General Technical Resources
The following are known general technical resources and links available to businesses. For financial assistance be sure to see our Financial Assistance page.
If you are a farm operator or minority, be sure to check out the Farm Financial Resources and Farm Technical Resources pages. If you are also a minority, in addition to these general resources, please refer to the Minority Financial Resources and Minority Technical Resources pages.
[ Networking ]
[ Workforce Development ]
[ Exporting & International Trade ]
[ Technical Assistance ]
[ Marketing ]
[ Law ]
[ Government Procurement ]
[ Health, Safety, & Insurance ]
[ Patents and Trademarks ]
[ Environmental Regulation Assistance & Programs ]
[ Exployment & Employment Training ]
[ Young Entrepreneuers ]
[ Other ]
Networking
-- In existence since 1999, we are a group of Wisconsin inventors intent on helping each other do our best in all aspects of inventing. We maintain a very relaxed, informal atmosphere in order to make attendees as comfortable as possible. Our purpose for existing is to:
- Share knowledge through networking
- Serve as a support group to help inventors find resources
- Help members avoid pitfalls, mistakes and invention scams
We meet the second Monday of the month at the DJ Bordini Center at 5 Systems Drive. For more information please contact Jeff Hitzler at inventorgb@msn.com.
KIEL AREA ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE -- The Kiel Area Association of Commerce offers its services to member businesses in Kiel and the surrounding communites. The Kiel Association offers opportunties for marketing, promotion, social envents, and industrial site listing. For more information contact Jluie Walber at CRES@tcei.com.
NEW HOLSTEIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE -- The New Holstein Chamber of Commerce represents business in and surrounding the City of New Holstein. Services that are provided by the New Holstein Chamber include networking and social events, marketing and promotion, commercial property and building listing, and a newsletter. For more information contact Dick Bosma at 920-898-9095 nhsecretary@newholstein.org.
STOCKBRIDGE AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION -- The Stockbridge Area Business Association was formed to promote existing business, development new busienss, and encourage involvment in the Stockbridge Area. They offer a social gathering, sponsor and organize community events, and promote and market area businesses. For more information contact Julie Parsons at julie@parsonsconstruction.com.
THE PARANET GROUP -- The Paranet Group is a member group solely for manufacturing executives. They offer opportunities to explore lean manufacturing through seminars and workshops. Other services include a personal advisory group that provides confidential peer learning, private coaching, lean assessment, problems solving, plant tours, an employment board, and surveys. For more information contact Linda Kiedrowski at 800-236-2560, by email at lkiedrowski@paranetgroup.com.
WISCONSIN FAMILY BUSINESS FORUM -- This member group of family owned business is a partnership with UW-Oshkosh that provides an opportunity for family owned business owners to netwrok and learn from other business owners, family business professionals, and educators. They provide networking opportunities, seminars, workshops, facilitation, and a listserv. For more information call (920) 424-2257, email schierss@uwosh.edu.
WISCONSIN INNOVATORS NETWORK (WIN): NORTHEAST WISCONSIN CHAPTER -- The Wisconsin Innovation Network is a subsidiary of the Wisconsin Technology Council, a community based economic development organization dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The Northeast Wisconsin WIN chapter focuses on the needs of new and growing technology-based businesses. They meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the DJ Bordini Center at 5 Systems Drive, Room F-108 at 5 PM. For more information contact Roger Orlady at roger@telaric.com.
Workforce Development
-- Provides assistance to individuals thinking of starting or expanding a small business. The center furnishes information on licenses and permits required by businesses and refer businesses to appropriate resources. Contact 1-800-HELP BUSINESS or MT@commerce.state.wi.us.
ENGINEERING COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM -- UW Madison provides engineering students to work full-time helping companies undertake a variety of technical and engineering initiatives. Co-ops and interns are paid commensurate with their educational level and previous experience. Advantages to the employer include developing a stronger, experienced workforce; identifying outstanding students for potential employment at graduation; evaluating an individual’s performance prior to making a full-time hiring commitment; and sharing new technology, research, and procedures. Contact (608) 262-5691 or archambault@engr.wisc.edu.
WISCONSIN YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM -- Helps businesses prepare future workers and is an integral part of the State Department of Workforce Development’s workforce training strategy. Youth apprenticeship is a rigorous two-year elective program for high school juniors and seniors that combine academic and technical classroom instruction and on-the-job training from business mentors. Contact Joyce Christee (608) 267-7210 or chrisjo@mail.state.wi.us.
Exporting & International Trade
-- Offering international trade assistance throughout northeast Wisconsin. The Highway 41 Corridor International Development Program is there to promote international trade development and investment by providing the business community with a broad and comprehensive range of programs, services and information. The program works with businesses to enter or enhance their position in the global marketplace. Services include:
- International Market Research, including product/market viability analysis, a market needs evaluation, benchmark pricing information and competitor information gathering.
- Commercial Assistance Services, including assistance in developing an export marketing plan, translation and interpretation assistance, letters of credit, and state financial assistance.
- Networking Opportunities, including international trade shows and inbound foreign trade missions and international seminars and workshops.
For more information contact Fred Monique at (920) 734-7101 or at monique@titletown.org.
SBA: OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE -- Provides export information and development assistance to help small businesses take advantage of export markets, including trade counseling, training, legal assistance and publications.
UNITED STATES EXPORT PORTAL -- Information for those interesting in exporting their product or services.
US COMMERCE: INTERNATIONAL MARKETING ASSISTANCE -- Provides export counseling, international partner search, international company profiles and international trade statistics. Contact United States Department of Commerce Milwaukee Export Assistance Center at (414) 297-3473 or Milwaukee.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov.
WI COMMERCE: EXPORT SALES ASSISTANCE -- For companies that want to learn how to begin or expand their export efforts. Contact Jane Hatleberg (608) 267-9227 or jhatelberg@commerce.state.wi.us.
WI COMMERCE: INTERNATIONAL AREA SPECIALISTS -- Help you understand the business culture of another country, identify important export issues that may affect your product and maintain a network of useful business contacts.
• Canada, Europe and Latin America: Contact Stanley Pfrang (608) 267-0639.
• Africa, India and the Middle East: Contact Lou Jankowski (608) 266-0393.
• Asia: Contact Beng Yeap (608) 266-1480.
• Japan: Contact Sam Noda (608) 266-9487 or (262) 691-5359.
WI COMMERCE: INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS/COMMERCE DIVISION OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT -- Helps Wisconsin businesses sell products and services around the world. Commerce maintains offices in Canada, Brazil, Germany and Mexico and contracts with consultants in Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the Middle East, South Africa, Taiwan and the ASEAN Region to provide export services to state firms. Consultants work one-on-one with Wisconsin businesses, providing technical assistance with the exporting process, market research and valuable in-country contacts. Contact Brad Schneider (920) 303-9353 or bschneider@commerce.state.wi.us.
WI COMMERCE: INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOWS AND TRADE MISSIONS -- Showcases Wisconsin firms and products to prospective international clients. Commerce represents companies by catalog, coordinates joint participation in booths, and also arranges trade and reverse investment missions abroad, many of them led by the Governor. Contact Christine Stamm (608) 264-7824 or cstamm@commerce.state.wi.us.
WI COMMERCE: WISCONSIN TRADE PROJECT PROGRAM -- Can help small export ready firms participate in international trade shows. The business covers its own travel and lodging expenses. Commerce can then provide up to $5,000 in reimbursements to a business for costs associated with attending a trade show, such as booth rental, shipping displays or product brochure translation. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Commerce representative Lou Janowski at (608) 266-0393.
WISCONSIN ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRY EXPORT FORUM (WEIEF) -- A networking and educational program for export-ready Wisconsin companies that market environmental technologies, products and services internationally. Contact Beng Yeap at (608) 266-1480.
Technical Assistance
-- UW-Stout is a statewide resource for small and medium manufacturers wishing to exploit the latest simulation technology to reduce the time needed to get new products to market or to produce products in the most efficient manner. Confidentiality agreements can be easily established. Contact Bob Meyer (715) 232-2397 or meyerb@uwstout.edu.
BUSINESS NAME REGISTRATION -- For Corporations, Limited Liability Corporations (LLC), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), or Limited Partnerships contact the Department of Financial Institutions at (608) 261-9555 or www.wdfi.org. Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships are not required to register with the state but can voluntarily register their business trade name and trademark with the Wisconsin Secretary of State at (608) 266-5653.
CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT -- Evaluates the commercial feasibility of new products or inventions. Contact UW-Stout (715) 232-5026.
NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON ENTREPRENUERSHIP -- Probably the best self-help resource available to business people.
OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY -- Located within Commerce and provides a variety of services to firms in the science and technology fields, helping them locate resources, capital, and research partners. Contact (608) 261-7721 or cgain@commerce.state.wi.us.
PATENT AND TRADE MARK INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE -- Includes information on licensing.
PLAN REVIEW PROGRAM -- Provides plan review and consultation for structures, plumbing, elevators, HVAC, lighting, erosion control, and private on-site wastewater treatment systems. The services help designers, installers, and owners protect public safety and promote economic efficiency. Contact (608) 266-3151.
SCORE -- Counselors are active and/or retired business executives who are highly qualified to assist new or expanding businesses. Call the Fox Cities office at (920) 734-7101 or score@foxcitiesbusiness.com.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER -- A UW-Extension program that offers no cost individual business counseling services and low cost structured educational courses. Contact Doug Gjerde of the Green Bay office at (920) 496-2115 or dgjerde@uwgb.edu.
VIRTUAL BUSINESS INCUBATOR -- Need to know answers to business questions and you want to do it yourself? This online guide answers some of the most frequently asked questions in how to operate a business. It has sections on accounting, banking/financing, insurance, legal, and marketing written by business support specialists. Visit today!
WI COMMERCE: BUSINESS WIZARD -- Abundant listing of resources and regulatory requirements.
WI COMMERCE: WISCONSIN SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATIVE RESEARCH (SBIR) SUPPORT PROGRAM -- Coordinates resources to help businesses pursue federal SBIR grants and contracts. The federal SBIR program provides Phase I awards of up to $100,000 for feasibility studies and Phase II awards of up to $750,000 for project development. Contact Hampton Rothwell at 1-800-TECH-Line (800-832-4546) or TechLine@commerce.state.wi.us.
WISCONSIN ENTREPRENUERS' NETWORK (WEN) -- WEN will be a statewide partnership that will receive $1,000,000 in funding through the Department of Commerce. WEN will be the first statewide assistance center for small business at all stages of development. It will provide one-on-one counseling, educational workshops, executive level programs, peer learning, strategies to assess technologies, access capital, and to leverage existing public resources as well as those available in the market place. There will be 4 regional centers and 22 intake sites. The regional center for northeast Wisconsin is Northeast Technical College in Green Bay and an intake center will be located in Appleton. Kurt Waldhuetter will be the Northeast Wisconsin’s representative. The initiative is expected to serve 10,000 people and contribute $500 million to the state’s economy in its first year. For more information contact Pam Christenson at pchristenson@commerce.state.wi.us.
WISCONSIN INNOVATION SERVICE CENTER (WISC) -- Helps small manufacturers, technology businesses, entrepreneurs, and independent inventors make new product and market decisions assessing technical feasibility, level of competition, estimates of need, and current trends in the market for the new product or invention. Part of the University of Wisconsin Whitewater and the Wisconsin Small Business Development Centers, WISC has conducted over 5,300 technical and market assessments, as well as investigated market expansion opportunities for companies from across the United States. Contact WISC at (262) 472-1365.
WISCONSIN MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP (WMEP) -- Helps small and medium manufacturers seeking technical assistance to assess and benchmark current operations, facilitate modernization strategy development and guidance in successfully implementing change. Contact Tammy Schwarzbauer of the Appleton office at (920) 831-5461 or email wmep@wmep.org.
Marketing
Law
-- Sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Business Assistance Program offers up to two free hours of legal counseling with a business lawyer for small and emerging businesses. Contact (608) 250-6006.
SMALL BUSINESS OMBUDSMAN -- Provides information on government regulations and financing alternatives to small businesses. The ombudsman promotes consideration for small businesses in Wisconsin administrative rules and also assists with small business start-up, expansion and retention activities. Contact Pam Christenson (608) 267-9384 or pchristenson@commerce.state.wi.us.
Government Procurement
-- Free service that helps businesses sell to all branches of the government (local, state, federal and international. Contact (608) 258-2330 or www.madison.tec.wi.us/bpac/.
PROCUREMENT BUREAU -- Sponsored by the Department of Administration. This bureau is the main source for Wisconsin state government procurement opportunities and information. Many procurement opportunities are publicized on VendorNet, the state’s bidding and purchasing opportunity information website at http://vendornet.state.wi.us/vendornet/ or call (608) 266-2605.
SBA: GENERAL GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT -- Helps small businesses get actively involved in selling goods and services to the federal government. Contact the Small Business Administration offices at (414) 297-1455 or (414) 297-3951.
WISCONSIN PROCUREMENT INSTITUTE -- WPI guides, trains and provides hands-on assistance to firms in developing government business and improving process and technical capabilities to access and compete in the Government marketplace. WPI helps firms:
- Locate Government contracting opportunities
- Identify grants and other sources of funding
- Navigate the Government procurement process Prepare proposals and subcontracting plans
- Understand proposal, contract, and subcontracting issues
- Integrate E-Commerce in the procurement process
Call (414) 270-3600 or email info@wispro.org.
Health, Safety, & Insurance
-- Provides free assistance to employers to establish and maintain a safe and healthful workplace. Consultants will conduct an appraisal of physical work practices and environmental hazards, perform an ergonomics analysis, review various aspects of the employer’s present occupational safety and health program, and present occupational health-related training. Contact (608) 266-8579 or moente@dhfs.state.wi.us.
WISCONSIN SAFETY CONSULTATION PROGRAM -- Assesses current safety programs and suggests improvements; evaluates physical work practices; identifies available assistance; and provides training and education for managers and employees. The consultants do not issue citations, propose penalties, or report possible safety violations to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Contact WiSCon at 1-800-947-0553 or wiscon@commerce.state.wi.us.
Patents and Trademarks
-- TechSearch is the fee based information outreach program of the Kurt F. Wendt Library. TechSearch offers document delivery and reference services to business and industry. On-line literature, patent, and trademark searches are available. TechSearch provides access to the information resources of the Wendt Library, which contains comprehensive collections in science and engineering, and is a US Patent and Trademark Depository Library. It also connects with more than 40 libraries and information centers on the UW-Madison campus. Contact (608) 262-5913 or 5914 or wts@engr.wisc.edu or visit www.wisc.edu/techsearch.
Environmental Regulation Assistance & Programs
-- The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently created Business Sector Specialists to work with specific industrial or commercial sectors. Sector Specialists serve as the first point of contact for businesses, providing coordinated, cross-media technical and compliance assistance. Contact (608) 267-9500 or www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/cea/compliance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND PERMITS -- Commerce can assist with expedited environmental permits and help resolve delays and communications problems. Contact Hampton Rothwell (608) 267-0313 or hrothwell@commerce.state.wi.us.
FLAMMABLE, COMBUSTIBLE OR HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS ASSISTANCE -- Businesses storing or handling flammable, combustible or hazardous liquids can receive compliance assistance and consultation by calling (608) 266-0956. This includes waste oil and CERCLA designated hazardous substance liquids.
SMALL BUSINESS CLEAN AIR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM -- Provides small businesses with information on air pollution regulations and other environmental issues and helps with air permits and compliance requirements. Fact sheets and other program publications are available electronically at www.commerce.state.wi.us/MT/MT-CA-sbcaap.html. Contact Tom Coogan (608) 267-9214 or Renee Lesjak Bashel (608) 264-6153 or CleanAir@commerce.state.wi.us.
SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE EDUCATION CENTER -- Enhances Wisconsin’s environment and economy by providing education and technical assistance programs to business and communities on source reduction, recycling, solid waste management, and pollution prevention. Contact (414) 227-3160 or www.uwex.edu/shwec.
WI COMMERCE: BROWNFIELDS PROGRAM -- Provides information and assistance related to brownfields redevelopment. The program can assist in the identification and resolution of regulatory issues, and electronically link prospective buyers with information on available brownfield sites. Contact Jason Scott (608) 261-7714 or jscott@commerce.state.wi.us.
WISCONSIN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSISTANCE PARTNERSHIP (WBEAP) -- WBEAP helps Wisconsin business and communities understand environmental regualtions, prevent prollution, and establish continuous improvement. WBEAP is a working partnership between the Department of Commerce (Small Business Clean Air Assistance Program), Agriculture, Trade, & Consumer Protection (Agrichemical Program), and the University of Wisconsin-Extension (Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center). WBEAP can help with air pollution regulations, environmental innovation, environmental management systems (EMS), fertilizer & pesticide management, industrial & community recycling, renewable energy & energy conservation, stormwater control plans, and waste minimization.
WISCONSIN ENERGY CENTER -- Dedicated to improving energy efficiency through energy efficient programs, research and education to business, industry and government. Contact (608) 238-4601 or http://www.ecw.org.
WISCONSIN FOCUS ON ENERGY -- A partnership created by the Wisconsin Department of Administration in coordination with the WI Public Service Commission and the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, provides services to businesses, local governments and non-profit organizations. Contact 1-800-762-7077.
Exployment & Employment Training
-- Offers borad base of computer/clerical training that is self-paced and comprehensive. Grants and financial aida vailable for those who qualify. Call (920) 730-9366 for more information.
CAREERPROS, INC. -- CareerPros is a private, non-profit corporation, comprised of workforce leaders who are in the business of creating solutions to workforce challenges brought about by an ever-changing economy. CareerPros provides services to the labor market, creating workforce solutions manifested by jobs and workers who do not match.
Assist low-income or those dislocated from employment. Providers services in: assessment; recruitment; screening; basic skill training; career development; resumes and cover letters; job search assistance; out-placement services; skills enhancements; and, customized training to industry. Call (920) 997-3272, extension 463 for more information.
EXPERIENCE WORKS -- Experience Works is a private, non-profit organization that has been helping senior citizens find work since 1965. If you are 55 years of age or older, and are looking for employment or thinking of re-entering the workforce, even on a part-time basis, Experience Works has a wide variety of services to offer you! Contact their office today! Call (920) 997-3272, extension 480.
FOX CITIES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER -- Provides employment and training, occupational forecasting, pre-employment counseling and assessment, youth programs, and customized services to industry. Call (920) 997-3272.
JOB SERVICE BUREAU -- The mission of the Job Service Bureau is to ensure that high quality public labor exchange and targeted program services are made easily available to all job seekers and employers in Wisconsin. In short, Job Service provides a wide variety of services and assistance to help bridge the gap between employers and workers. Job Service serves Job Seekers, Employers, Military Veterans, UI Claimants, Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers, and targeted groups via contract, grant and agreement. Call (920) 832-5297 for more information.
Young Entrepreneuers
Other
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