Resources
If you are starting a new business, need support in growing your existing business or are looking to locate your business in Waukesha County, the Waukesha County Center for Growth can help. Below are just a few of the resources we can connect you with. For additional information, please contact us at 262-542-4249.
Chambers of Commerce
(262) 521-3333
(262) 370-3861
(262) 786-1886
(262) 367-7059
(262) 251-0969
(414) 422-1155
(414)422-1155
(262) 786-5280
(262) 567-2666
(262) 246-4940
(262) 542-4249
Economic Development
Milwaukee 7 (M7)
The Milwaukee 7, launched in 2005, was formed to create a regional, cooperative economic development platform for the seven counties of southeastern Wisconsin: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. Its mission is to attract, retain and grow diverse businesses and talent.
756 N. Milwaukee Street, Suite 400, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Tel: (414) 287-4126
Email: milwaukee7@mmac.org
Waukesha County Business Alliance, Inc.
The Waukesha County Business Alliance is a private, member-driven organization that works to strengthen the economy in the county through four pillars: advocate, develop, network and promote. The Alliance has been the voice of the business since 1918, and has a broad and diverse membership representing everything from sole proprietorships to some of the largest employers in the region from a variety of industries.
2717 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 300, Waukesha, WI 53188
Tel: (262) 542-4249
Email: alliance@waukesha.org
Waukesha County Center for Growth
The Waukesha County Center for Growth, Inc. is Waukesha County’s economic development organization. Created in 2016 by Waukesha County in partnership with the City of Waukesha, Waukesha County Business Alliance, the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center and local municipalities, the mission for the Center for Growth is to serve as the central point of contact for businesses looking to grow in Waukesha County.
2717 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 300, Waukesha, WI 53188
Tel: (262) 409-2643
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
WEDC is the economic development organization for the state of Wisconsin. WEDC is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that invites and rewards business, professional and personal pursuits In Wisconsin.
201 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703
Tel: (855) 469-4249
Financing
Unfamiliar with these resources? Let one of our experts help guide you.
Capital Access Program
The Capital Access Program (CAP) is a financing option offered by the Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to companies in Wisconsin, especially start-ups and small businesses who may not be able to obtain conventional financing. CAP provides lenders with a way to fund projects considered too risky for conventional lending by creating a lender specific loan loss reserve.
757 North Broadway, Suite 600, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Tel: (414) 269-1440
GROW Fund
The Generating Resources and Opportunity in Waukesha County (GROW) Fund is a $2 million economic development fund that supports business expansion and innovative workforce housing solutions in Waukesha County. The GROW Fund is a project of the Waukesha County Center for Growth, in partnership with Waukesha County, MEDC (a regional CDFI) and participating bank lenders. The GROW Fund is a revolving loan fund with two core purposes—the first is to support businesses with the capital they need to grow, and the second is to develop residential housing to meet workforce needs.
2717 N Grandview Blvd Ste 300, Waukesha, WI 53188
Tel: (262) 542-4249
Mezzanine Loan Program
The Mezzanine Loan Program is a gap financing program to assist manufacturing or information technology businesses in Waukesha County. Contact us for additional information.
Waukesha County Center for Growth
2717 N Grandview Blvd, Ste 300, Waukesha, WI 53228
(262) 542-4249
SBA Loan Programs
Businesses needing financing help and have trouble qualifying for a traditional bank loan, can consider making an application under the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan guarantee program. The 7(a) General Small Business Loans (which includes the CAPlines program), the Certified Development Company (CDC)/504 Loan Program, the Microloan Program are just some of the options available for starting and expanding businesses. The business consultants at the Waukesha County Center for Growth can help business owners get started with the process for raising capital.
Waukesha County Center for Growth
2717 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 300, Waukesha, WI 53188
Tel: (262) 409-2622 or (202) 409-2644
Email: ktaylor@waukeshagrowth.org or salderton@waukeshagrowth.org
WBD Inc.
WBD is a non-profit corporation created in 1981 to assist Wisconsin businesses in gaining access to capital in order to grow their businesses, create jobs and build communities. WBD focuses on delivering the SBA 504 Loan to help businesses secure low, fixed-rate financing for owner occupied real estate and equipment purchases.
W229 N1433 Westwood Dr, Ste 206, Waukesha, WI 53186
Tel: (262) 436-3012 or (414) 807-9126
Email: skohl@wbd.org
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Financing
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) provides financial and other assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses in Wisconsin.
Qualified New Business Venture (QNBV) Program
The QNBV program helps to drive investment to innovative early-stage companies by allowing Angel and Venture Fund investors who make cash equity investments to claim a 25% tax credit on the amount they invest.
Technology Development Loan (TDL) Program
The TDL program provides direct financial assistance to high-tech emerging growth companies that are developing and commercializing innovative products and services at critical stages in their development.
201 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53701
Tel: (855) 469-4249
Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants
Wisconsin Fast Forward (WFF) is a grant program established through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development to help businesses develop, attract and retain workers. WWF hosts over 20 million in grant funds to support more than 200 worker training programs which can benefit over hundreds of employers. Applications run on a quarterly basis each year.
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation
The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) is a statewide economic development corporation that provides quality business education and financing to Wisconsin’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. WWBIC offers one-on-one business assistance, direct loans and access to other capital, financial awareness and asset-building programming, to businesses in all market sectors, in any phase of development.
1533 N. Rivercenter Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Tel: (414) 263-5450
Waukesha County Revolving Loan Fund
The Waukesha County Revolving Loan Fund is in partnership with MEDC. This fund provides loans of $25,000 – $200,000 at competitive interest rates for capital expenditures by businesses that can create jobs as a result of the investment. The job creation goal is one job per $35,000 lent.
MEDC
757 N. Broadway, Suite 600, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 269-1440
WOW Workforce Development Board
The WOW Workforce Development Board hosts On-the-Job Training wage reimbursements to employers hiring employees with the ability to do a specific job but who may not have previous on-the-job experience in that occupation or industry. These reimbursements help employers offset the costs associated with training for new hires. The length of the On-the-Job training and wage reimbursement program is dependent on the amount of training needed for the specific job.
892 Main Street, Suite A, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Tel: (262) 695-7880
Industry Resources
Business Dynamics Research Consortium
The Business Dynamics Research Consortium (BDRC) compiles multiple data sets to track performance and growth factors for more than 144 million businesses across the United States. BDRC’s comprehensive data tool can be easily accessed by local economic development professionals to diversify their markets and to tailor their business development strategies/services based on current and anticipated needs.
Center for Technology Commercialization
The Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) works with innovators, inventors and researchers to bring new technologies to market by navigating the process of commercialization. CTC’s complete suite of wrap-around services helps develop the business case for technology and maximizes access to competitive funding sources.
432 N. Lake Street, Room 435, Madison, WI 53706
Tel: (608) 263-3315
Email: WisconsinCTC@uwex.edu
Center for Business Intelligence
The Center for Business Intelligence (CBI) converts the power of data, research and technology into decision-making tools for business owners. Specialists on the CBI team — focused in such areas as business strategy, market research, digital media and GIS services — work with second-stage companies to identify and pursue growth opportunities.
Email: jessica.nelson@uwex.edu
FaB Wisconsin
FaB Wisconsin is the state’s food and beverage industry cluster organization dedicated to making Wisconsin the best place to locate and operate a food and beverage company. With a focus on Wisconsin’s food, beverage, ingredient, equipment and packaging makers, FaB raises industry awareness and capacity for growth and advancement, from farm to factory to fork.
756 N. Milwaukee Street, Suite 400, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Email: dallen@fabwisconsin.com
Food Finance Institute
The Food Finance Institute (FFI) is a collaborative network of food entrepreneurs, finance expertise and investment resources focused on Wisconsin’s food sector. Increased demand for local, healthy and unique foods has propelled the need for sophisticated financial technical assistance for growing food and value-added farm enterprises, such as consulting collaborations, practitioner certification and industry-specific online training resources.
432 N. Lake Street, Room 431, Madison, WI 53706
Tel: (608) 890-0780
Email: zacary.smuckerbryan@uwex.edu
North American Industry Classification System
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. NAICS is based on a production-oriented concept, meaning that it groups establishments into industries according to similarity in the processes used to produce goods or services. It replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system in 1997.
4600 Silver Hill Road, Washington, DC 20233
Email: naics@census.gov
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Exports – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) helps Wisconsin-based companies to tap new international markets through its ExporTech program, Global Business Development Program, and global trade missions. The WEDC offers financial support and training programs to businesses looking to start or expand their exporting strategy, as well as connections to representatives on the ground in many of the world’s fastest growing markets.
201 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53701
Tel: (855) 469-4249
Wisconsin Innovative Service Center
A business outreach program of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a specialty center of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, the Wisconsin Innovation Service Center helps clients make informed decisions by providing qualitative research on market opportunities, customers and competition. Inventors can see the feasibility of a new product idea, identify licensing partners, and solve manufacturing and distribution challenges, and business owners gain a competitive advantage through primary research results, helping them to grow and improve their companies.
1200 Hyland Hall, Whitewater, WI 53190
Tel: (262) 472-1365
Email: innovate@uww.edu
Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) enhances the success of Wisconsin’s small to midsize manufacturers by providing expert and accessible services in the areas of growth and innovation, continuous improvement, training, export assistance, supply chain management and profitable sustainability. The WMEP helps manufacturers to understand their market needs and helps them find the most effective and efficient way to conceptualize, design, engineer and manufacture the products that serve those needs.
2601 Crossroads Drive, Suite 145, Madison, WI 53718
Tel: (877) 856-8588
Email: info@wmep.org
Wisconsin Procurement Institute
The Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) provides business advice and technical expertise to Wisconsin companies looking to enter and develop the Government market segment through Government contracting. WPI works closely with Federal, State and Local small business programs to maximize the opportunities and market success for disadvantaged, minority, woman, disabled and veteran owned firms as well as those located in designated HUBzone and distressed areas.
10437 Innovation Drive, Suite 320, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Tel: (414) 270-3600
Email: info@wispro.org
Small Business Resources
SBDCNet
The Small Business Development Center National Information Clearinghouse (SBDCNet) serves as a resource dedicated to meeting the information needs of Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselors and clients. In partnership with local SBDCs, SBDCNet can produce a broad range of financial, market and demographic research reports that are customized to specific business and geographic location. The business consultants at the Waukesha County Center for Growth can help business owners to get started on utilizing SBDCNet’s market research services at no cost to their business.
Waukesha County Center for Growth
2717 N. Grandview Blvd., Suite 300, Waukesha, WI 53188
Tel: (262) 409-2622 or (202) 409-2644
Email: ktaylor@waukeshagrowth.org or salderton@waukeshagrowth.org
Waukesha County Technical College Small Business Center
Starting and growing a small business is about combining your courage and dreams with the right knowledge. The WCTC Small Business Center helps you acquire that knowledge through a wide variety of affordable classes, services, networking events and more.
Corporate Training Center, Room Q315, 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Tel: (262) 695-3468
Email: rroberts@wctc.edu
Wisconsin Business AnswerLine
The Wisconsin Business AnswerLine helps established, new and aspiring business owners in Wisconsin on a wide variety of topics at no cost. AnswerLine staff draw from extensive curated resources to provide timely answers to questions about starting a business, accessing licensing and permit resources, learning about financing options and addressing operational issues.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tel: (800) 940-7232
Wisconsin Department of Administration – Office of Business Development
The Office of Business Development (OBD) works with business owners, trade associations, affiliated organizations and Chambers of Commerce throughout Wisconsin to ensure business has a seat at the table, advocate for business interests within government and present rule change recommendations to appropriate agency or the Legislature. The OBD also works closely with the Small Business Regulatory Review Board to reduce or remove burdens that laws and rules place on business in Wisconsin.
101 E. Wilson Street, 10th Floor, Madison, WI 53703
Tel: (608) 267-7394 or (608) 267-7873
Email: DOAOBD@wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and targeted educational programs. Regional SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies, and help launch successful new enterprises.
432 N. Lake Street, Room 423, Madison, WI 53706
Tel: (608) 263-7794
Email: sbdc@uwex.edu
Workforce Development
Apricity
Apricity provides those impacted by substance use disorders with a full spectrum of care including treatment, employment and support services in a safe, progressive recovery community.
Tel: (920) 585-4765
Beyond Vision
Beyond Vision is dedicated to employing the blind. This mission is achieved by supplying manufacturers with high quality products and services in the areas of machining, assembly and packaging, customer care center, fulfillment and business supplies.
5316 W. State Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208
Tel: (414) 778-5800
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement program helps resettle refugees into local communities. Securing long-term, full-time employment for refugees is the goal. Catholic Charities is the liaison between the employer and employee to ensure a successful transition into the workforce.
Tel: (414) 771-2881 x4139
Centro Hispano
Centro Hispano Milwaukee serves immigrants, refugees and economically disadvantaged individuals, assisting immigrants and refugees with filing documents with USCIS and providing instruction in citizenship preparation and English language learning. Participants can access education and digital literacy to help them prepare for and/or function in employment.
Tel: (414) 384-3700 x224
CleanSlate Centers
CleanSlate’s outpatient, medication-assisted treatment center in Waukesha serves people struggling with the disease of addiction.
Tel: (262) 901-4451
Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin
Easterseals provides workforce development and training for people with disabilities, working with customers with short- and long-term outsourcing needs. Services provided include assembly, fulfillment, inspection, kitting, mailings, packaging and shipping and custom labeling and bar coding.
2222 S. 114th Street, West Allis, WI 53227
Tel: (414) 449-4444
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin
Goodwill provides training, employment and supportive services for people with disabilities or disadvantages who seek greater independence. Goodwill also provides onsite assistance with job coaches who offer long-term support to employers who hire people with disabilities.
Tel: (414) 847-4243
GPS Education Partners
GPS is a community-based nonprofit 501(c)3 and the only manufacturing-specific, statewide Department of Workforce Development Youth Apprenticeship Program in Wisconsin. Our community-based education model sets us apart, and is the catalyst to building strategic partnerships with education, business and community entities. These partnerships enable us to accelerate student preparation in technical careers through powerful, credentialed work-based learning solutions.
20633 Watertown Ct, Ste 202, Brookfield, WI 53186
Tel: (262) 226-2001
Email: info@GPSed.org
Inspire Southeast Wisconsin
As part of Milwaukee7’s GROW HERE campaign, Inspire Southeast Wisconsin is a powerful tool allowing businesses to connect with their future workforce in a safe and efficient way. Businesses can post profiles for students to browse though and learn about possible career opportunities in their area of interest. Businesses can also offer internships, job shadowing, tours or career mentoring as part of their profile. More than 40,000 students in southeast Wisconsin currently have access to Inspire and the number continues to grow.
M7 Talent Partnersip
756 N Milwaukee Street, Ste 400, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Tel: (414) 287-4100
Email: inspire@mke7.com
James Place
James Place Immigration Services helps immigrants, including refugees, with legal advice about government paperwork so they can stay, obtain needed immigration benefits and work legally in the United States. They help these individuals find work, providing assistance with computers, writing resumes, filling out applications and more.
Tel: (262) 544-9472
The Joseph Project
The Joseph Project is a career placement program endorsed by U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, hosted by Greater Praise Church of God in Christ in Milwaukee. This 5-day class provides people in the inner city of Milwaukee with employability skills such as time management, conflict resolution, how to work together as a team and more, and then connects participants with employers to interview with and transports them to work after they land a job.
5422 W. Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53210
Tel: (414) 212-8428
La Casa de Esperanza
Through its Employer Connect Program, La Casa provides a full range of employment services and connects well-qualified individuals to local employers. Employer Connect works to cultivate long-term relationships with employers by assisting them in recruiting, screening, and post-hire skills training.
Tel: (2620 547-0887
Opportunities Inc./DPS
Opportunities, Inc. is a vocational rehabilitation program based in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin with additional locations in Oconomowoc, Watertown and Madison. Opportunities, Inc works to provide services for individuals to become successful and contribute to the community.
662 Armour Road, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Tel: (262) 569-8888
Mindful Staffing Solutions
Mindful Staffing Solutions is a pre-apprenticeship trade program designed to teach the basic technical skills needed to get a job in the trades, while also learning necessary employability skills. The goal of these two companies is to form a pipeline of workers in the trades for the Greater Milwaukee Area.
3227 N 31st Street, Suite 2, Milwaukee, WI 53216
Tel: (414) 973-9776
St. Coletta of Wisconsin
The Genesis program at St. Coletta of WI develops, supports and transitions adults with disabilities to independent living and community employment opportunities. Job developers and job coaches in the Genesis Program strive to work with companies in the health care, manufacturing, technology and food service industries.
Tel: (262) 443-8806
Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC)
WCTC provides over 150 areas of study with an array of workforce resources that range from career development services and academic advising to student employment services. WCTC offers four areas of study that feature curriculum driven by today’s employers: School of Business, School of Health, School of Protective and Human Services and School of Applied Technologies.
800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Tel: (262) 691-5566
WisConnect.com
WisConnect.com is a website from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development that connects students to internships and employers to talent. This online portal serves as another resource from the state in partnership with JobCenter of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Independent Learning College
Wisconsin Independent Learning College serves individuals with autism, ages 18-30, by providing daily living skills, prevocational and vocational training. We pride ourselves on our ability to “job carve” in order to create meaningful employment opportunities based on an individual’s skills.
Tel: (262) 332-7334
The Women's Center
Through the office of Life Skills Counseling, The Women’s Center seeks to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and trafficking in all aspects of the job search. In addition to providing personal counseling/advocacy, we host a series of workshops throughout the year to support building the soft and hard skills necessary for job obtainment and retention.
Tel: (262) 547-4600
WOW Workforce Development Board
The WOW Workforce Development Board provides employment and training solutions to businesses and job seekers in Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington Counties and beyond. The Board’s Employer Relations Unit works closely with local businesses on recruitment, hiring, training and retention needs. The Board provides free or low-cost services to develop and post job openings, match job seekers to open positions, assist with grant-funded hiring and training incentives, provide specialized recruitment and training programs and assist with mass layoffs and dislocations.
892 Main Street, Suite A, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Tel: (262) 695-7880