WEN's mission is to provide seamless access to the statewide network of entrepreneurial resources and expertise to create new ventures; help grow existing business, and move forward high potential entrepreneurs to enable Wisconsin to be competitive in a global economic environment.
There are over 100 WEN partners throughout the State that provide education, counseling, and strategic connections for Wisconsin entrepreneurs. Regional Specialists provide special assistance to technology based businesses, including assistance with technology and market assessment, business planning, intellectual property, and securing R&D grants and other sources of funding.
Some of the resources available to entrepreneurs and small business owners on the WenPortal website include: WEN Resource Connection: The WEN Resource Connection can help you connect with organizations that provide business assistance in your area. Entrepreneur@work Digest: The entrepreneur@work features aggregated content from top writers and business publications with a focus on entrepreneurship and business innovation. Financing opportunities: WEN offers three grant opportunities to current and prospective small business owners: Early Planning Grant (EPG), Technology Assistance Grant (TAG), and Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) grant.
Small and emerging businesses through the Business Assistance Program can receive up to two hours of counseling from a business lawyer at no cost. For more information about this program or to locate an attorney near you, call the Wisconsin Business AnswerLine at 1-800-940-7232.
Special Initiatives:
I & E Clubs are forums where inventors and entrepreneurs get together to learn, network and share ideas. Many of the 25 clubs around the State have already sparked a number of new companies and help area businesses tap into the ideas and innovations surfacing from club members. A listing of all of the clubs in the State is available here.