University of Wisconsin–Madison
UW Madison Grainger Hall

Welcome to the Small Business Development Center at UW-Madison

Our office located in the School of Business (Grainger Hall Rm 1290) at UW Madison is closed. We are working remotely until further notice. Please call 608-263-2221 or email sbdc@bus.wisc.edu if you need assistance. For the most up-to-date information about business resources, upcoming programs, and more, join our mailing list.
Our office has also relocated to a new space in Grainger Hall! In the fall semester, you’ll be able to find us in our new Suite #1290 (on the first floor). We’re excited to share more details about how to find us as we get closer to fall – and to welcome you back!
During the summer, we will be settling into our new space and preparing to welcome you, our clients and partners, in person for consulting appointments and classes.
Like you, we also want to continue to take the lessons we’ve learned during the pandemic and continue the best elements in the future. We will continue to offer a variety of options to fit your needs. These include:
  • continuing online and phone meeting options with our clients
  • offering shorter online webinar options on niche topics
  • continuing to offer some of our courses in a live virtual format
This summer, UW-Madison’s campus is in the process of returning to full in-person operations. Given this, please be patient with us as we adjust to changing guidelines for our first post-pandemic in-person event in August as part of Forward Fest!

The WI SBDC at UW-Madison provides no-cost consulting and non-credit courses to help businesses from start-up through growth. In 2020 the Center saw 498 consulting clients, clients started 30 new business and obtained over $13.33 million in capital. In addition, we hosted 37 classes/events attended by 2566 people.

The Small Business Development Centers were established by the Small Business Administration in 1980 with legislation written by WI Senator Gaylord Nelson. The mission of the WI SBDC is to provide education, referrals, sophisticated tools and resources to help businesses evolve while delivering value to our stakeholders

The SBDC at UW-Madison Helps you START, MANAGE & GROW Your Business!

START a Business

Are you thinking about starting a venture or are in the early stage of your business? The SBDC helps entrepreneurs like you realize the dream of starting a business. We offer entrepreneurship classes & small business consulting for new businesses.

Men generating ideas

MANAGE Your Business

From digital marketing and financial management to human resources, we help small business owners and managers learn to effectively operate.

GROW Your Leaders

Grow your leaders to take your business to the next level. Our Leadership and communications classes inspire and educate your team.

business meeting

Success Stories

"I am grateful for the Small Business Development Center and attribute the continued success of my retail business to the availability of such an important resource. When meeting new entrepreneurs I recommend using their services every time. Thank you SBDC for supporting and strengthening the Madison locally owned community."

- Amy Moore, Little Luxuries