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 (WEN). WEN will help you find products, services, publications and websites that will assist in the development, growth and success of your business.
WEN provides assistance with business planning and applying for Federal research and development funding. Small and emerging businesses throughout Wisconsin can receive up to two hours of free legal counseling services from a Business Lawyer at no cost. Through local and regional centers, this statewide network offers business planning and access to capital and finance assistance, provides assistance with intellectual property and technology transfer issues and leveraging existing public resources, as well as those available in the marketplace. It also helps businesses with high growth potential reach the next level.
WEN administers the Technology Assistance Grant program (TAG). The TAG program provides grants for early-stage Wisconsin high-technology companies to offset some of the costs of hiring qualified, independent third parties to perform services that assist businesses in securing private or federal funding.
WEN can also provide assistance with the Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. These are highly competitive programs that encourage small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s research and development arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.
Early Planning Grants (EPG) can fund up to 75% of the costs, limited to $3,000, spent on hiring an independent, third-party to write a comprehensive business plan for the creation or expansion of a Wisconsin business. The program is limited to businesses in certain industries.
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