There is a wide variety of services available to assist businesses with start-up, growth and expansion. Listed below are state and local agencies and organizations, with a brief description of what they do and how to contact them.
Select a resource below to go directly to that listing.
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
website: http://wedc.org
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is the state’s lead economic development organization, it nurtures business growth and job creation in Wisconsin by providing resources, technical support, and financial assistance to companies, partners and the communities they serve.
WEDC's key areas of focus are: Economic and Community Development; Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Business and Industry Development; International Business Development; Marketing and Public Affairs; and Finance and Administration
contact:
Seth Hudson
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
2322 Alpine Rd Ste 3, Eau Claire WI 54703
phone: 608-210-6772
email: seth.hudson@wedc.org
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
website: http://dsps.wi.gov
The new Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) was formed by combining the Department of Regulation and Licensing and parts of the Department of Commerce.
DSPS is responsible for ensuring the safe and competent practice of licensed professionals in Wisconsin. The department also administers and enforces laws to assure safe and sanitary conditions in public and private buildings and regulates petroleum products and petroleum storage tank systems. It provides administrative services to the state occupational regulatory authorities responsible for regulation of occupations and offers policy assistance in such areas as evaluating and establishing new professional licensing programs, creating routine procedures for legal proceedings, and adjusting policies in response to public needs.
DSPS is organized into six divisions and the Office of the Secretary. The divisions are, Board Services, Enforcement, Environmental and Regulatory Services, Management Services, Safety and Buildings, and Professional Credential Processing (licensing and regulating more than 200 different types of credentials in more than 58 professional fields).
The former Wisconsin Department of Commerce Environmental and Regulatory Services resources can be found at: http://dsps.wi.gov/er.
The former Wisconsin Department Regulation and Licensing Services resources can be found at: http://drl.wi.gov.
The former Wisconsin Department of Commerce Safety and Building Services resources can be found at: http://dsps.wi.gov/sb.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Small Business Ombudsman
website: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/CompAssist/sb (select Ombudsman tab)
The Wisconsin Small Business Ombudsman is one component of the state’s small business technical assistance program, created through the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act.
The Small Business Ombudsman has three main responsibilities:
Communication - the ombudsman’s primary role is to serve as a liaison to small business, connecting small businesses with both DNR staff and the information they need.
Advocacy - the ombudsman also serves as an advocate for small business. In this role, the ombudsman provides recommendations on behalf of small business and facilitates resolution of disputes.
Compliance Assistance - in coordination with DNR’s programs, the ombudsman provides compliance assistance to small businesses and makes recommendations about regulations that may affect them.
contact: Eileen Pierce
Small Business Ombudsman
phone: 608-275-3296
email: eileen.pierce@wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN)
website: www.wenportal.org
Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN) provides integrated statewide support to entrepreneurs in all industries and developmental stages. WEN assistance includes: starting a business; finance and accounting; marketing product development; business plans; intellectual property; and competitive research.
contact:
Pat Dillon
Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network
210 Water St PO Box 4004, Eau Claire, WI 54702
phone: 715-836-3636
email: dillonp@uwec.edu
WEDC Export Technical Assistance Program
WEDC’s International Business Development team works one-on-one with beginning and experienced exporters to:
•Assess the demand for Wisconsin-made products outside of the United States and help plan a firm’s approach to international markets in a systematic fashion.
•Introduce Wisconsin businesses to potential customers, distributors, or partners in other parts of the world.
•Support service providers here in Wisconsin who can assist in developing profitable international transactions.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
website: http://www.uwrf.edu/CBE/Centers/SBDC.cfm
The SBDC is a statewide network providing business education services throughout Wisconsin. SBDC professionals analyze the needs of each client and provide a link the knowledge, tools and resources essential for business success.
The SBDC consists of the Lead Center or State Office, which is administered by the unit of Business and Manufacturing Extension at UW-Extension, and a network of service centers located at 12 of the four-year UW institutions.
contact: Steven DeWald, Director
UW- River Falls SBDC
410 S 3rd St, South Hall Room 128, River Falls WI 54022
phone: 715-425-0620
email: steven.e.dewald@uwrf.edu
West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC)
website: www.wcwrpc.org
The West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission is statutorily charged with the responsibility of planning for the physical, social, and economic development of the region. To accomplish this mission, the Commission conducts area wide planning and provides technical assistance to local governments.
contact:
Char Gurney
West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
800 Wisconsin St, Ste D2-401, Mail Box 9
Eau Claire, WI 54703-3606
phone: 715-836-2918
email: cgurney@wcwrpc.org
Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center (NWMOC)
website: http://nwmoc.uwstout.edu
NWMOC is a non-profit organization which is part of the national network of centers in the US Department of Commerce's Manufacturing Extension Partnership. It teams University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College System Institutions to assist small and Medium size manufacturers to modernize and streamline their operations.
contact:
Larry Blackledge
NWMOC - UW-Stout
278 Jarvis Hall
Menomonie, WI 54751
phone: 715-232-1649
email: blackledgel@uwstout.edu
University of Wisconsin-Extension
website: www.uwex.edu
UW-Extension is the "Wisconsin Idea" -- the people's University connection. Through its programming divisions of Cooperative Extension, Broadcasting and Media Innovations, Continuing Education Extension, and its collaborative relationships with the 26 UW universities and colleges, the 72 Wisconsin counties, and countless local, state, and federal agencies and groups, Extension provides a spectrum of lifelong learning opportunities for Wisconsin citizens. Extension education extends the knowledge and resources of the University of Wisconsin to people by applying university research, knowledge and resources to the needs of Wisconsin people.
St. Croix County UW-Extension Office website: http://stcroix.uwex.edu
County-based Extension educators are University of Wisconsin faculty and staff who are experts in agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, natural resources, family living and youth development.
Extension specialists work on UW System campuses where they access current research and knowledge. Cooperative Extension partners with local, county, state and federal government to address public issues. Faculty and staff plan and carry out programs with a wide array of community partners-- volunteers, business and educational groups and advisors.
contact: Pete Kling
UW-Extension /Community Resource Development
1960 8th Avenue
Baldwin, WI 54002
phone: 715-684-3301 ext 141
email: pete.kling@ces.uwex.ed
St Croix Valley Employers Association (SCVEA)
website: http://scvea.shrm.org
SCVEA is a voluntary not-for-profit corporation providing services, salary survey data, information, and networking opportunities to its member employers.
It is the Vision of the St. Croix Valley Employers Association to be a progressive regional organization that assists its member employers in being successful with their individual missions. SCVEA does this by providing low cost - high quality training and services in practices and trends in technology, management and emerging workforce needs.
contact:
Joanne Jackson, president
St. Croix Valley Employers Association
1019 S. Knowles Avenue, PO Box 186
New Richmond, WI 54017-0186
phone: 715-268-0303
email: president@scvea.com
Science and Technology Accelerator Corporation (SciTAC)
SciTAC was formed in the spring of 2004 by a group of St. Croix Valley and River Falls business, government and higher education leaders. SciTAC was established for the purpose of attracting technology-based companies to the Corporation’s accelerator facility in Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park in River Falls, Wisconsin.
SciTAC is a one-stop business resource that provides operating space, shared services, equipment, lab space and business assistance to technology companies that have advanced beyond the R&D and concept product stage.
Development stage companies are invited to launch and introduce their products/services to the market place and to grow their companies in SciTAC’s accelerator facility. SciTAC is committed to assist in the acceleration of tenant company growth plans. (Click here to learn more about SciTAC)
contact:
Jim Letourneau, Board President
Science & Technology Accelerator Corporation
c/o Foley-United Company
393 Troy St
River Falls WI 54016
phone: 715-426-5151
email: jimletourneau@foleyunited.com
The SCORE Association
website: www.score.org
The SCORE Association "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA). Working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and expertise as volunteer business counselors and provide confidential counseling and mentoring free of charge.
contact:
West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition (WCWRC)
website: http://westwisconsinrail.org
The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition provides leadership and coordination to develop passenger rail service through West Central Wisconsin as part of a regional strategy to ensure a balanced transportation system for long-term sustainable economic growth.
contact:
Scott Rogers, Chair
West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition (more about the Coalition)
c/o Eau Claire Area EDC
PO Box 1108, Eau Claire, WI 54702
phone: 715-579-5242
email: rail@eauclaire-wi.com
:
Regional Business Fund, Inc. [ more info ]
The West Central Wisconsin Regional Loan Fund is a flexible source of supplemental financing for businesses expanding or locating in St. Croix County. The purpose is to encourage the creation of quality jobs and to increase the tax base.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
WEDC Economic Development Tax Credit Program
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) administers the Economic Development Tax Credit Program. It replaces five former tax credit programs in Wisconsin. The tax credits, which are nonrefundable and nontransferable, must be applied against a certified business's Wisconsin income tax liability. In the case of an S-Corporation, LLC, or other pass-through entities, tax credits flow through to the owners in the same way as income. Eligible activities include job creation, capital investment, employee training and corporate headquarters.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
WEDC Jobs Tax Credit Program
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) administers the Job Credit Program. Businesses located in or relocating to Wisconsin that are creating full-time jobs may be eligible for Jobs Tax Credits.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
WEDC Direct Funding Program (Loans)
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) administers a Direct Funding Program (loans) to businesses. This limited supplemental funding may be available for working capital, equipment, training, building construction and improvements, land acquisition, private infrastructure improvements, asset acquisition, and lease payment reduction for property owners.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
WEDC Training Grant Program
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) administers the Training Grant Program. It aids businesses in workforce retention and expansion into new markets and technology. The program provides grant funds to businesses to upgrade or improve the job-related skills of a business’s full-time employees. Grant funds may be approved for eligible training provided to existing and new employees in full-time jobs.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
St. Croix Valley Angel Network
The St. Croix Valley Angel Network, Inc. operates as an IRS not-for-profit organization with a volunteer board of directors. The network links early stage companies with high net worth individuals ("Accredited Investors") who secure equity positions in the companies. Many of these companies have exhausted their owner's personal resources and need additional funding to grow the business. Most companies have the potential for rapid growth and new job creation.
Equity investments are done on a case-by-case basis. The investment information on candidate companies is only distributed to the network's sponsors - the angels and/or corporate supporters. The St. Croix Valley Angel Network provides a limited screening service so that prospective investors can avoid the need to preview a large number of requests. Strictest confidence is observed on all matters involving the network and its angels.
contact: Steven DeWald
St Croix Valley Angel Network Inc
410 S 3rd St
River Falls, WI 54022
phone: 715-425-3398
email: steven.e.dewald@uwrf.edu
WEDC Angel and Early Stage Seed Investment Tax Credits
The Angel Investment and Venture Capital Tax Credit programs are designed to encourage investment in small, high-technology businesses that have high growth potential. Angel investors, angel investment networks and venture capital seed funds may qualify for Wisconsin tax credits by investing in these designated companies. Early-stage businesses conducting pre-commercialization activities related to proprietary technology may be designated as Qualified New Business Ventures.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
WEDC Technology Development Loan Program
WEDC provides loans to Wisconsin companies to facilitate research and development and commercialization of innovative technology products.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
WEDC Export Development Grant Program
This grant is designed to help small-medium sized companies become export-ready and to assist them in developing the internal competence to enter and expand into global markets.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
WEDC International Market Access Grant Program
This grant can be used for reimbursement of specific expenses associated with exhibiting at an approved trade show in a foreign market, participating in a matchmaker trade delegation program or certified trade mission, website and literature localization and consulting services needed to meet certain international product certification requirements.
contact: William Rubin
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-4383
email: bill@stcroixedc.com
Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) and WBA TEAM Network
website: www.wisbank.com
The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) represents 350 financial institutions of all sizes in Wisconsin. The WBA is the states largest financial institution trade association.
contact:
Wisconsin Bankers Association
P.O. Box 8880, 4721 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718
phone: 608-441-1200
WBA TEAM Network
http://www.wisbank.com/Web/Products/EconomicDevelopment/tabid/134/Default.aspx
The WBA TEAM Network is a low cost program designed to assist commercial loan applicants. The TEAM staff works with you in the early stages of the creation or expansion of your business. The Wisconsin Bankers Association developed the WBA TEAM Network to help financial institutions across the state to respond effectively to business applicants.
To access the WBA TEAM Network call: 920-966-1484
Wisconsin Business Development (WBD) Finance Corporation
website: www.wbd.org
WBD is a business lender, and technical assistance firm specializing in economic development lending activities leading to the formation, retention and growth of successful businesses.
contact:
Jeremy Price
WBD Finance Corporation
1810 Crestview Dr Ste 5B, Hudson, WI 54016
phone: 715-381-6719
email: jprice@wbd.org
US Small Business Administration (SBA)
website: www.sba.gov
The SBA provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses. The SBA also plays a major role in the government's disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both homeowners and businesses.
Wisconsin SBA Office
website: www.sba.gov/wi
The Wisconsin SBA office is responsible for the delivery of SBA's many programs and services to the 72 counties of Wisconsin.
SBA Wisconsin assists several hundred businesses each year by providing financial assistance through the 7(a) and 504 loan programs.
contact:
Wisconsin SBA - Madison
740 Regent St, Suite 100
Madison WI 53715
phone: 608-441-5263 |
Wisconsin SBA - Milwaukee
310 W Wisconsin Ave, Room 400
Milwaukee WI 53203
phone: 414-297-3941 |
lease direct email inquiries to Robin Dittberner at robin.dittberner@sba.gov
Department of Workforce Development
website: www.dwd.state.wi.us
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is a state agency charged with building and strengthening Wisconsin's workforce. The Department's primary responsibilities include providing job services, training and employment assistance to people looking for work, at the same time as it works with employers on finding the necessary workers to fill current job openings.
Under the DWD umbrella, a wide variety of employment programs can be found including:
JobNet is a searchable Wisconsin database containing current job opportunities that employers have listed with Wisconsin Job Service. Employers can list job openings on JobNet by using JobNet Businsess
Wisconsin Job Centers
Wisconsin Job Centers provide a 'one-stop' service for employers to meet their workforce needs and job seekers to get the career planning, job placement and training services they need to get jobs.
website: www.wisconsinjobcenter.org
e-mail: jobcenter@dwd.state.wi.us
St. Croix County contact:
Sara Benedict
St Croix Valley Job Center
625 Whitetail Blvd Ste 120, River Falls, WI 54022
phone: 715-426-0388
e-mail: benedicts@workforceresource.org
Extended Benefits News Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation and Temporary Supplemental Benefits.
Wisconsin Seasonal Jobs site lists hundreds of seasonal employment opportunities throughout the state.
America's Job Bank is a nationwide place to post your resume or search for a job.
West Central Wisconsin Workforce Resource
website: www.workforceresource.org
WCWWR provides resources for job seekers and employers, and information on training and labor market statistics.
West Central Wisconsin Workforce Resource
401 Technology Drive East, Suite 100
Menomonie, WI 54751
phone: 715-232-1412
email: inquire@workforceresource.org
St. Croix County contact:
Sara Benedict
St Croix Valley Job Center
625 Whitetail Blvd Ste 120, River Falls, WI 54022
phone: 715-426-0394
e-mail: benedicts@workforceresource.org
University of Wisconsin River Falls Career Services
website: www.uwrf.edu/careerservices
410 South Third Street, 211 Hagestad Hall, River Falls, WI 54022
phone: 715-425-3572
Career Services provides comprehensive planning and job search assistance to UWRF students at all levels of study. Employers who are seeking qualified candidates for permanent positions can:
services offered: post open positions; request resumes of students and alumni; visit campus to promote employment opportunities; interview on campus; participate in the annual Job Fair; and/or learn more about the UW-River Falls student population and the degrees offered. Visit Career Services' Employers page at: http://www.uwrf.edu/CareerServices/Employers/Index.cfm
Employment-related request and inquiries can be directed to Career Services at 715-425-3572 or career.services@uwrf.edu.
Chippewa Valley Technical College Career Services
website: http://www.cvtc.edu/employment/tech-connect/pages/tech-connect.aspx
500 Wasson Lane, River Falls, WI 54022
phone: 715-425-3301
Services offered: post job vacancies on TechConnect to the 16 Wisconsin Technical Colleges system; on-campus interviews; participate in the annual Job Fair; resume referral system; internships/co-op education; and/or customized or on site training.
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Employment Services
website: http://www.witc.edu/customized-training/hiregrad.htm
1019 South Knowles, New Richmond, WI 54017
phone: 715-246-6561 extension 2417
Services offered: post job vacancies on TechConnect to the 16 Wisconsin Technical Colleges system; on-campus interviews, participate in the annual job fair; resume referral system; internships/co-op education; and/or customized or on site training.
