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Entrepreneurs and Start-ups


What is the first step you need to take to start or expand your business?  

Make sure you've got a plan.

If you've got a great idea for a business but are not sure how to get started, the best contact for you is the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network.   The Wisconsin Entrepreneur's Network will help you find products, services, publications and websites that will assist in the development, growth and success of your business.

Business Hotlines are available by calling the Department of Commerce Help Business Line at 1-800-HELP-BUSiness (1-800-435-7287) or the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) AnswerLine Call 1-800-940-7232.  They're available to give free answers to your business start-up or management questions from Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.   You may also submit questions on-line to the SBDC.  

The mission of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) is to enhance the success of Wisconsin small business through management education. By providing advice, training, and resources for entrepreneurs and small companies, SBDC's help businesses create jobs and connects entrepreneurs and small business owners with knowledge, tools, and resources from here and around the world.  Through Wisconsin's Technical College System entrepreneurs will also find a number of programs and services designed to assist with business start-up.

If you have a plan, but need more detailed information...

Business incubators can play a nurturing role in helping young businesses survive and grow during the start-up period when they are most financially vulnerable. Business incubators are facilities that provide small, entrepreneurial businesses with affordable space and shared support and business development services, such as financing, marketing, and management.   From the list of Wisconsin incubators you can find out the information about the space currently available and the amenities and services offered by a a particular incubator.

Small and merging businesses throughout Wisconsin can receive up to two hours of free legal counseling services from a Business Lawyer at no cost. This public service is offered by the Business Assistance lawyers from the State Bar of Wisconsin.   You can find the names of participating lawyers through the Wisconsin Entrepreneur's Network Resource Connection.

If you're thinking about starting a technology-related business, go to the Commerce Technology Business Development page for resources specific to the industry.

For investment solutions, you can check out the resources offered at the Wisconsin Angel Network (WAN).

The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) provides counseling to new and expanding businesses.  You can find a local SCORE volunteer by providing your state and a keyword on your business question at www.score.org\index.html.

Permits and Licenses

Most businesses need some form of permit or license before they can open their doors.  Be sure and obtain the necessary documents at the proper stage in your business development.

To obtain a list of state permits or licenses your business may need before you get started, go to the Business Wizard.  

If you are starting a business that might have air pollution, waste or water pollution issues, there are certain obligations you must meet before you start any form of construction or installing machinery.  Review the Environmental Information Summary to determine if any environmental permits are required.  

Do you need to register your new business?  Not necessarily.  Check out the business registration information.

Do you have questions about export licenses or does your firm need a Certificate of Free Sale to get your product imported into another country?

Most products can be exported from the United States with limited amounts of paperwork. Some products require the submission of an export license application to the U.S. government for reasons of national security, nuclear non-proliferation, crime control, and foreign policy among others. Export Development Managers can introduce you to the process so you can determine the export regulations that apply to your firm’s products and potential customers.

Some foreign governments require "Certificates of Free Sale" before products can be imported into their country. These are usually, but not solely, products regulated by either the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade, and Consumer Protection for health or safety reasons. In order to assist manufacturers of quality Wisconsin products that are not regulated by those agencies, but which require certificates, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce can issue "Certificates of Free Sale" to companies whose products are not regulated by FDA, DATCP, or other federal or state government agencies. You can contact the Export Development Manager in your part of the state for the requirements to receive a certificate.

Publications

For more start-up business information, you might find the following on-lin publication Starting a Business?  Here's Help! useful.  Use this on-line publication to identify assistance programs and regulatory requirements in Wisconsin.