Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest connects entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice, high-quality education, management talent and possible sources of capital during a five-month process. The mission of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-enabled businesses in Wisconsin. Top business plans also experience valuable public and media exposure.
Bunker Labs is a non-profit national network of veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs dedicated to helping them start their own business. The local office is located on the 3rd floor of the Starting Block Building at 810 E. Washington St, Madison, WI 53703. Please visit their website to learn more about how you can get involved.
KIVA Greater Madison
Kiva Greater Madison provides 0% interest capital to local small businesses. Loans can be up to $10,000, paid back over up to three years. As a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Connect Community, Verona entrepreneurs are eligible for a 1:1 matching loan. On November 13, 2019, Downtown Development Program Manager Errin Welty and Julie Emslie of WWBIC recorded a podcast discussing the program. For general program information, contact Nichole Crust at 414.610.8675 or nichole.crust@local.kiva.org.
Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) provides women, people of color, veterans and low-income individuals interested in starting, strengthening or expanding businesses with tools and resources to increase financial capability such as capital, one-on-one technical business assistance and education. Their South Central office is located in Madison, WI. For more information, please visit their website.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, business development professionals at the WI SBDC provide consulting services to clients at various stages of business development at no cost. A free, web-based course is available online which examines the entrepreneurial mindset, business idea, financial readiness, and next steps. Non-credit courses are also available to educate on how to start, manage and grow your business. Please visit the SBDC website for more information. The Small Business Administration (SBA) works with local commercial lenders to reduce the risk associated with some loans making access to capital easier for your good idea. Contact your local lender and find out if they are a Preferred SBA lender.
Madison College's Center for Entrepreneurship provides assistance and education for both novice and experienced entrepreneurs. Their Business and Industry Services staff provide training and professional services to meet the needs of local employers and employees with customized training.
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he Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) provides free business mentoring services for for-profit and non-profit businesses in Dane, Columbia, Sauk, Richland, Iowa, Vernon, Grant, Lafayette, Rock, Green and Crawford counties. In the Madison SCORE, there are over 45 Certified Mentors. Please visit their website for more information.