Business Development

Financial Assistance

Although the Division of Business Development is responsible for administering more than 25 separate economic development programs, they can be categorized into five distinct areas: Entrepreneurial Development, Capital Finance, Technology Development, Employee Training, and "Targeted Businesses."  All of these programs apply common underwriting criteria.  Work with your Area Development Manager to find the right program for you.

Entrepreneurial Development

In recognition of the importance of a sound business pan, Commerce offers an Early Planning Grant (EPG) program that provides grants to entrepreneurs and small businesses to help off-set a portion of the cost of hiring an independent third party to develop a comprehensive business plan. If you do not have a business plan, or would like additional information on entrepreneurial development programs, click here.

Capital Financing

Commerce's capital finance programs offer below market rate financing to businesses that are willing to make a firm commitment to invest in Wisconsin. Notwithstanding the attractiveness of the interest rate, it should be noted that Commerce is not a primary lender. In fact, given its limited financial resources, Commerce works closely with eligible businesses and their private sector lenders to minimize the amount of public funds necessary to make a project go forward.

Please Note: Having a comprehensive business plan is a critical first-step in accessing Commerce's capital finance programs. To learn more about Commerce's capital finance programs:

• Direct Lending
• Tax Credits
• Industrial Revenue Bonds

Technology Development

Commerce recognizes the need for Wisconsin businesses to stay on the fore-front of technological innovation. To assist in this process, Commerce offers a Technology Development program that is designed to assist businesses and entrepreneurs that are researching new technologies, products, or manufacturing processes that, if successful, could have a significant impact upon Wisconsin's economy. This loan program is designed as a cost sharing program with flexible repayment terms that are keyed to the success of the particular research project. For more information on this program, click here.

Employee Training

In keeping with Commerce's long held belief that Wisconsin's best assets are its people, the agency offers training programs that are designed to enhance the skills and abilities of its workforce. Offered in the form of a matching grant, the Customized Labor Training program has historically been driven by a company's commitment to re-invest in new technologies that necessitate the need for training. However, in addition to the CLT program, Commerce now offers the BEST program which is specifically designed to meet the wide variety of training needs of Wisconsin's small businesses. For additional information on these training programs, click here.

Trade Shows

In order to encourage small and new exporters to get first-hand experience of international markets, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce offers a Trade Show Grant of up to $5000 to cover many of the costs of exhibiting at international trade events.

"Targeted Businesses"

Please note that while the descriptions are fairly generic, Commerce does give special consideration to "targeted businesses" such as: minority owned businesses, women owned businesses, recycling businesses, the dairy industry, etc.  For additional information on "targeted businesses," click here.