty per​​cent of their value attributable to Wisconsin ingredients, production, or processing activities. That way, Wisconsinites can easily pinpoint which products or services are Wisconsin based.

The newest edition of the Growing Wisconsin magazine features a wide variety of businesses and farms enrolled in Something Special from Wisconsin™. Check out the magazine at https://farmflavor.com/wisconsin/wisconsin-magazine/growing-wisconsin-2026.

03/16/2026

Are you a small business in need of growing your business skills? Check out the 2026 Small Business Academy with WWBIC and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation coming this May!

Save the dates!🗓️ Start planning NOW for the 2026 Small Business Academy with our friends at Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation coming at you this May!💜

Add it to your calendar now! ⬇️
https://wedc.org/build-your-small-business/small-business-academy/