Rhinelander Revival: Renewing Communities through Small Business

Small businesses are the foundation of local economies, fostering job growth, innovation and community vibrancy. Yet, in rural areas, entrepreneurs often struggle with limited access to capital, resources, and support.

"It’s kind of a known thing in small towns – we’ve got good community and strong, plucky individuals, but often there’s not the infrastructure or funding,” said Nate Sheppard, owner of Nate Sheppard Media and The Hilgermann Center in Rhinelander, WI.

The Entrepreneur Fund (EFund) helps fill these gaps, providing the financial tools and guidance small businesses need to succeed and grow.

“The bigger banks, while they do some financing, a lot of these small businesses on Main Street don't quite fit their underwriting guidelines, and so that's the space we're in,” said Jeff Larson, EFund business developer based in Rhinelander. “What we're working towards is to get that small business so that they are bankable.”

Nate and Andrea Sheppard’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, creative financing, and a community-driven vision. Their story is part of a larger movement proving that investing in small businesses strengthens entire communities.

Entrepreneurs need more than capital—they need partners who understand both their vision and the realities of running a business. By partnering with local lenders and economic development organizations, EFund is helping small businesses build lasting success and revitalizing small towns in the process.

Watch the full documentary below, produced by Nate Sheppard, to see how EFund’s commitment to partnership and community investment is strengthening small businesses across our region.