For two decades, EDWC has been at the center of Washington County’s economic growth story—turning bold ideas into measurable results. From our founding in 2005 to today, our journey reflects a relentless focus on deal-making, innovation, and community impact. This interactive timeline highlights the milestones that shaped our mission, the partnerships that fueled transformation, and the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive quality jobs, private investment, and long-term vitality across the county.
2005–2009 | Laying the Foundation: The Mission Takes Shape
2010–2014 | Setting Bold Targets & Delivering Results: From Start Up to Strategic Force
2015–2017 | Innovating New Programs: Entrepreneurial Spirit in Action
2018–2021 | Achieving ‘Evergreen’ Sustainability: Scaling for Long-Term Impact
2022–2024 | Expanding Impact & Workforce Innovation: Beyond Business Growth—Building Communities
2025 | Celebrating 20 Years of Getting Deals Done: Two Decades of Measurable Results
EDWC’s Journey of Mission, Impact, and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Incorporated November 10, 2005, to drive countywide economic vitality by strengthening existing businesses, attracting new opportunities, and fostering quality, family-supporting jobs.
Hired first Executive Director and assumed management of Washington County’s $1M federally sourced loan fund.
Launched BusinessReadyWi.com as a digital hub to market Washington County, began corporate workshops, and rebuilt the loan program.
Closed first five loans, supporting family-owned manufacturing, agriculture, and wholesale businesses.
Under new leader Christian Tscheschlok, EDWC’s 100-day plan drove $300K in loans and expanded into retail and advanced manufacturing.
Launched first outcomes-based 3-year strategy, targeting 400 new jobs, $29M in capital investment, and $7M in loan funds by 2020. Introduced public scorecards for transparency.
Partnered with the County Board to pilot $1M Impact and Attraction Funds, moving beyond federal restrictions to focus on “prosperous lives.”
Expanded deal-making into biomedical, food & beverage, and tech manufacturing. Closed $1.9M in loans in 2013 and pioneered blending Impact Loan Funds with municipal TIFs for innovative development financing.
Helped fuel creation of 957 new jobs, boosted average salaries, and closed seven major development projects.
Hosted first Business Ready 2-day conference, piloted fee-for-service consulting, and began transitioning from contributions to performance-driven revenue.
Co-launched with Washington County the Washington County’s Brownfield Redevelopment Program—leveraging $1.2M in grants to repurpose underutilized properties and exceed 2020 targets four years early with 1,491 jobs, $202M in private investment, and $21M in loan funds.
Recognized among top-performing economic development consulting practices in Wisconsin; began building the “Evergreen” Impact Fund model.
Inked the Impact Revolving Loan Fund Management Agreement, consolidating funding sources and adding $1M annually toward an $18.5M target. Rebranded as EDWC, launched new marketing, and set 2030 strategic targets.
Won IEDC award; County doubled Impact RLF funding and defederalized $1M CDBG funds—bringing them under local control. Majority of revenue now earned.
Launched SmallBiz Micro-Loan Program and expanded Brownfield Assessment & Cleanup funds with $1.6M in County support and $800K in EPA funding.
Achieved “evergreen” status with $19.5M total portfolio, approved 16 COVID-response SmallBiz loans, and financed first women-only owned business.
Transitioned municipalities to subscription-based consulting, moving to almost entirely earned revenue.
Partnered with Washington County to launch Heart & Homestead, a first-of-its-kind earned incentive down payment program—processing over 100 applications, with 38% coming from outside the county, directly addressing workforce needs through housing.
Recharged SmallBiz Loan Program to help companies with 15 or fewer employees secure growth capital.
Two decades of measurable results:
- 95 loans closed over 20 years.
- Hundreds of millions in private capital investment fueled.
- Thousands of quality jobs created.
- Brownfields transformed into tax-generating, community-enhancing developments.
- Proven, self-sustaining model ensuring Washington County’s continued economic vitality for decades to come.
