Small Business Development Center
Supporting WI Small Business since 1980

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The SBDC provides regular updates to our newsletter subscribers on relevant business news, best practices, courses, and other available opportunities.

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On-Demand Resources offered by the UW-Madison SBDC

  • First Steps to Starting a Business, a  free, interactive, online class that will help you explore your business idea and assess your entrepreneurial readiness as well as identify your own strengths and weaknesses as a business owner.  Discover what information you need and where to find it.
  • The Entrepreneurial How-To Video Series, which offers a variety of FAQs commonly asked by small business owners
  • The Beginner’s Guide to Financial Projections, a no-cost course that walks you through how to gather the inputs you need to develop financial projections. The course includes a custom workbook, knowledge checks, and two full small-business case studies.

Other Resources offered by the UW-Madison SBDC

  • Our office provides a wide variety of no-cost and paid training programs to support you across the entrepreneurial lifecycle. You can see the full list of upcoming classes & training sessions here.
  • Looking for some feedback through one-on-one business consulting? The SBDC offers no-cost consulting to help you move forward with your business. To register, please complete our intake form, and someone will reach out to you within 72 business hours.

Past Newsletters

4/13/2022 News You Need for April 13, 2022

  • The Psychology of the Deal…Value Doesn’t Always Equal Price
  • Badger Talks Podcast & Live Session Feature SBDC Director
  • Free Online QuickBooks Classes for Small Businesses
  • Inflation: What Small Businesses Can Do to Cope

4/6/2022 News You Need for April 6, 2022

  • Understanding Your Business Credit Reports
  • Free Digital Tools for Small Businesses
  • Main Street Bounceback Grants
  • Free Webinar with WWBIC Introduces KIVA Lending

3/22/2022 News You Need for March 22, 2022

  • Badger Talks Live Series features UW-Madison SBDC Director
  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) State of the Workplace Report
  • Chancellor’s Entrepreneurial Achievement Awards Honor Participants
  • Using Google Business Profile
  • 2022 Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor’s Conference on Small Business Development

3/16/2022 News You Need for March 16. 2022

  • What Russia’s Attack on Ukraine Could Mean for Your Small Business
  • Know Your Fiduciary Responsibilities: Three-Part Webcast Series for Retirement and Health Plan Sponsors
  • Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants for agricultural and food industries
  • SHRM State of the Workplace Report

Client Spotlight: Wildewood Plant Shop

2/22/2022 News You Need for February 22, 2022

  • We are hiring! Join our team as our Operations & Events Coordinator!
  • Top 5 Business Loan Options for LLCs in 2022
  • Prepare for Tax Season with Upcoming IRS Webinars for Small Business
  • EIDL Loan Payments, Previously Deferred, Coming Due
  • The Ground Floor Award for Small Business (hosted by GMCC)

2/3/2022 News You Need for February 3, 2022

  • We are hiring! Join our team as our Operations & Events Coordinator!
  • Free Market Research Resource
  • Dane County Small Business Awards
  • Ascent Learning Platform

1/28/2022 News You Need for January 28, 2022

  • Recognizing Our SBDC Teammate, Tara Brown
  • 8 Reasons to Consider Collaborating with Another Small Business
  • On-Demand Entrepreneurial Learning
  • Governor’s Business Plan Contest
  • 10,000 Small Businesses

1/13/2022 News You Need for January 13, 2022

  • Looking to Hire Graduating UW-Madison Students?
  • Blockchains, Cryptocurrencies, and NFTs
  • Free Tools for Business Development Webinar from Madison Public Library
  • Food businesses: FFI Fellows Program Now Accepting Applications
  • Four Questions Every Effective Business Plan Should Answer

Client Features:

  • Slide Gourmet Potato Chips
  • Millennium Geospatial

12/20/2021 News You Need for December 20, 2021

  • COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Deadline Approaching
  • 15 Ways to Maximize Your Company’s Cash Before Dec. 31
  • How To Set Financial Goals For Your Business In 2022
  • Congrats to Our Entrepreneurial Training Program Participants!
  • SBDC Featured on WKOW

12/7/2021 News You Need for December 7, 2021

  • Health Insurance for Your Small Business
  • Determining Your Market Size
  • SBA Webinar on Government Contracting and Procurement
  • 5 Reasons You Might be Rejected for Financing

11/16/2021 News You Need for November 16, 2021

  • SBDC Entrepreneurial How-To Video Series
  • UW-Madison SBDC Director on Innovate 608 Podcast
  • SBA updates:
    • Pandemic Response & Safety Grant Program
    • New EIDL customer service number
    • Webinar: Resources and Relief for Your Small Business – Access to Capital
  • Is There Really Good Debt and Bad Debt?
  • Need Employees? Urban League Offers Programs for Employers
  • Long-time SBDC Supporter Receives ‘Triple E’ Award
  • Free On-Demand Cybersecurity Course Supports Small Business

10/22/2021 News You Need for October 22, 2021

  • SEC Launches Capital-Raising Educational Tools
  • SBA and DOL Webinar: Choosing a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business
  • 5 Social Media Tips for B2B Businesses that Cost Nothing

Client Spotlight: Traci Rauner Design

10/19/2021 News You Need for October 19, 2021

  • Wisconsin SBDC Entrepreneurial How-To Video Series is Here!
  • Reminder: Main Street Bounceback Grants Still Available
  • Learn How to Create a Branded PowerPoint Deck

9/24/2021 News You Need for September 24, 2021

  • Updated Vaccine Guidelines for Employers
  • Planning for Retirement as a Small Business Owner?
  • FFI Webinar for Farms Receiving the Value-Added Producer Grant
  • Patent Resources

9/17/2021 News You Need for September 17, 2021

  • EIDL Loan Updates
  • Badger Bounceback Provides Grant Opportunities for Movie Theaters and Venues, Summer Camps, Minor League Sports Teams, and Destination Marketing Organizations
  • 5 Exercises to Help You Build More Empathy

9/10/2021 News you Need for September 10, 2021

  • Next Week is Small Business Week
  • Will a different trade finance approach work for your business?
  • September is National Preparedness Month
  • Updated statistics provides Wisconsin snapshot of small business health and economic activity
  • Employee Motivation Doesn’t Have to Cost Money

9/1/2021  News You Need for  September 1, 2021

  • Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants
  • Workforce Innovation Grant Program to Fund Innovative Workforce Solutions
  • Cash Flow Management Tips for Small Businesses
  • Dane Buy Local – Local Biz Awards
  • Employer Vaccine Forum: how the Delta variant is affecting businesses
  • View Forward Fest event recordings from the Innovate Network

Client Spotlight: Erica Hainz Opened Fiddlesticks Knits During COVID

8/25/2021  News You Need for  August 25, 2021

  • Interested in Government Contracting?
  • The David T. Prosser Jr. State Law Library is open to entrepreneurs
  • What is the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin?
  • Wisconsin Restaurant Initiative

Client Spotlight:

Betterbin Wins Doyenne’s 2021 Forward Fest 5x5x5 Pitch Event

8/17/2021  News you need for August 17, 2021

  • SBA Announces Supplemental Grants for SVOG Applicants
  • Prepare Your Business for Emergencies – Before they Happen
  • 7 Smart Strategies to Make Your Business Taxes Easier
    Upcoming SBDC Learning Opportunity
  • Launch, Learn & Pivot: Madison Startup Stories
  • Join us Tonight at the StartingBlock Open House!

8/6/2021  News you need for August 6,2021

  • Main Street Bounceback Grants Seek to Reduce Open Storefronts
  • Complete QTI’s HR Trends survey to receive a free copy of the full report
  • Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Business
  • Streamlined PPP Loan Forgiveness Portal Now Open
  • National Small Business Week Virtual Summit
  • Join us at Forward Fest! BookMarkIT: Free Resources for Your Business

7/16/2021 Join us at Forward Fest!

7/14/2021  News you need for July 14, 2021

  • Small Business Tax Credits
  • Wisconsin Employer Vaccine Forum: Shifts in communication and culture
  • Backing the B.A.R. Acceleration Grant for Black-Owned Businesses
  • China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law – Key Takeaways
  • ReVise Consulting presents, in partnership with MadREP – Remote Work 101: Digitizing Operations
  • ReVise Consulting presents, in partnership with MadREP – Inclusion Across the Remote Work Spectrum

Client Spotlights:

  • Congratulations to Cairasu Home Care!
  • Bravebird’s New Film & community conversation July 15

6/24/2021 News you need for June 24, 2021 

  • Governor Evers Announces > $140 Million for Wisconsin’s Tourism and Entertainment Industries
  • Would Your Business Be Prepared for a Cyber Attack?
  • WEDC discussion includes how vaccination and relief funding affect taxes
  • Pressure Chamber Pitch Competition – applications open
  • Harness the Power of Social Media Without Spending Money
  • Need to Hire a Web Design Company?
  • A Podcast for Food Businesses

Returning to In-Person Work & Hybrid Work Models

  • We Weigh in on Hybrid Offices
  • 5 Myths about Flexible Work Policies

6/18/2021  When Can We Meet Again in person at the SBDC? (and an exciting event update)

6/14/2021  News you need for June 14, 2021

  • Ideadvance Seed Fund: Money + Mentorship = Growth
  • Small Business Tax Credit Programs
  • E-Commerce Funding
  • Are You Onboarding Employees Virtually?
  • Client Spotlight: Yips Yogurt Chips
  • Webinar: Making the Most of Your Bank’s Digital Products
  • Navigating Transitioning Social Norms During the Pandexit
  • Entrepreneur in Training Partnership Supports Formerly Incarcerated Future Business Owners

6/2/2021  News you need for June 2, 2021

Are Student Staff right for your Business?

  • Hiring Student Staff – What Are the Benefits of Working with Student Staff?
  • Federal Work-Study Program for Part-Time Staff
  • Student Internship Opportunities
  • Internships: Paid vs. Unpaid?
  • Links & Resources for Hiring UW-Madison Interns and Alumni
  • SoHE interns: Understanding one of UW-Madison’s lesser-known colleges

5/24/2021  News you need for May 24, 2021

Today’s message includes the following news, best practices, and online courses:

  • Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grants now open
  • Wisconsin Employer Vaccine Forum
  • Spectrum offers free advertising to minority businesses
  • Affordable Health Care Options for Small Business Owners
  • New Gener8or Program for high school students

5/10/2021 News you need for May 10, 2021

Today’s message includes the following news, best practices, and online courses:

  • Dane County Small Business Grant Program Reopened
  • Wisconsin Expands Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program
  • New App Connects Veterans with Essential Services
  • Affordable Health Care Options for Small Business Owners

5/3/2021  News you need for May 3, 2021

  • Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application Opens Today
  • Wisconsin Expands Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program
  • New App Connects Veterans with Essential Services

4/27/2021 News you Need for April 27, 2021

  • SVOG Portal Reopened
  • Restaurant Revitalization Fund to Utilize Point-of-Sale Systems
  • Upcoming Restaurant Revitalization Webinars
  • Wisconsin Innovation Awards
  • Financial Terms to Know for Your Business Credit Card
  • Cybersecurity webinar for Veterans and military-connected families

4/19/2021  News you need for April 19, 2021

SBA Updates:

  • Preparing to Apply for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
  • How to request an EIDL Loan Increase
  • How to Request an EIDL Advance Reevaluation
  • SVOG Portal Update

Other News, Tools & Best Practices:

  • TeleWORKS Toolkit from Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization
  • WEDC Announces Wisconsin Main Street Downtown Pitch Contest
  • Building a Psychologically Safe Workplace

4/9/2021  News you need for April 9, 2021

SBA Updates:

  • Paycheck Protection Program extended
  • First Draw and Second Draw PPP loans
  • SBA Increases Lending Limit For COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans
  • EIDL Deferment Update
  • Shuttered Venues Grant Application Process
  • Restaurant Revitalization Fund

Other news & best practices, and online courses:

  • Wisconsin to Pay Out $46M More in We’re All In Grants
  • Public Health Order #15 In Effect
  • Dane County, City of Madison to Give Licensed Establishments COVID-19 Relief
  • WEDC Report Identifies Wisconsin’s Economic Priorities
  • MG&E Offers Payment Options
  • Minority Business Certification Demystified

3/23/2021 News You Need for March 23, 2021

  • SBA Extends Deferment Period for all COVID-19 EIDL and Other
  • Disaster Loans until 2022
  • Social media grant hosted by SMB Mad
  • SBA Launches Website & Details for Shuttered Venue Grant Gov.
  • Dane County Small Business Awards Accepting Applications
  • SBA Celebrates Women-Owned Businesses, Introduces New SBA Administrator

3/16/2021 News You Need for March 16, 2021

  • American Rescue Plan Act Elevates Small Business Support
  • Details Added for SBA’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
  • Evers to Host Virtual Badger Bounceback Live Sessions; economic recovery session this week
  • Wisconsin Adopts Broad COVID-19 Civil Liability Immunity
  • DWD’s New Interactive Map Connects Job-Seekers with Services
  • MCDC Hosts Webinar on Starting a Worker Co-Op

3/2/2021  News You Need for March 2, 2021

  • Streamline Expense Tracking & Make Better Business Decisions
  • Amazon Small Business Academy
  • Free Tool for Tracking Employees’ Hours
  • QuickBooks Offer
  • gBeta Accelerator Go Global Initiative supports Wisconsin Business interested in Exporting

2/23/2021  News You Need for February 23, 2021

  • Changes to PPP rules to reach the smallest businesses
  • WEDC Entrepreneurship Support Program focuses on LGBTQ, minoritized, veteran and women entrepreneurs
  • gBETA Madison Startup Accelerator Spring 2021
  • Improve Communication with Your Remote Team
  • Go Global Initiative supports Wisconsin Business Interested in Exporting

2/16/2021  News You Need for February 16, 2021

  • Evers Announces Badger Bounceback Budget Proposal
  • Work Opportunity Tax Credit
  • ASBDC Blog Draws Attention to Current SBA Loan Benefits
  • Upcoming SBA COVID relief webinars, including one with Senator Baldwin
  • Learn more about UpStart, a free entrepreneurship program for women and people of color.

    2/9/2021  News You Need for February 9, 2021

    • Dane County updates Public Health Order regarding gatherings, sports
    • SBA releases comparison of relief programs
    • Upcoming SBA webinars
    • SBA Releases FAQ for EIDL Targeted Advance

    2/1/2021  News You Need for February 1, 2021

    • Upcoming SBA webinars
    • SBA Releases FAQ for Shuttered Venues Grant
    • Small Business Tax Tips for 2021
    • State Bar of Wisconsin Launches free non-litigation business law services for small businesses
    • $5,000 Door Dash Grants

    1/22/2021  News You Need for January 22, 2021

    • SBA (and Related) Updates
    • PPP Loan Forgiveness Process
    • Tax Implications to Note
    • SBA Payments on 7(a), 504, and Microloans
    • Upcoming SBA webinars

    News and Best Practices:

    • Wisconsin Mask Mandate Extended
    • Small Business Equity & Recovery Grant (SBER)
    • Businesses Requested to Take Vaccine Survey
    • Main Street Relief Fund

    1/14/2021  News You Need for January 14, 2021

    • Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program – more details and resource link
    • First Draw PPP Loans: When can borrowers reapply or request an increase?
    • Why You Should Write a Formal Business Plan

    1/12/2021 News You Need for January 12, 2021

    News and Best Practices:

    • PPP Borrower Application Forms
    • Dane County Grant Program
    • Force for Positive Change Offers $10K Award
    • Shuttered Venues Grant Funding
    • Public Health Issues Order #12

    1/8/2021  PPP Reopens Next Week

    1/7/2021  News You Need for January 7, 2021

The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in the University of Wisconsin System.
It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.