Wisconsin Small Business Guide

Green Business Resources in Wisconsin

Learn how to lower energy costs and protect the environment.

• Focus on Energy - Business Programs
• Financial Incentives for Renewables and Energy Efficiency
• Licenses, Permits, and Registrations
• Green Cities: Green Bay | Milwaukee | Madison

Starting a Business

If you are thinking of starting a small business, or already own a small business, several free counseling and training programs are available to help you get started and expand your operations. Services cover all aspects of starting and running a business, from getting loans and financing for starting or expanding to developing business plans and marketing strategies.

• Wisconsin Small Business Development Centers
  Provides free start-up advice, training and counseling services to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the state. Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Wisconsin District Office
  Offers business development counseling and training programs and information on SBA loan programs.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives Association) is a nonprofit organization and SBA resource partner dedicated to helping small business growth through free mentoring and business counseling and low-cost workshops. Contact your local SCORE for small business development programs in your area:

• Appleton - Fox Cities SCORE
• Eau Claire - Eau Claire SCORE
• Green Bay - Green Bay SCORE
• Madison - Madison SCORE
• Marshfield - Central Wisconsin SCORE
• Milwaukee - Milwaukee SCORE

There are also a number of local small business centers sponsored or partially funded by SBA that help women with start-up counseling and financial assistance:

• Wisconsin Minority Business Development Center
  Provides free business consulting services and financial management advice to minority-owned businesses in the state. Supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
• Western Dairyland Women's Business Center
  Find information on preparing and getting a loan to finance your business, training schedules, special events, business resources: state, area, technology, and more.
• Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corp (For Racine, WI)
  Established in 1989, WWBIC consults, educates and mentors owners of small and micro businesses throughout Wisconsin.

Doing Business in Wisconsin

From getting a business license to filing your taxes, the following sites provides resources you need to start and manage a business in Wisconsin.

• Wisconsin Business Portal
  Resources you need to start and operate a business in Wisconsin, file your business taxes, get a business license and much more.