In December 2017, Oshkosh’s unemployment rate was 2.4 percent, the city’s lowest since 1999. Wisconsin’s statewide rate was 3 percent; the nation’s was 4.1 percent.
A decreased unemployment rate parallels with new business growth in Oshkosh. Helping fuel this activity is the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corp., which launched the Greater Oshkosh Capital Catalyst Fund, a $250,000 program created by the state’s Capital Catalyst Program and city of Oshkosh to help local entrepreneurs.
Companies are awarded financing from $10,000-$100,000, helping boost economic development in areas like the up-and-coming Sawdust District and beyond.