Onboard to Oshkosh

What is Onboard to Oshkosh?

Onboard to Oshkosh is a community attraction and relocation program that welcomes new residents to Oshkosh. The program helps make relocating easier through eligible incentives, local partnerships, and community resources that encourage participants to build long-term roots in the community.

Why was this program created?

Oshkosh is committed to attracting new residents and supporting long-term community growth. The program helps reduce barriers to relocation while encouraging people to make Oshkosh their home.

Who funds the program?

Onboard to Oshkosh is funded through a $117,500 Talent Recruitment Grant awarded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Oshkosh was one of 17 Wisconsin communities and community organizations selected to receive funding through WEDC's Talent Recruitment Grant Program, which awarded more than $5 million statewide to support innovative workforce attraction initiatives.

What will the grant funding be used for?

Grant funding will support development of the Onboard to Oshkosh program, a professional marketing campaign, eligible participant incentives including relocation assistance, and community engagement efforts that help new residents connect with Oshkosh.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must:

• Live outside Wisconsin when applying.
• Have an annual individual income of at least $55,000, as required by WEDC.
• Relocate to Oshkosh to participate in the program.

How do I apply?

Applications are currently being developed by the City of Oshkosh Community Development Department. Once the program launches, eligible individuals will be able to submit an application through the City.

When will applications open?

The application process is still being finalized. Updates, including the program launch timeline, will be posted on this webpage as they become available.

Do I need to have a new job in Oshkosh lined up before I apply?

No. You do not need a new job or need to work in Oshkosh to qualify. However, you must have an annual individual income of at least $55,000, as required by WEDC, and relocate to Oshkosh. Applicants will be required to provide either a letter from their employer's Human Resources department verifying their wages or a recent W-2 to document their annual income.

What incentives are available?

Eligible participants may receive reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses, community-based incentives from local partners, and resources that help connect new residents with the Oshkosh community. Available incentives may expand as additional community partners join the program.

Are incentives guaranteed?

Incentives are subject to program eligibility requirements and available funding.

Where can I find updates?

Program updates, application information, eligibility requirements, participating employers, and application materials will be posted on this webpage as they become available.

Someone I know is interested in moving to Oshkosh. How do they get started?

Contact Hannah Schueler with the City of Oshkosh Community Development Department. We are happy to answer questions, explain the program, and help determine whether someone may be eligible before applications open.

Hannah Schueler
Economic Development Specialist
City of Oshkosh Community Development Department
Phone: 920-236-5028
Email: hschueler@oshkoshwi.gov

What documents will I need to apply?

Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation demonstrating they meet the program requirements. This includes:

• Proof they reside outside Wisconsin at the time they apply.
• Verification of annual individual income of at least $55,000 through either an employer Human Resources wage verification letter or a recent W-2.
• Any additional documentation required to verify eligibility or process incentive payments.