Business Education and Assistance

Educational Resources

Wisconsin is blessed with an extensive network of educational resources to fill the gaps in your knowledge base. All current and future business owners should take full advantage of the following educational assistance resources.

• WI Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
  One-to-one counseling, workshops and programs, special initiatives, etc.
  
• Classes and seminar schedules
  Financial management, record keeping, accounting, etc.
  
• Find the SBDC in your county
  
• Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network
  Provides integrated statewide support to entrepreneurs in all industries and development stages through one of 50 access points.
  


• Waukesha County Technical College Small Business Center
  


• Small Business Services (SBA)
  eCommerce, on-line courses, on-line business counseling, etc.
  


• WI Home-Based Business Association
  


• Women-Owned Businesses
  


• U.S. Business Advisor
  Offers training, counseling, financial advice, information on agencies, etc.
  


• Continuing Education
• UW-Extension
• WI-Technical College System: Business Partners
• UW-Business School Program for Executive Education

Top

Technical Assistance Resources

While numerous consultants and firms in the private sector offer technical assistance, there are also resources within the public sector to assist you. Keep in mind that some of these resources are general, not all specific to Wisconsin.

• Programs for Disadvantaged Entrepreneurs
  


• Area Development Managers
  Assits business expansions, help local development organizations with federal, state and regional resources.
  


• Wisconsin Association of Small Business Incubators
  Provides small, entrepreneurial businesses with affordable space, shared support, and business development services such as financing, marketing, and management.
  


• Wisconsin Minority Business Program
  


• Nonprofit Business Assistance Program
  


• Wisconsin Better Business Bureau
  Company reports, file a complaint, become a member, etc.
  


• Wisconsin Association of Certified Public Accountants
  


• American Marketing Association - Wisconsin chapter
  


• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Resource
  


• National Association of Small Business
  


• American Association of Home-Based Businesses
  


• International Trade Administration
  

Acquaint yourself with Wisconsin State Business Services for start-up and expanding businesses: filing, forms and fees, permits, licenses, etc.

Top

IRS Resources

Compliance with IRS tax guidelines is extremely important to the long-term success of your business. Familiarize yourself with various IRS publications and services for small business.

• Tax Info For Business
  


• Small Business Resource Guide CD-ROM FREE
  Provides business tax forms and other business start-up guidance.
  


• IRS forms and publications on partnerships, corporations, business expenses, self-employment tax, business use of your home, and much more.

Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment Property Tax Exemption
Top

Legal Resources

If you feel you need legal help, do not hesitate to consult your attorney.

• Wisconsin State Bar
  WI statutes, lawyer referrals, law updates, FREE legal counselling, etc.
• Business Assistance Program
• Nonprofit Business Assistance Program
• Wisconsin's Lawyer Assistance Program
• Environmental Law Assistance

Top

Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights

The following resources can help you protect your business idea or a new product you developed, protect your business name, logo, slogan, and much more.

• Trademarks/ Trade Names by WI Secretary of the State.
  


• On-Line Patent, Trademark and Literature Searches by Wisconsin Tech Search.
  


• U.S. Copyright Office
  


• U.S. Patent & Trademark Office

Top