Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program Logo
*Celebrating National Small Business Week: Empowering Wisconsin's Entrepreneurs*
In honor of National Small Business Week, we're spotlighting the wealth of resources available across Wisconsin designed to support small businesses—especially those owned by minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. Whether you're launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, these programs offer the tools, funding, and connections you need to thrive.
Libby Schmiedlin
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Libby Schmiedlin
WEDC collaborates with various organizations to provide financial and operational assistance, networking opportunities, and more to diversely owned businesses. Key partners include the Latino Chambers of Commerce, African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, and First American Capital Corp.
*Featured Programs:*
* *Start In Wisconsin*: An online directory of business and networking resources, along with a calendar of entrepreneur-focused events. [ [link removed] ] [link removed]
* *MARKETPLACE Wisconsin*: An annual diverse business development conference offering connections and growth strategies.
* *Business Development Tax Credit*: Provides refundable tax credits for companies expanding or relocating in Wisconsin.
* *Industrial Revenue Bonds*: Offers unique revenue bonds organized by state or local governments for private, for-profit businesses.
* *Enterprise Zone Tax Credit*: Tax credits for businesses in designated areas to encourage economic development.
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*Additional Resources:*
* The Business Council (TBC) [ [link removed] ] is a membership organization designed to assist minority business enterprises in scaling by offering targeted programming, education, and advocacy alongside our partner organizations and corporate members seeking to diversify their spend or achieve their supplier diversity goals.
* Small Business Association (SBA) [ [link removed] ] - In addition to their loan programs, SBA has trainings on growing and sustaining businesses.
* Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) [ [link removed] ] - Focused on women-owned businesses, WWBIC offers development opportunities for growth strategies, loans, and financial knowledge.
* Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) [ [link removed] ] - WEDC provides many financial development opportunities to businesses as well as support for entrepreneurs and training programs.
* Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) [ [link removed] ] - WPI assists Wisconsin businesses compete in the government markets. WPI works with existing and new business to strengthen the defense and government industrial base by accelerating innovation, fostering ingenuity, and establishing resilient and diverse supply chains. WPI provides Wisconsin business a broad range of technical assistance.
* Wisconsin's Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) Office of Business Opportunity and Equity Compliance (OBOEC) [ [link removed] ] - In addition to certifying diverse suppliers, OBOEC offers a mentor/mentee program, networking events, and other training opportunities.
* Ethnic and Diverse Business Coalition (EDBC) [ [link removed] ]- EDBC helps with overall business development and training.
* National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) - Wisconsin Chapter [ [link removed] ] - Especially focusing on contracts and business done with the government, NAMC offers opportunities for business development training.
* North Central Minority Supplier Development Council (NCMSDC) [ [link removed] ] - NCMSDC offers a certification program, developmental opportunities for businesses, connections with other companies, and advocates for minority businesses.
* Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - [ [link removed] ] A program from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, SBDC helps with starting, managing, and growing businesses.
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*Diverse Chambers*
Chambers are a great way to network and develop your business with the help of a nonprofit in niche areas. If you need help with completing the application or business development in general, consider contacting a Chamber.
* African American Chamber of Commerce - Greater Milwaukee [ [link removed] ]
* American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AICCW - FACC) [ [link removed] ]*
* Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce [ [link removed] ]*
* Latino Entrepreneurial Network of Southeastern Wisconsin* [ [link removed] ]
* Madison Black Chamber of Commerce [ [link removed] ]*
* Madison Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County [ [link removed] ]*
* National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) [ [link removed] ]*
* Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce [ [link removed] ]*
* Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce [ [link removed] ]
* Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce [ [link removed] ]*
* Wisconsin Veteran's Chamber of Commerce [ [link removed] ]*
These organizations offer support tailored to their communities, including assistance with certification applications and business development.
Wisconsin is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all entrepreneurs. Take advantage of these resources to propel your business forward.
forward
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*BID | WIN | PERFORM*
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