A Waupun business is a recipient of a $2000 Fond du lac County IGNITE Entrepreneur grant. Reiki Essentials and Wellness is the city’s first business to receive the grant. The grant is open to businesses less than two-years-old and to business owners and entrepreneurs who complete the IGNITE! Certification Program. Owner Tyra Walters says she applied for the grant because her business was at the crucial point of either closing or expanding based on limited operating resources she had. “I needed new point of sale equipment, additional inventory, product display units and marketing materials but funds were limited because I work full time and Reiki Essentials & Wellness is a part-time business for me. I was stuck. Do I invest so I can expand or limit myself with what I have and prohibit the business from growing? Through IGNITE, I developed a business plan and applied for the entrepreneur grant because I was ready to grow,” Walters said. Waupun city administrator Kathy Schlieve says the City’s goal is to see more Waupun area businesses follow Reiki’s lead and take advantage of the many courses and resources available. “Our goal is to help businesses – from start up to established – by providing the tools and resources needed to begin, grow or maintain. We’re so proud of Tyra on completing the IGNITE! program and applying for the grant so that her business can continue to provide alterative health services to the community.”
