There are a wide range of resources available to businesses in Wisconsin, whether initiating a new idea or expanding a business. The following links will guide you to all the important resources to help start and grow your business.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. They work primarily through loan guarantees extended to the private bank making the loan.
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority offers innovative products and services in partnership with other lenders to link Wisconsin residents and communities with affordable housing and economic development opportunities. Chapter 234 of Wisconsin Statutes published creating the Wisconsin Housing Finance Authority, empowering the Authority to make construction, rehabilitation, and permanent mortgage loans to eligible sponsors of housing projects for low and moderate income households.
Wisconsin Department of Commerce provides a wide range of financial assistance programs to help businesses. The mission of the Division of Business Development is to help Wisconsin businesses prosper in a marketplace that is subject to constant change. To accomplish this task, the Division utilizes a combination of technical and financial assistance programs that have been designed to assist businesses at all points of the continuum including: business planning, site selection, initial capitalization, permitting, employee training, research and development, and business expansion.
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) is a statewide non profit organization offering assistance to women and men who are starting and growing a business. They provide business planning, mentoring and consulting, microloans loans, and a full range of classes (internal link to classes) for business owners.
Revolving Loan Funds: Many local communities and not for profit economic development organizations have small loan funds to assist businesses.
State of Wisconsin Tax Credits: The Department of Commerce offers a variety of state income tax credits for businesses. These include credits for job creation, brownfield remediation, and technology businesses. There are also several tax exemptions on machinery equipment, research and development, energy usage.
Glossary of financial terms
Federal Tax Credits: check with your tax planner as these are generally based on targeted geographic areas.