Incentives, Financing and Assistance

A wide range of financial incentives, loan programs, grants and business support services are available to start and grow businesses in the Milwaukee Region. In addition to the strong private-sector financial community, there is an established network of venture capitalists, angel investors and economic development agencies that offer numerous choices for entrepreneurs.

Federal Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides technical, financial and contracting assistance, as well as special programs for veterans, women, minorities and young entrepreneurs.

State Resources

Wisconsin’s state agencies that provide economic development programs and business support services include:

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce, the state's primary agency for business development, focuses on business retention, expansion and relocation, business finance and export development. It works independently or in conjunction with local development agencies. Resources include:

• Financial Assistance Programs
• Starting a Business in Wisconsin
• Registering a Business in Wisconsin

The State of Wisconsin's Business Wizard provides customized information on licensing, permitting and regulatory requirements. Using a question-and-answer format, the Wizard provides information to help you start and operate a Wisconsin-based business.

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Agency (WHEDA) offers a choice of small business financing products, including loan guarantees and interest rate subsidies.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has a Permit Primer that offers a step-by-step, question-and-answer tour of the DNR regulatory programs to help you determine which environmental requirements apply to you, what permits you need and how to get them.

Local Economic Development Resources

Counties and several communities have economic development programs that provide financial and technical assistance. The community economic development programs typically work in partnership with the private lending community and utilize similar credit analysis and underwriting criteria. Following are the local economic development programs in the region:

Southeastern Wisconsin Region
Southeastern Wisconsin is participating in the Wisconsin Technology Zone Program, which offers tax credit incentives to new and growing businesses in the state's high-technology sectors.

Kenosha County
Kenosha Area Business Alliance: Economic development and business services, including revolving loan funds, site-selection assistance, economic data and training programs

Milwaukee County
Milwaukee County Economic and Community Development: Technical and financial assistance to businesses and municipalities

Milwaukee Department of City Development: Coordinates business development, real estate development, planning and permitting for the City of Milwaukee

Milwaukee Economic Development Corp.: Assistance with financing, property location, grant, tax credits, business plan preparation and environmental issues

Wauwatosa Economic Development Corp.: Planning, financing and permitting assistance to business and developers located in or relocating to the city

West Allis Department of Development: Technical and financial assistance to new and existing businesses located in or relocating to the city

Ozaukee County
Ozaukee County Economic Development Corp.: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to Ozaukee County

Economic Development for Grafton Enhancement (EDGE): Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to the Grafton area

Racine County
Racine County Economic Development Corp.: Assistance with workforce and technology development, business financing, site location and government programs

Walworth County
Walworth County Economic Development Corp.: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to Walworth County

Washington County
Economic Development/Washington County: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to Washington County

Hartford Area Development Corp.: Planning, financing and permitting assistance to business and developers located in or relocating to the city

West Bend Department of Community Development: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to the city

Waukesha County
Waukesha County Economic Development Corporation: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to Waukesha County

Brookfield Economic Development Division: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to the city

Menomonee Falls Economic Development Division: Financial and technical assistance for companies located in or relocating to the city

Angel investors & Venture Capital

The first angel investing group in Wisconsin was established in 2000. Since that time, new angel groups have formed each year. Angel investors typically focus on companies that have already developed a basic concept and business strategy, and are in the seed stage of investment.  An emphasis is placed on business enterprises with the potential for rapid growth. Angel investors in the Milwaukee Region include the Golden Angels Network and Silicon Pastures.

The Angel Capital Resource Center supports Wisconsin's entrepreneurial spirit by providing entrepreneurs and angel investors a "yellow pages" directory of resources which can assist in making equity investments in early stage companies.

Baird Venture Partners invests in early- to growth-stage Business Services and Healthcare/Life Sciences companies where its expertise, capital and broad network of resources complement management's business objectives and strategy.