Small Business Success Stories
The WI Small Business Development Center at UW-Madison works with hundreds of businesses each year. From start-ups to growing companies, the SBDC assists clients as their businesses evolve. We work with individuals on business planning for start-ups, loan and financing preparation, management and operational issues, as well as marketing and sales. The SBDC also offers no-cost consultations and non-credit courses.
“Your first year in business, you think it’s about expressing yourself and creativity–the goal is not necessarily financial competence,” Merkel says. “But every six to twelve months, I wear a new hat. My current role as an owner, four years into the business, is finance and HR–those are the two biggest things I do–so I appreciate SBDC advice.”
–Therese Merkel, Owner of Tricky Foods
See how the SBDC has helped these entrepreneurs!
Prairie Rivet and Akey Manufacturing
Prairie Rivet and Akey Manufacturing Offer U.S.-based manufacturing solutions, leveraging SBA and SBDC resources to pursue onshoring opportunities
Develop LLC
Verona-based engineering company designs, manufactures, and integrates custom machines, robotics, and industrial products
Flavor Temptations
Bringing Indian cuisine to home cooks and K-12 students
Isthmus Eats
Isthmus Eats partners with local vendors on meal kit offerings
Weebleworld
Creating an inviting, delightful space for children, families, and staff
“Hearing, ‘You’ll figure it out; here’s what I’ve seen before,’ is such helpful insight from someone who knows what they’re talking about,” McDaniel says. “We’re passionate food people, and having Amy’s support to set our business up correctly has been a huge thing.”
–Sam McDaniel, CEO at Fortune Favors
The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the Office of Business & Entrepreneurship within the Universities of Wisconsin.
It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Madison helps entrepreneurs succeed at any stage. We offer no-cost, confidential consulting and business education across a wide region, primarily serving Dane, Sauk, and Columbia counties. SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the US.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact us at sbdc@bus.wisc.edu or call (608) 263-2221.