Panelists:

• Tyler Harrison, State Director, USDA Rural Development
• Rylan O’Bryan, Venture Development Manager, Wyoming Business Council
• Savannah Bascus, Business Training and Support Manager, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
• Paul Huberty, Executive Director, Wind River Development Fund
• Amy Lea, District Director, SBA Wyoming District Office
• Joseph Pautz, President, Wyoming Capital Access
• Jill Kline, State Director, Wyoming SBDC Network

Moderator:

Justin Everett, SBA Rocky Mountain Region Administrator

Wyoming Roundup of Current Small Business Funding Opportunities, Part I

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2026 Wyoming Funding Summit Small Business Sessions

Thursday, June 25,2026

Tyler Harrison

State Director

Tyler.Harrison@usda.gov

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Together, America Prospers

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The mission of Rural Development is to improve

the economy and overall quality of life in rural communities.

Rural Development Programs

Current Funding Opportunities

We stand ready to be your partner in prosperity for Rural America.

Sign up for our newsletters

and receive monthly

program information!

Catalyzing a vibrant startup ecosystem by supporting and capitalizing Wyoming entrepreneurs Building high growth startup companies.

Rylan O’Bryan

rylan.obryan@wyo.gov

WYVC: Funding opportunities

Non-Dilutive

(Grant)

Dilutive & Early Investment

DIRECT

DFR Highlights

— WY’s not underperforming, it’s emerging

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— Series a rounds 🡪 Growth Rounds

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— Accelerator / Pre-seed stage buildup

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Check out the 2025 Deal flow report!

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services - Business Training & Support Unit (BTSU)

Our mission

Our mission is to empower businesses by educating them on available funding opportunities through various grants, offering hands-on assistance throughout the entire training grant process—from application to reimbursement—and providing expert technical support in establishing Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Contact Information

Savannah Bascus - BTSU Program Manager

savannah.bascus1@wyo.gov / 307-777-2892

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Workforce Development Training Fund

• Business Training Grant: available to Wyoming business to correct an employee's skill deficiency or upgrade their skill level, provided the training is directly related to the trainees occupation. (Registration, class fees/materials, and travel expenses)
• Internship Grant: available to Wyoming businesses offering a structured, experiential learning experience that allows interns the opportunity to explore industry/occupation interests. (Reimburses intern wages)
• Apprenticeship Training Grant: available to Wyoming-based Sponsors registered with the US Department of Labor Office of Registered Apprenticeship and Related Technical Instruction Providers associated with a Wyoming Sponsor to support the classroom instruction of a registered program. (Registration/tuition, class fees and materials, instructor wages and fringe benefits, and license and certification fees)
• Pre-Hire Economic Development Training Grant: available to Wyoming Training Providers to establish and industry specific workforce that addresses identified shortages of skilled workers for Wyoming businesses. (Registration / tuition, class fees and materials, HR related expenses, and licenses and certification fees)
• Pre-Obligation of Training Funds: available for Wyoming Economic Development Entities to request the obligation of training funds for businesses, services as an incentive for company relocating to Wyoming or expanding in a large capacity.
• Industry Driven Skill Training Fund (IDST): available to Wyoming businesses to address critical training and workforce shortages in high growth sectors and traditional industries. (Registration / tuition and class fees and materials)

Wyoming Apprenticeship Team - State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Funding

• SAEF Sponsor Incentive: One time, $10,000 incentive to Registered Apprenticeship Programs across Wyoming to develop and/or expand their program. (program design, start up costs, RTI, etc)
• SAEF Pre-Apprenticeship Incentive: One time, $5,000 incentive to support Pre-Apprenticeship program building and development across Wyoming. (Program building and development expenses, tools and supplies, OJL or training materials, credential testing fees)

Key Takeaways

• WDTF and the WyApprenticeship team both have launched new Grant Management Systems
• Most of these opportunities are ongoing - applications can be submitted anytime throughout the year
• One to one grant conversations, we are always available to sit down and see what your business needs are and where we might be able to support.
• DWS offers additional business resources outside of BTSU.
• Handouts and grant materials are located at our booth!

Wyoming Funding Summit – Funding Panel

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WRDF/WRSF Organizational Profile

June 2026

• Wind River Development Fund (WRDF)
• Founded in 2001
• Nonprofit 501(c)(3)
• Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
• Certified by the U.S. Department of Treasury
• Small business lending and entrepreneurial programs
• Wind River Sage Fund Inc. (WRSF)
• Founded in 2024
• Nonprofit 501(c)(3)
• Focused on leading regional economic development

WRDF’s Frank B. Wise Business Center in Fort Washakie, WY

15,000-sq-ft LEED designed co-working space

Contact: info@wrdf.org / 307-335-7330

• Small Business Loans
• Target market: Wind River Reservation, Fremont County, Hot Springs County
• All industries: Agriculture, retail, hospitality, food services, vehicle serving, etc.
• Payments and terms tailored to the industry
• Often lend up to 100% of the loan value
• Current interest rates average ~7%
• All loans must be collateralized

Contact: info@wrdf.org / 307-335-7330

Current Funding Opportunities

Amy Lea

District Director

307-247-3191

amy.lea@sba.gov

Tammi Hanshaw

Lender Relations Specialist

307-441-4886

tammi.hanshaw@sba.gov

Drew James

Business Development Specialist

307-757-5819

drew.james@sba.gov

SBA Wyoming District Office

150 E B Street, Room 1011

Casper, WY 82602

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Main phone: 307-261-6500

For 250 years, small businesses have powered innovation, created opportunity, and strengthened local communities. Main Street Builds America – and through Freedom 250, SBA is honoring that legacy while investing in the next generation of builders, makers, and job creators. 

https://sba.gov/freedom-250

How Can an SBA Guaranteed Loan Help You?

• To purchase or renovate your facility
• Purchase inventory, equipment, or machinery
• Purchase land and building
• Export a product or service from the U.S.

• Start or expand your business
• Use for leasehold improvements
• Working capital for operating expenses

What’s New?

SBA Grocery Guarantee & Made in America Loan Guarantee

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Just announced - SBA Doubles Cumulative 7(a) & 504 Loan Limit to $10 Million. Effective July 4^th, small businesses can first apply for a 7(a) loan up to $5 million, and then can apply for up to $5 million through 504 program!

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SBA Resource Partner Network

Transition Assistance Programs through DoD’s Transition Assistance on military installation and connections with mentors and resources. Boots to Business & ReBoot workshops in Wyoming.

www.bigskyvboc.org

Mentorship and advice from volunteers with real-world business experience—search mentor profiles online to find a focused industry-specific fit for your business.

www.score.org

Free business consulting to get started or grow, free or low-cost training on crucial topics, market research assistance and more.

www.wyomingsbdc.org

SBA-backed microloans from $500-$50,000 with targeted pre- and post-loan technical assistance.

www.wyomingwomen.org

Contact

725 East 2nd Street, Suite 100 Casper WY 82601

307-234-5351

wyomingcapitalaccess.com

Wyoming Capital Access is a Certified Development Company (CDC) that delivers SBA 504 loans and our own Direct Loan program—providing affordable, long-term financing so Wyoming businesses can expand, create jobs, and strengthen our communities.

WHAT IS SBA 504?

Wyoming Capital Access helps Wyoming businesses access the SBA 504 loan program — a federal program from the U.S. Small Business Administration that works with banks to provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for real estate, equipment, and other major investments.

SBA 504 BENEFITS

• Low, fixed interest rates
• Longer repayment terms (10, 20, or 25 years)
• Lower down payments (as little as 10%)
• Preserves cash for your business
• Refinance options — including cash-out to free up working capital

DIRECT LENDING

Wyoming Capital Access offers flexible funding up to $250,000 — designed for Wyoming businesses when traditional financing falls short.

Use it to grow, buy, or refinance your business.

APPLY ONLINE

Quick. Simple. Secure.

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Start your application today

at wyomingcapitalaccess.com

Wyoming's Source for the

SBA 504 Loan

Wyoming Small Business�Development Center Network

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Mission: Help Wyoming Businesses Succeed

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Provide support, advising, training, resources, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs who own or want to own a business.�

One-on-one advising is confidential and offered at no charge.�

Training events are offered free or at a nominal fee to cover expenses.

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State & Federal funding partners

 Department of Defense

Office of Small Business Programs

Host

We Don't Lend. We Launch.

Small Business

Development Center

Federal Funding Summit

Wyoming

Your Navigation Partner for Funding Success

No funds to distribute — but the expertise to help you access the ones that matter.