Starting a Business

It’s easy to start a successful business in the Milwaukee Region, thanks to a variety of federal, state and local programs. In fact, Entrepreneur magazine ranks the region as one of the “hottest” urban areas for entrepreneurs. Approximately 85 percent of the region’s business establishments have fewer than 25 employees.

Among the many business support programs available include:

BizStarts Milwaukee, a nonprofit organization dedicated
to fostering and promoting entrepreneurship in southeastern Wisconsin, focuses on connecting entrepreneurs with the resources to launch and grow
their companies. BizStarts Milwaukee assists with business planning, connecting with early-stage investing and other issues that face startup companies. The organization's goal is to help launch or accelerate 50 new businesses by the end of 2010.

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce, the state's primary agency for business development, focuses on business retention, expansion and relocation, business finance and export development. It works independently or in conjunction with local development agencies. Resources include:

• Financial Assistance Programs
• Starting a Business in Wisconsin
• Registering a Business in Wisconsin

The State of Wisconsin's Business Wizard provides customized information on licensing, permitting and regulatory requirements. Using a question-and-answer format, the Wizard provides information to help you start and operate a Wisconsin-based business.

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Agency (WHEDA) offers a choice of small business financing products, including loan guarantees and interest rate subsidies.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a Permit Primer that offers a step-by-step, question-and-answer tour of the DNR regulatory programs to help you determine which environmental requirements apply to you, what permits you need and how to get them.

Online Women's Business Center offers business training and technical assistance, along with access to credit and capital, federal contracts and international trade opportunities.

Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) provides small business plan preparation and business advice.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offers advice, training and resources for entrepreneurs and small companies.

Small Business Administration (SBA) provides financial, technical and management assistance.

Wisconsin Business Resource Network is a clearinghouse for state and local environmental issues, tax information, health and safety regulations, building codes and permits.