There are a host of resources available to help you create a new business or to expand your current business. You might start the process by reviewing some of the resources below, and contact us for help navigating them. We are happy to help connect you to the local as well as state resources.
Business Support Organizations
Planning
Business Plans |
| Step-by-step plan from The U.S. Small Business Administration. Learn how to write a business plan. |
Sample Business Plans |
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| Business Planning Resources and Free Business Plan Samples from Bplans. |
Business Planning Templates |
| Excellent business planning template and financial planning templates from SCORE. |
Financial Assistance for Planning |
| Grant programs to assist with business planning. Provided by the Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) formerly Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network (WEN). |
Wisconsin Business Forms |
| The State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions – WI business-related forms including organizational (LLC, corporation etc.), state tax forms and employment forms. |
Farm Commons |
| A community of support and resources for sustainability-minded farmers. |
Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit |
| The Entrepreneur’s Toolkit is designed to give innovators a guide to resources available in Wisconsin and beyond. |
Trademark Basics |
| Basic Facts About Trademarks: What Every Small Business Should Know Now, Not Later. Search the Trademark Database: Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) |
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives |
| Publication on Cooperatives in Wisconsin: The Power of Cooperative Action |
Preparing to go into Business
Services include:
- One on One Business Assistance
- SBIR/STTR Assistance
- Training for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
- Peer to Peer Learning
- Grants
Wisconsin License, Permit & Registration Services
Need to apply for a license, permit, registration, or certification in Wisconsin? Start with the Wisconsin.Gov website to find out how to apply for these types of services. Past website is being updated, more information coming soon.
The U.S. Small Business Administration Learning Center
Small Business Administration Resources
Loans & Grants
Most if not all of the local and regional financial institutions have staff that work with small business loans. Additionally both the Ashland Area Development Corporation and the Bayfield County Economic Development Corporation may be able to provide financing assistance.
Small Business Administration Resources
Contracting
Small Business Administration Resources
Counseling & Training
Small Business Administration Resources
University of Wisconsin School of Business
UW-Superior Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
UW-Superior SBDC Training Programs and Business Consultation. One on one counseling sessions can be set up with the SBDC director through the UWEX office in Ashland. Online business courses also available. UW-Superior Office: 715-394-8352 or UW-Extension Ashland County Office: 715-682-7017
Free Online Workshops from SCORE
Great selection of business start up topics online with SCORE including selecting legal structure, patents, trademarks & copyrights, market analysis and more!
Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) from Feasibility to Funding
Numerous training opportunities for entrepreneurs. Services include evaluate, plan and apply – Business assistance, training, financing opportunities and a network of over 100 organizations helping existing and potential Wisconsin businesses succeed.
Marketing Resources
Marketing Tutorials
Principles of Marketing Tutorial Series, focuses on the key concepts and functions that are common to most marketing situations.
Buy Local/ Buy Wisconsin, Trade and Consumer Protection
Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin is an economic development program designed to increase the purchase of Wisconsin grown/produced food products for sale to local purchasers.
Business Trade Associations
Many Business Trade Associations maintain excellent data about their products or services that can aid someone writing their business plan or looking to change their marketing strategies. Google the service or product of your proposed business and find the trade associations for that product/service. Search the trade association’s web site for marketing information, assistance for new businesses and related areas.
