The WI Small Business Development Center at UW-Madison works with hundreds of business 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 consultation, as well as 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 start and grow their businesses - and support their leaders!
Eminent Development Corporation
Entrepreneur Julian Walters has worked with SBDC on multiple business concepts
WineHouse
Couple gives their community a new nightlife option featuring foods, drinks, and a party space.
Wisconsin Art Hub
Wisconsin Art Hub supports creativity in Cambridge
Go-Oh Grocery
Providing Access to Quality Food on Madison’s East Side
Forward Craft & Coffee
Forward Craft & Coffee: Local Coffee & Craft Beer in a Neighborhood Setting
Tricky Foods
Bringing people together over playful, enticing food
“The people [at Octopi] are excellent, and offering staff growth opportunities keeps people here who are invested and want to learn and grow. I’m one of many who have had growth opportunities provided to me that benefit both me and the company.”
~Jesica Aranda, Human Resources Manager at Octopi and participant in SBDC group leadership training sessions
“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.