About the VCEDC
Grow Your Business in Wisconsin’s Beautiful Vilas County
Our Mission
To build a strong, resilient Northwoods economy with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Our Vision
To be the catalyst for economic innovation and sustainable regional prosperity that complements our pristine Northwoods environment and quality of life.
We equip Vilas County’s small business owners, entrepreneurs, and communities with the expertise and resources to succeed.
HOW WE DO IT
- Tailored 1-on-1 consulting for small business owners;
- Engaging and relevant educational and networking events for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs;
- Providing expert business guidance to the next generation of Vilas County entrepreneurs;
- Leading broadband expansion and marketing Vilas County as a broadband destination to potential tourists, business owners, residents, and remote workers;
- Collaborating on development projects with civic and business throughout Vilas County to strengthen our county’s economy and future.
As the only Vilas County non-profit providing comprehensive support for entrepreneurs and small business owners, we are a local, trusted resource for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders.
The VCEDC is led by Kathy Schmitz, Executive Director, and a dedicated Board of Directors with backgrounds in business, finance, healthcare administration, higher education, marketing, and government. Learn more about these experts here.
A SNAPSHOT OF OUR IMPACT:
Small Business Consulting
Each year we provide tailored one-on-one consulting to dozens of local small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking guidance on starting or growing a business. We help with business planning, marketing, accessing grants and loans, accounting, digital strategies, and more.
Education and Events
The VCEDC hosts virtual “Lunch & Learn” workshops, reaching hundreds of participants each year with practical, relevant content for both new and experienced business owners. Our Women in Business Networking events are equally impactful, drawing sold out crowds and providing a powerful opportunity to women to connect with other women in business.
Youth Entrepreneurship
In 2025, we launched the VCEDC Northland Pines High School Entrepreneur Program, partnering with the largest area high school to deliver a specialty unit that led students through the process of developing and pitching a business plan. Local, regional, and state business leaders provided classroom instruction, feedback and inspiration to students. This annual program – to our knowledge, the first of its kind in Wisconsin – is inspiring the next generation of Vilas County entrepreneurs.
Broadband Expansion
Understanding that connectivity is essential to economic growth and development in the 21st Century, the VCEDC led a transformative broadband initiative that increased county-wide coverage from 5% in 2020 to 86% in 2025. This achievement enables remote working, attracts new residents, encourages tourists to choose Vilas County – and then stay here longer, and strengthens the competitiveness of local businesses. To capitalize on this success, we launched the “Northwoods Charm. Big City Connection” regional ad campaign in 2025, positioning Vilas County as a broadband destination.
Development Leadership
The VCEDC provides leadership for redevelopment, housing, and commercial projects that drive long-term growth in Vilas County. Currently, that includes the Town of Phelps Bluff Redevelopment Project, which offers the opportunity to convert a long-abandoned 5.2 acre hospital site into mixed-use housing and commercial space. We have helped the Town of Phelps secure more than $130,000 to support the planning and demolition costs. We also played a key role in the Forest Edge Apartments project in Lac du Flambeau, a recent affordable housing development.
The VCEDC is empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs, building the foundation for long-term prosperity in Vilas County.
The VCEDC is a 501(c)3 non-profit and a separate entity from the Vilas County government. We work in collaboration with Vilas County to grow a strong economy, and we rely on the generosity of our community and donors to fulfill our mission of empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Vilas County.
