Minority Business Development 

The Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development program is designed to generate and foster the growth of minority businesses in the State of Wisconsin. The Bureau of Minority Business Development provides consultation and services to minority business owners, entrepreneurs, and resource organizations.

Financial Consulting and Technical Assistance

The Bureau provides consultation to individuals who are interested in starting a business, buying a business, or expanding an existing business. Our economic consultants provide counseling to individuals regarding structuring financing plans and preparing loan applications.  Assistance may include referrals to an extensive network of public and private sector financial institutions and resource agencies, including the Minority Business Development Loan Program and the Early Planning Grant (EPG) or the Entrepreneurial Training Grant Program (ETG).

The Bureau certifies minority-owned businesses for participation in the state's minority business purchasing and contracting program.  The application for minority certification may be obtained by clicking here and submitting to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. 

The Bureau annually coordinates the Governor's Conference on Minority Business Development, Marketplace, which is a low cost, capacity building conference for certified minority-owned firms and government purchasing agents. The conference is held in the fall of each year and registration is coordinated through the Bureau of Minority Business Development.  

Directory of Minority-Owned Firms

Minority businesses by company name (alphabetical listing)

Minority businesses by county

Minority businesses by industry sector

The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) maintains a Minority Business Program Business Search which enables buyers to access information on Wisconsin minority-owned firms by product, service area, county, commodity code or ethnic category.

Information Clearinghouse

The Bureau of Minority Business Development serves as a clearinghouse of information to client firms, government and corporate buyers, and other resource agencies. The Bureau also sponsors seminars and workshops designed to improve the managerial, marketing and other business skills of owners of small and minority businesses.

To receive further information, you may contact:

Bureau of Minority Business Development Contacts