Let’s build strong, diversely owned businesses, together.
Diversely owned small businesses make their communities and Wisconsin stronger. They create jobs, build generational wealth, and inspire others to dream big. To build a successful business—especially as a member of an underrepresented community—takes vision and fearless determination. WEDC and its statewide network of partners are here to help you succeed and grow. We collaborate with other agencies, corporations, and not-for-profit minority business associations to provide financial and operational assistance, resources, statewide networking opportunities, and more.
Our work with Latino Chambers of Commerce, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, and First American Capital Corp. (the business financing arm of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin) helps hundreds of businesses grow each year. We’d love to help you find success, too.
Resources for Diversely Owned Businesses
Start In Wisconsin
Explore this directory of business and networking resources and our calendar of entrepreneur-focused events. Learn More
MARKETPLACE Wisconsin
Attend this annual diverse business development conference to make connections and learn ways to grow your business. Learn More
Small Business Academy
Explore everything from financing options and IT to new markets and small business certifications with this free opportunity. Learn More
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Training
Learn about the various ARPA grants available and how to access and use them. Learn More
Cybersecurity Matters
Understand cybersecurity issues and learn how to protect your diversely owned or small business with this free video series and access to experts. Learn More
SizeUp Wisconsin
Get free access to big data to optimize customer targeting and marketing; compete with other local businesses; and grow your small, diversely owned business. Learn MoreDiverse Business
Resource Directory
There are so many resources available across Wisconsin to help your business thrive and grow. Select from these options for a list of organizations you can contact to learn more about funding opportunities, mentorship, technical assistance, and certification in various diverse business categories.
Technical Assistance
African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
American Indian Chamber of Commerce/ First American Capital Corporation
Develop Wisconsin
Ethnic & Diverse Business Coalition
First Nations Community Financial
Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce
Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County
Latino Chamber of Commerce of SE Wisconsin
Legacy Redevelopment Corporation
Madison Black Chamber of Commerce
Madison Development Corporation
Milwaukee Urban League
National Association of Minority Contractors
Woodland Financial Partners/NiiJii Capital Partners
Northwest Side CDC
The Business Council
The Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Small Business Administration Wisconsin Office
Urban League of Greater Madison
Western Dairyland EOC Inc
Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity
Wisconsin Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Wisconsin Native Loan Fund
Wisconsin Procurement Institute
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Association (Hmong)
Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative
Financial Resources
African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
American Indian Chamber of Commerce/ First American Capital Corporation
First Nations Community Financial
Founders First Capital Partners, LLC
Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
Kiva
Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County
Latino Chamber of Commerce of SE Wisconsin
Legacy Redevelopment Corporation
Madison Development Corporation
Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation
Woodland Financial Pertners/NiiJii Capital Partners
Northwest Side CDC
Regional Business Fund, Inc.
U.S. Small Business Administration Wisconsin Office
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Wisconsin Native Loan Fund
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
Mentorship Programs
Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program
SCORE offices in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Diverse Enterprise Network (WiDEN)
Certification Resources
City of Madison Office of Small Business Development (cityofmadison.com)
City of Milwaukee Office of Small Business Development
Federal Certification Small Business Administration – Wisconsin (disadvantaged, women, service-disabled veteran, HUBZone and small business)
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (Supplier Diversity Program)
North Central Minority Supplier Development Council
Wisconsin Department of Administration – Supplier Diversity Program (minority, woman, service disabled veteran)
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Wisconsin Unified Certification Program Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Wisconsin Unified Certification Program Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) – Dane County
Wisconsin Unified Certification Program Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) – Milwaukee County
Wisconsin Unified Certification Program Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) – Wi Department of Transportation
Wisconsin Women’s Business Development Center
