BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business

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BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
Small Business
                WISCONSIN 2019-2020

               resource guide

How to
Grow Your
BUSINESS
in Wisconsin                  1
BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
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BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
CONTENTS
Wisconsin Edition 2019-2020

                              Local Business                           Funding
                              Assistance                               Programs
                               8   National Success Story              22   National Success Story
                                   Rebecca Fyffe launched Landmark          Jennifer and Jeff Herbert’s
                                   Pest Management with the help            meadery has expanded into a
                                   of the SBA-supported Women’s             multimillion dollar enterprise
                                   Business Development Center.             thanks to SBA assistance.

                              11   Your Advocates                      25   Need Financing?

                              12Local SBA Resource 		                  26   SBA Lenders
                              		Partners
                                                                       34   Go Global with
                              14   How to Start a Business                  International Trade

                              18   Entrepreneurial                     34   Investment Capital
                                   Opportunities
                                                                       36   R&D Opportunities for
                              19   Opportunities for Veterans               High Growth Startups

                              20   Local Success Story                 38   National Success Story
                                   When she decided to expand with          Cheeseburger Baby owner
                                   affordable business financing,           Stephanie Vitori persevered
                                   Stacy Tuschl turned to the SBA.          through a financial storm and a
                                                                            natural disaster.

                                                                       41   SBA Disaster Assistance

                                                                       42   Surety Bonds

                                                                       Contracting
                                                                       44   National Success Story
                                                                            Jennifer Rahn steers the course
                                                                            for Admiral Engineering,
                                                                            succeeding as a small business
                                                                            subcontractor.

                                                                       47   Government Contracting

                                                                       48   SBA Certification
                                                                            Programs

                                                                       49 Woman-Owned Small
                                                                       		 Business certification

                              ON THE COVER Stacy Tuschl, photo
                              courtesy of Academy of Performing Arts

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BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
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BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
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BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
PUBLISHED BY

                            New South Media, Inc.
                           304.413.0104 | newsouthmedia.com

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    Copyright: New South Media, Inc. Reproduction in part or whole is strictly prohib-
    ited without the express written permission of the publisher.

    © NEW SOUTH MEDIA, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

    The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Marketing & Customer Service directs
    the publication of the Small Business Resource Guide under SBA Contract #SBAHQ-
    17-C-0018. SBA publication summer 2019 national edition #mcs-0089.

    WRITER/EDITOR
    Becky Bosshart
    (202) 205-6677
    rebecca.bosshart@sba.gov
    DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
    Paula Panissidi Tavares
    paula.tavares@sba.gov

    The SBA’s participation in this publication is not an endorsement of the views,
    opinions, products or services of the contractor or any advertiser or other participant
    appearing here. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondis-
    criminatory basis.
    Directory listings do not constitute or imply an endorsement by the SBA of any
    opinions, products, or services of any private individual or entity.

    Printed in the United States of America.

    While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information con-
    tained here is accurate as of the date of publication, the information is subject to
    change without notice. The contractor that publishes this guide, the federal govern-
    ment, or agents thereof shall not be held liable for any damages arising from the use
    of or reliance on the information contained in this publication.

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BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
SBA Wisconsin District Office
The 310W                                                                 Madison Office
310 W. Wisconsin Ave. #580W                                              740 Regent St., suite 100
Milwaukee, WI 53203                                                      Madison, WI 53715
(414) 297-3941                                                           (608) 441-5263
Fax (414) 297-1377                                                       Fax (608) 441-5500
sba.gov/wi
@SBA_Wisconsin

District Director Letter                                                        District Director           Business Opportunity

W
                                                                                Eric Ness                   Specialist/SBDC
            elcome to the 2019-2020 edition of the U.S. Small Business          (414) 297-1471              Representative
            Administration’s Wisconsin Small Business Resource Guide.           eric.ness@sba.gov           James Strube
            The SBA helps make the American dream of small business                                         (414) 297-3951
                                                                                Deputy District Director/
ownership a reality. It is the only federal agency dedicated to helping this                                james.strube@sba.gov
                                                                                Veterans Business
country’s 30 million small businesses start, grow, expand, and recover          Representative              Program Support
after a disaster. The SBA Milwaukee and Madison offices, along with an          Frank Demarest Jr.          Assistant/8(a)
extensive network of lenders, counseling partners, and other economic           (414) 297-1099              Business Development
development organizations, help Wisconsin’s 452,000 small businesses            frank.demarest@sba.gov      Representative
at every phase of the lifecycle. Across Wisconsin last year, we empowered                                   Cartina Austin
                                                                                District Counsel
small businesses to:                                                                                        cartina.austin@sba.gov
                                                                                Andrea Button
   • Access more than $628 million in SBA-backed loans through 200                                          (414) 297-1092
                                                                                (312) 886-0704
     banks, credit unions, community-based lenders, and microlenders.                                       Lender Relations
                                                                                andrea.button@sba.gov
     The 1,500 small businesses that qualified for SBA financing then                                       Specialist/District
     hired thousands of new employees, bought more equipment, and               Public Affairs Specialist   International Trade
     built or renovated new facilities.                                         Shirah Rachel Apple         Officer
   • Receive mentoring and counseling at the 30 local locations of              (414) 297-1096              Ellie Berg
     our SBA Resource Partners, including SCORE, Small Business                 rachel.apple@sba.gov        (414) 297-1488
     Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and the Veterans            Lead Economic               elvira.berg@sba.gov
     Business Outreach Center.                                                  Development Specialist/     Lender Relations
   • Receive federal contracts totaling nearly $780 million.                    SCORE/Women’s               Specialist
   • Recover from flooding in southern and western Wisconsin in late            Business Representative     Chris Dedrick
     2018. Nearly 400 homeowners and business owners received SBA               Tammie Clendenning          (608) 441-5560
     disaster assistance loans totaling $14.9 million.                          (414) 297-1093              christena.dedrick@sba.gov
The SBA team in the Badger State travels regularly to speak at events,          tammie.clendenning@
                                                                                                            District Support
conferences, and seminars. Stay up to date on what’s happening near you         sba.gov                     Assistants
and get the tools you need to power your business by following us on Twitter
                                                                                Economic Development        Betsy Jorgensen
at @SBA_Wisconsin. Register for email updates at sba.gov/updates.               Specialist/                 (608) 441-5263
                                                                                Administrative Officer/     betsy.jorgensen@sba.gov
Sincerely,
                                                                                Disaster Assistance
                                                                                Coordinator                 Gloria Hloucal
                                                                                Patricia Pettey             (414) 297-1091
                                                                                (608) 441-5519              gloria.hloucal@sba.gov
Eric Ness                                                                                                   Regional Advocate
                                                                                patricia.pettey@sba.gov
Wisconsin District Director                                                                                 Office of Advocacy
                                                                                Lead Business
                                                                                                            Les Davies
                                                                                Opportunity
                                                                                Specialist/HUBZones         (614) 469-6860 x267
                                                                                Representative              leslie.davies@sba.gov
                                                                                Shane Mahaffy               National Rural Advocate
                                                                                (414) 297-1455              Joe Knilans
                                                                                darryl.mahaffy@sba.gov      (608) 441-5264
                                                                                                            joseph.knilans@sba.gov

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BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
LOCAL BUSINESS
                  ASSISTANCE

 How We Did It

Made
to Last
Joyce and Jerado Reynolds used SBA
support to succeed.
Written by Micaela Morrissette

                                     COURTESY OF SHANA SURECK PHOTOGRAPHY

   8
BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

R                                                                                                                           5
               eynolds Welding &

                                                                                                                                        Tips for
               Fabrication has grown
               steadily, building a loyal
               customer base, since
               Jerado Reynolds founded
the company in 2005.                                                                                                                    Success

                                                                                   COURTESY OF SHANA SURECK PHOTOGRAPHY
   “At first the company was just Jerado,”
recalls his wife and co-owner, Joyce
                                                                                                                            Find a great business mentor.
Reynolds. “Then it was him and me part                                                                                      To find your local SBA office and
time.” During the day she worked as a                                                                                       resource partners in your area, visit
nurse and spent her evenings doing all                                                                                      sba.gov/localresources.
the company’s paperwork. The Reynolds
sank everything they earned into the
business—money, time, and energy. She                                                                                       Have a healthy view
remembers with pride helping Jerado
                                                                                                                            of competition.
weld a stair railing at a local school. Her
                                                                                                                            We’re not always competing.
son later attended that same school,
                                                                                                                            We’re a competitor, but if a similar
and she watched her child and others                                                                                        business has extra work, they’ll send
                                              SBA Resource Partner, where “from day
using the rail, benefiting from the                                                                                         it to us and vice versa. That’s the
                                              one it was, Eureka! Everyone wanted
hard work the couple did together. It                                                                                       relationship to have.
                                              to see us win.” Women entrepreneurs
was then Joyce decided as much as she
                                              receive essential business counseling and
loved her day job, she wanted to devote
                                              training from this national network of
herself full time to the family business                                                                                    Record everything you do.
                                              community-based centers. Most helpful
in Windsor, Connecticut. She wanted                                                                                         Navigating business relationships
                                              was the detailed personal attention
to work side-by-side with her husband,                                                                                      in this age means keeping an email
                                              available through free one-on-one
fully focused on administration and                                                                                         record of everything you do. Leave a
                                              business counseling. Joyce also learned
business growth. As they both hoped,                                                                                        clear paper trail.
                                              about workshops offered by providers like
word of mouth spread; clients made
                                              the Metropolitan District, a Connecticut
referrals. Joyce was soon overwhelmed
                                              nonprofit municipal corporation offering
with paperwork. They brought on two
                                              water and sewer services. At a meet-                                          Sacrifice to ensure quality.
employees—doubling up in the busy                                                                                           We don’t cut corners. Sometimes you
                                              and-greet, Joyce understood how much
seasons. They were able to maintain four                                                                                    have to lose money to do quality work—
                                              the SBA could help her business. An
full-time employees by 2009. After this,                                                                                    it’s rough, but nothing is more important.
                                              SBA professional walked Joyce through
Joyce says, they saw that “things were
                                              the extensive paperwork and, crucially,
not moving.” She wanted to scale up.
                                              helped her register the company in
                                              the System for Award Management
                                                                                                                            Seek SBA assistance to
Challenge
The company wasn’t growing in part            (sam.gov), positioning the company for                                        see if you qualify for
because it wasn’t certified with the          new federal contracts.                                                        business certifications.
state department of transportation or            “Resources like the Entrepreneurial                                        We used to look for jobs. Now that
prequalified with the Connecticut State       Center and the SBA will train you from                                        we’re on the SBA Subcontracting
Department of Administrative Services,        bottom to top,” Joyce says. “They have                                        Network database, SubNet, and
Joyce says. She decided to tackle the         finance classes that open your eyes                                           sam.gov, we have a continuous flow
                                              regarding taxes. You'll learn how to                                          of contractors reaching out to us.
certification problem full time, leaving
her nursing career. This was the change       register your business. They’ll help
she'd been wanting to make, but since         with a contract or your website or                                          on two bridges—a lifelong dream. Joyce
her background was in health care,            accountability statements. Everything!”                                     continues to move forward, getting
Joyce didn’t feel fluent in the languages        Before the SBA, Reynolds Welding                                         Reynolds qualified for the SBA 8(a)
of construction or business. Joyce            attempted the DOT certification on five                                     Business Development Program, which
wanted to learn, and she had incentive:       separate occasions, always falling short                                    provides free business development
they needed the certifications to bid         because the process was so complicated.                                     education to small businesses so they
on bigger jobs. “Never be afraid to ask       Joyce secured the certification with SBA                                    can better compete in the public sector.
questions,” she says. Joyce needed to         guidance on the first attempt.                                              “When I came on full time, I set a goal
find people with answers.                                                                                                 for what I would like for the company,
                                              Benefit                                                                     and I’ve achieved 80% of that,” Joyce
Solution                                      Reynolds Welding now employs more                                           says. When she secures 8(a) certification
She and Jerado connected with the             than 15 workers, constructing stairs,                                       for Reynolds, she’ll have hit all her
University of Hartford Entrepreneurial        rails, structural beams, and columns                                        objectives. Then, she admits, she’ll
Center & Women’s Business Center, an          throughout the region. Jerado is working                                    probably come up with some new ones.

                                                                                                                                                                         9
BUSINESS How to Grow Your - Small Business
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

   SBA Resource Partners
   No matter your industry, location, or experience, if you have a dream, the SBA is here to help you achieve it. Our SBA
   Resource Partners offer mentoring, counseling, and training to help you startup and thrive at all stages of the business
   life cycle. These independent organizations operating across the United States and U.S. territories are funded through SBA
   cooperative agreements or grants.

                                                  SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

        950+
                                                  Achieve your dream of business ownership and remain
                                                  competitive in an ever-changing global economy with assistance
                                                  from your local SBDC. Access free counseling and free or low-
                                                  cost training on topics like regulatory compliance, technology
        Small Business                            development, and international trade. Find an SBDC adviser at
                                                  sba.gov/sbdc.
        Development Centers

                                                  SCORE

        300+
                                                  Join the ranks of other business owners who have experienced
                                                  higher revenues and increased growth thanks to SCORE, the nation’s
                                                  largest network of volunteer business mentors. Experienced
                                                  executives share real-world knowledge to fit your busy schedule.
        SCORE chapters                            SCORE mentors are available for free as often as you need, in person,
                                                  via email or over video chat. Find a mentor at sba.gov/score.

                                                  WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTERS

       100+
                                                  Women entrepreneurs receive essential business counseling and
                                                  training from this national network of community-based centers.
                                                  Each center tailors its services to help you navigate the challenges
                                                  women often face when starting or growing a business. To learn
                                                  about SBA resources for women visit sba.gov/women.
        Women’s Business
        Centers

                                                  VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTERS

        20 +
                                                  Veteran and military entrepreneurs receive business training,
                                                  counseling, and referrals to other SBA Resource Partners at
                                                  a Veterans Business Outreach Center, sba.gov/vboc. Receive
                                                  procurement guidance to better compete for government
                                                  contracts. VBOCs also serve active duty service members,
        Veterans Business                         National Guard or Reserve members, veterans of any era, and
        Outreach Centers                          military spouses.

 10
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Your                                                                                         To report how a proposed federal
                                                                                             regulation could unfairly affect you,

Advocates
                                                                                             find your regional SBA advocate at
                                                                                             sba.gov/advocacy.

                                                                                             To submit a comment about how
                                                                                             your business has been hurt by an
                                                                                             existing regulation, visit
The SBA’s offices of advocacy and ombudsman are                                              sba.gov/ombudsman/comments
independent voices for small business within the
federal government.

Advocacy
When you need a voice within the federal        »» when you need economic and small               »» seek remedies when rules are
government for your interests as a small          business statistics                               inconsistently applied
business owner, the SBA’s regional advocates    The SBA’s Office of Advocacy also                 »» recover payment for services done by
are here to assist. The advocates analyze the   independently represents small business and         government contractors
effects of proposed regulations and consider    advances its concerns before Congress, the
alternatives that minimize the economic         White House, federal agencies, federal courts,    Make your voice heard by participating in a
burden on small businesses, governmental        and state policy makers.                          Regional Regulatory Enforcement Fairness
jurisdictions, and nonprofits. Find your                                                          Roundtable or a public hearing hosted by the
regional advocate at sba.gov/advocacy.          Ombudsman                                         SBA’s national ombudsman. These events
                                                Entrepreneurs who have an issue with an           are posted periodically on the ombudsman
Your advocate helps with these small
                                                existing federal regulation or policy can         website, sba.gov/ombudsman.
business issues:
                                                receive assistance from the SBA’s national           To submit a comment or complaint through
»» if your business could be negatively         ombudsman.                                        the online form, visit sba.gov/ombudsman/
  affected by regulations proposed by the                                                         comments. Your concerns will be directed to
                                                The ombudsman’s office helps you:
  government                                                                                      the appropriate federal agency for review. The
»» if you have contracting issues with a        »» resolve regulatory disputes with federal       SBA will collaborate with you and the agency
                                                  agencies                                        to help resolve the issue.
  federal agency
                                                »» reduce unfair penalties and fines

                                                                                                                                           11
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

 Our Local SBA
 Resource Partners
 SBA’s Resource Partners are independent organizations funded through SBA cooperative
 agreements or grants.
                                                 Heart of Wisconsin Chamber                  Madison #145
                                                 1120 Lincoln St.                            Serving Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Grant,
                                                 Wisconsin Rapids                            Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, Rock,
                                                 (715) 423-1830                              Sauk, and Vernon counties
                                                                                             MG&E Innovation Center
                                                 Federal Building                            505 S. Rosa Road, suite 37
                                                 500 Barstow St., room B11                   (608) 441-2820
                                                 Eau Claire                                  madison.score@scorevolunteer.org
                                                                                             Office Manager Tiffany Misko
                                                 Fox Cities #382                             Chapter Chair Mike George
                                                 Serving Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green         madison.score.org
                                                 Lake, Marquette, Outagamie, Waupaca,
                                                                                             Meeting locations:
                                                 Waushara, and Winnebago counties
   Arthur and Sandra Johnson, owners                                                         Dream Bank
                                                 120 Jackson St.
   of 21 Short Stop in Georgia, received                                                     1 N. Pinckney St.
   assistance from their local Small Business    Oshkosh
                                                                                             Madison
   Development Center and SCORE chapter.         (920) 303-2266
                                                                                             (608) 286-3150
                                                 score.foxcities@scorevolunteer.org
                                                 Chapter Chair Robert Molitor
 SCORE
 Visit sba.gov/score to start working on
                                                 Vice Chair Cheryl Muskus
                                                 foxcities.score.org
                                                                                             Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce
                                                                                             8 W. Main St.
                                                                                             Evansville
 your business goals. Contact your local
 office to schedule an appointment.              Meeting locations:                          (608) 882-5131
                                                 Envision
 District Director David Maaske                                                              Latino Chamber of Commerce
                                                 23 S. Main St.
 david.maaske@scorevolunteer.org                                                             2881 Commerce Park Drive, suite E
                                                 Fond Du Lac
                                                                                             Fitchburg
                                                 (920) 921-9500
 West Central                                                                                (608) 712-3522

 Wisconsin #535                                  Green Bay #508                              Oregon Chamber of Commerce
 Serving Adams, Clark, Florence, Forest,         Serving Brown, Door, Kewaunee,              117 Spring St.
 Iron, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon,      Manitowoc, Marinette, and Oconto counties   (608) 835-3697
 Menomonie, Portage, Price, Shawano,             Advance Business & Manufacturing Center
 Taylor, Vilas, Wood, Barron, Buffalo, Dunn,     2701 Larsen Road                            Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce
 Chippewa, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse,       (920) 222-2167                              109 Phillips Blvd.
 Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix,   greenbayscore@gmail.com                     Sauk City
 and Trempealeau counties                        Chapter Chair Gary Lewins                   (608) 643-4168
 Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce             greenbay.score.org
 and Industry                                                                                Beloit Chamber of Commerce
 700 S. Central Ave.
                                                 Meeting locations:                          635 Third St.
 Marshfield                                      Progress Lakeshore                          (608) 365-8835
 (715) 384-3454                                  202 N. Eighth St.
 Administrative Assistant Karen Olson            Manitowoc                                   Southeast Wisconsin #28
 Chapter Chair Peter Bushman                     (920) 222-2167                              Serving Dodge, Kenosha, Jefferson, Milwaukee,
 centralwisconsin.score.org                                                                  Racine, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Walworth,
                                                 InVenture North                             Washington, and Waukesha counties
 Meeting locations:                              Wisconsin Maritime Center of Excellence     The 310W
 Portage County Business Council Inc.            1320 Main St.                               310 W. Wisconsin Ave., suite 585
 5501 Vern Holmes Drive                          Marinette                                   Milwaukee
 Stevens Point                                   (715)732-1050                               (414) 297-3942
 (715) 344-1940                                                                              Administrative Assistant Anita Knepel
                                                                                             score.28@scorevolunteer.org

 12
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

counseling.28@scorevolunteer.org          UW-Eau Claire SBDC                        UW-River Falls SBDC
Chapter Chair Charyl Burke                7 S. Dewey St.                            St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center
Vice Chair Craig Ranger                   (715) 836-5811                            1091 Sutherland Ave.
sewisconsin.score.org                     Director Luke Kempen                      (715) 425-0620
                                          (715) 836-5902                            Director Danielle Campeau
Meeting locations:                        kempenls@uwec.edu                         (715) 222-1024
Gateway Technical College                 wisconsinsbdc.org/eauclaire               danielle.campeau@uwrf.edu
iMET Center                                                                         wisconsinsbdc.org/riverfalls
2320 Renaissance Blvd.                    UW-Green Bay SBDC
Sturtevant                                Advance Business & Manufacturing Center   Southwest Region SBDC
Call (414) 297-3942 for an appointment    2701 Larsen Road                          Senior Business Consultant Brock
                                          (920) 496-2117                            Waterman
Gateway Technical College                 Director Tara Carr                        (608) 574-1757
Launch Box                                (920) 496-2112                            brock.waterman@uwex.edu
101 Main St.                              carrt@uwgb.edu                            wisconsinsbdc.org/swwi
Racine                                    wisconsinsbdc.org/greenbay
Call (414) 297-3942 for an appointment                                              UW-Stevens Point SBDC
                                          UW-La Crosse SBDC                         032 Old Main Building
Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce         120 W. Carl Wimberly Hall                 2100 Main St.
1246-A Sumner St.                         1624 Farwell St.                          (715) 346-3838
Hartford                                  (608) 785-8782                            Director Melissa Meschke
Call (414) 297-3942 for an appointment,   Director Anne Hlavacka                    (715) 346-2288
first and third Tuesdays of the month
                                          (608) 785-8782                            melissa.meschke@uwsp.edu
                                          ahlavacka@uwlax.edu                       wisconsinsbdc.org/stevenspoint
Menomonee Falls Community Chamber
                                          wisconsinsbdc.org/lacrosse
N91 W17271 Appleton Ave., suite 2                                                   UW-Superior SBDC
Call (262) 251-2430 for an appointment    UW-Madison SBDC                           Erlanson 108
                                          975 University Ave., room 3260            (715) 394-8351
Oconomowoc Area Chamber
                                          (608) 263-2221                            Director Andy Donahue
of Commerce
                                          Director Michelle Somes-Booher            (715) 394-8352
175 E. Wisconsin Ave.
                                          (608) 265-3051                            adonahue@uwsuper.edu
Oconomowoc
                                          michelle.somesbooher@wisc.edu             wisconsinsbdc.org/superior
Call (414) 297-3942 for an appointment
                                          wisconsinsbdc.org/madison
                                                                                    Waukesha County Center
Waukesha County Business Alliance         UW-Milwaukee SBDC                         for Growth SBDC
2717 N. Grandview Blvd. #204              161 W. Wisconsin Ave., suite 6000         2717 N. Grandview Blvd., suite 300
Waukesha                                  (414) 227-3240                            Waukesha
Call 414-297-3942 for appointment         Director Tim Peterson                     (262) 409-2622
                                          (414) 227-3101                            Business Consultant Lucy Waldhuetter
                                          timp@uwm.edu                              (262) 278-5133
Small                                     wisconsinsbdc.org/milwaukee               lucy.waldhuetter@uwex.edu
                                                                                    wisconsinsbdc.org/waukesha
Business                                  UW-Oshkosh SBDC
                                          Sage Hall 1614                            UW-Whitewater SBDC
Development                               835 High St.                              1200 Hyland Hall
                                                                                    806 W. Starin Road
Centers
                                          (800) 232-8939
                                          Director Colleen Merrill                  (262) 472-3217
                                          (920) 424-1456                            Director Kevin Kaufman
State Office SBDC                                                                   (262) 472-1689
                                          merrillc@uwosh.edu
432 N. Lake St., room 423                 wisconsinsbdc.org/oshkosh                 kaufmank@uww.edu
Madison                                                                             wisconsinsbdc.org/whitewater
(608) 263-7794 or (800) 940-7232          UW-Parkside SBDC
sbdc@uwex.edu                             Molinaro Hall D127
State Director Bon Wikenheiser            900 Wood Road
wisconsinsbdc.org                         Kenosha
                                          (262) 595-3362
Center for Technology
                                          Director Jim McPhaul
Commercialization
                                          (262) 595-3363
Director of Client Services Dave Linz
                                          mcphaul@uwp.edu
dave.linz@uwex.edu
                                          wisconsinsbdc.org/parkside
(414) 227-3106
wisconsinctc.org

                                                                                                                          13
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

                                                                                                Veterans
                                                                                                Business
                                                                                                Outreach
                                                                                                Center
                                                                                                Veteran entrepreneurs or small business
                                                                                                owners can receive business training,
                                                                                                counseling and mentoring, and referrals
                                                                                                to other SBA Resource Partners at a
                                                                                                Veterans Business Outreach Center,
                                                                                                sba.gov/vboc. This is also the place to
                                                                                                receive procurement guidance, which
                                                                                                can help your business better compete
                                                                                                for government contracts.

                                                                                                Wisconsin Women’s Business
                                                                                                Initiative Corp.
                                                                                                1533 RiverCenter Drive
                                                                                                Milwaukee
                                                                 O'Connor Belting, a Delaware
                                                                 family-owned business,
                                                                                                (414) 395-4555
                                                                 expanded with the help of an   Director Ana Simpson
                                                                 SBA-guaranteed 7(a) loan.      wwbic.com/veterans

   Women’s Business Centers
   For your nearest Women’s Business Center, visit sba.gov/women.

   Entrepreneur Fund’s Women                      WI Women’s Business Initiative Corp.
   Business Alliance                              1533 River Center Drive
   Serving Douglas County                         Milwaukee
   202 W. Superior St. #311                       (414) 263-5450
   Duluth                                         info@wwbic.com
   (218) 623-5747                                 wwbic.com
   entrepreneurfund.org                           WWBIC Madison
   Western Wisconsin Women’s                      2300 S. Park St., suite 103
   Business Center                                (608) 257-5450
   418 Wisconsin Ave.                             Fax (608) 257-5454
   Eau Claire                                     Project Director Andrea Hughes
   Director of Jobs & Business Development        WWBIC Kenosha/Racine
   Karman Briggs                                  600 52nd St., suite 130
   (715) 836-7511 x1174                           Kenosha
   kbriggs@wdeoc.org                              (262) 925-2850
   23122 Whitehall Road                           Fax (262) 925-2855
   Independence                                   245 Main St., suite 102
   (715) 985-2391 x1211 or (800) 782-1063 x1211   Racine
   successfulbusiness.org                         (262) 898-5000
   westerndairyland.org                           Project Director Southeast Heather Lux
   womensbusinessconference.com
                                                  WWBIC Appleton/Northeast
                                                  1195 N. Casaloma Drive, suite 2
                                                  Appleton
                                                  (920) 944-2700
                                                  Project Director Alyse Rust

 14
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

                                                                                                                                         COURTESY OF THE SBA
  Adriana Medina, owner of
  Fuerte Fitness, in Seattle, WA,
  received counseling from a
  SCORE mentor and a Women's
  Business Center adviser.

How to Start a Business
in Wisconsin
Thinking of starting a business? Here are the nuts & bolts.

The Startup Logistics                           including consumer spending, and a              »» Department of Workforce Development
                                                summary of existing businesses, available          dwd.wisconsin.gov
Even if you’re running a home-based
                                                as a map and a report.
business, you will have to comply with
                                                                                                Name Registration
many local, state, and federal regulations.
Do not ignore regulatory details. You may
                                                Business License & Zoning                       Register your business name with the
                                                Licenses are typically administered by a        county clerk where your business is
avoid some red tape in the beginning, but
                                                variety of state and local departments. It is   located. If you’re a corporation, also
your lack of compliance could become an
                                                important to consider zoning regulations        register with the state.
obstacle as your business grows. Taking the
                                                when choosing a site for your business.         wisconsin.gov/pages/business.aspx
time to research regulations is as important
                                                Contact the local business license office
as knowing your market. Carefully
                                                where you plan to locate your business.         Taxes
investigate the laws affecting your industry.
                                                You may not be permitted to conduct             As a business owner, you should know
Being out of compliance could leave you
                                                business out of your home or engage in          your federal tax responsibilities and make
unprotected legally, lead to expensive
                                                industrial activity in a retail district.       some business decisions to comply with
penalties, and jeopardize your business.                                                        certain tax requirements. The IRS Small
                                                »» Wisconsin Department of Safety &             Business and Self- Employed Tax Center,
Market Research                                    Professional Services
                                                                                                go.usa.gov/xPxYR, offers information on
Need to do research on your clients and            dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/
                                                                                                a variety of topics including: obtaining an
location? View consumer and business               Default.aspx
                                                                                                Employer Identification Number, paying
data for your area using the Census             »» Wisconsin Franchise Information              and filing income tax, virtual workshops,
Business Builder: Small Business Edition,          and Filing                                   forms, and publications.
https://cbb.census.gov/sbe. Filter your            wdfi.org/fi/securities/franchise/                As the IRS continues to implement some
search by business type and location to            default.htm
                                                                                                of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, your
view data on your potential customers,

                                                                                                                                        15
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

    tax obligations may change. Visit the Tax   through uscis.gov/i-9-central. For forms        including self-employed workers, to
 Reform Provisions that Affect Businesses       call (800) 870-3676. For the employer           band together by geography or industry
 page on irs.gov for the latest tax reform      hotline call (888) 464-4218 or email            to obtain healthcare coverage as if
 updates that affect your bottom line.          I-9central@dhs.gov.                             they were a single large employer. For
 »» IRS Tax Assistance Centers                     E-Verify, operated by the Department         information, visit dol.gov/general/topic/
    Call (844) 545-5640 for an appointment      of Homeland Security in partnership             association-health-plans.
                                                with the Social Security Administration,
    Appleton                                                                                    »» Wisconsin Office of the
    1901B E. Capitol Drive                      electronically verifies the Social Security        Insurance Commissioner
    (920) 996-4860                              number and employment eligibility                  oci.wi.gov
                                                information reported on Form I-9. It’s the
    LaCrosse                                    quickest way for employers to determine         »» Wisconsin Unemployment
    425 State St.                                                                                  dwd.wisconsin.gov/ui
                                                the employment eligibility of new hires.
    (608) 785-0246                              Visit e-verify.gov, call (888) 464-4218 or      »» Wisconsin Workers Compensation
    Madison                                     email e-verify@dhs.gov.                            dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc
    1242 Fourier Drive, suite 200
    (608) 421-7898                              Health & Safety                                 Environmental
    Milwaukee
                                                All businesses with employees are               Regulations
                                                required to comply with state and federal       State assistance is available for small
    211 W. Wisconsin Ave.
                                                regulations regarding the protection of         businesses that must comply with
    (414) 231-2100
                                                employees, visit dol.gov for information.       environmental regulations under the Clean
    Wausau Virtual Assistance                   The Occupational Safety and Health              Air Act. State Small Business Environmental
    (844) 545-5640                              Administration provides information on          Assistance programs provide free and
    IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service               the specific health and safety standards        confidential assistance to help small
    Milwaukee (414) 231-2390                    used by the U.S. Department of Labor.           business owners understand and comply
    Elsewhere (877) 777-4778                    Call (800) 321-6742 or visit osha.gov.          with complex environmental regulations
                                                »» Wisconsin OSHA Health                        and permitting requirements. These state
 »» State Taxes
                                                   Consultation Program                         programs can help businesses reduce
    Department of Revenue Business Area
    revenue.wi.gov/pages/businesses/               UW State Laboratory of Hygiene               emissions at the source, often reducing
    home.aspx                                      Environmental Laboratories                   regulatory burden and saving you money.
                                                   2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison              To learn more about these free services visit
    Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Permits
                                                   (800) 947-0553 or (608) 226-5240             nationalsbeap.org/states/list.
    revenue.wi.gov/salesanduse/
    index.html                                     slh.wisc.edu/occupational/wiscon             »» The Wisconsin Department of
                                                   There are four regional OSHA offices            Natural Resources/Office of
 Social Security                                   in Wisconsin                                    Business Support and Sustainability
 If you have any employees, including              Appleton area                                   helps businesses and communities
 officers of a corporation but not the             1648 Tri Park Way                               develop innovative, flexible programs
 sole proprietor or partners, you must             (920) 734-4521                                  that exceed current standards for
 make periodic payments, and/or file                                                               preventing pollution and minimizing
                                                   Eau Claire area
 quarterly reports about payroll taxes                                                             waste.
                                                   1310 W. Clairemont Ave.
 and other mandatory deductions.                                                                   dnr.wi.gov/business
                                                   (715) 832-9019
 You can contact the IRS or the Social
 Security Administration for information,          Madison area                                 Accessibility and
 assistance, and forms, at (800) 772-1213          4802 E. Broadway                             ADA Compliance
 or visit socialsecurity.gov/employer.             (608) 441-5388                               For assistance with the Americans with
 You can file W-2s online or verify job            Milwaukee area                               Disabilities Act, call the ADA Center
 seekers through the Social Security               310 W. Wisconsin Ave.                        at (800) 949-4232 or the Department
 Number Verification Service.                      (414) 297-3315                               of Justice at (800) 514-0301. Direct
                                                                                                questions about accessible design and
 Employment Eligibility                         Employee Insurance                              the ADA standards to the U.S. Access
 Verification                                   Check with your state laws to see if you        Board at (800) 872-2253, TTY (800)
 The Federal Immigration Reform and             are required to provide unemployment or         993-2822, ta@access-board.gov or visit
 Control Act of 1986 requires employers         workers’ compensation insurance for your        access-board.gov.
 to verify employment eligibility of            employees. For health insurance options, call
 new employees. The law obligates               the Small Business Health Options Program       Child Support
 an employer to process Employment              at (800) 706-7893 or visit healthcare.gov/      Employers are essential to the success
 Eligibility Verification Form I-9. The U.S.    small-businesses/employers.                     of the child support program and are
 Citizenship and Immigration Service                Department of Labor Association             responsible for collecting 75 percent of
 offers information and assistance              Health Plans allow small businesses,            support nationwide through payroll

 16
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

deductions. The Office of Child Support         goods/services of one seller or provider        Hmong Chamber
Enforcement at Health and Human Services        from those of others and to indicate the        (414) 645-8828
offers employers step-by-step instructions      source of the goods/services. Trademarks        hmongchamber.org
for processing income withholding               and service marks may be registered             Wisconsin LGBT Chamber
orders for child support. Download the          at both the state and federal level. The        (414) 678-9275
fact sheet about the Employer’s Role            U.S. Patent and Trademark Office only           wislgbtchamber.com
in the Child Support Program at the             registers federal trademarks and service
                                                                                                Wisconsin Veterans
Office of Child Support Enforcement’s           marks. Federally registered trademarks
                                                                                                (920) 288-2646
website at acf.hhs.gov/programs/css >           may conflict with and supersede those
                                                                                                wiveteranschamber.org
employer responsibilities. You can also         registered only at the state level. Visit
find information about other employer           uspto.gov/trademarks.
                                                                                                Economic Development
responsibilities and tools that can make           Copyrights protect original works of
meeting those responsibilities easier, such     authorship including literary, dramatic,        Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
as electronic income withholding orders and     musical and artistic, and certain other         inwisconsin.com
                                                                                                wedc.org
the Child Support Portal. Send questions to     intellectual works. Copyrights do not protect
employerservices@acf.hhs.gov.                   facts, ideas, and systems, although they may    Wisconsin Housing and Economic
                                                protect the way they are expressed.             Development Agency
Intellectual Property                              For general information contact:             wheda.com
Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are
                                                »» U.S. Copyright Office
types of intellectual property that serve                                                       Export Assistance
                                                  U.S. Library of Congress
to protect creations and innovations.                                                           District International
                                                  James Madison Memorial Building
The United States Patent and Trademark                                                          Trade Officer
                                                  101 Independence Ave. Southeast
Office is the federal agency that grants                                                        Ellie Berg
                                                  Washington, DC
U.S. patents and registers trademarks.                                                          (414) 297-1488
                                                  (202) 707-3000 or
For information and resources about                                                             elvira.berg@sba.gov
                                                  toll free (877) 476-0778
U.S. patents and federally registered
                                                  copyright.gov                                 U.S. Commercial Service
trademarks consult uspto.gov. Call the
patent and trademark office help center                                                         10437 Innovation Drive
                                                Chambers of Commerce                            Suite 305
at (800) 786-9199 or visit the Elijah J.        Visit officialusa.com to find your closest      Wauwatosa
McCoy Midwest Regional Office in Detroit,       Wisconsin chamber.                              (414) 217-8333
Michigan, uspto.gov/detroit.
    A patent for an invention is the grant of   African American Chamber                        Director Koreen Grube
a property right to an inventor, issued by      (414) 462-9450                                  koreen.grube@trade.gov
                                                aaccwisconsin.org                               trade.gov
the U.S. patent office. The right conferred
by the patent grant is the right to exclude     Milwaukee Urban League                          Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
others from making, using, offering for sale,   (414) 374-5850                                  VP International Business Development
or selling the invention in the United States   tmul.org                                        Katy Sinnott
or importing the invention into the country.                                                    (608)210-6838
                                                Urban League of Greater Madison
For information visit uspto.gov/inventors.                                                      International Business Director
                                                (608) 729-1200
    There are three types of patents:           ulgm.org                                        Mark Rhoda-Reis
 • Utility patents may be granted to                                                            Foreign Direct Investment
                                                American Indian Chamber                         (608) 210-6757
     anyone who invents or discovers any
                                                (414) 604-2044                                  Market Development Director
     new and useful process, machine,
                                                www.aiccw-facc.org
     manufacture, or composition of matter,                                                     Stanley Pfrang
     or any new and useful improvement.         Wisconsin Chinese Chamber                       Europe, Middle East, Africa
 • Design patents may be granted to             (414) 409-6288 x103                             (608) 210-6777
     anyone who invents a new, original,        wisccc.org                                      Market Development Director
     and ornamental design for an article       Latino Chamber, Southeast WI                    Brad Schneider
     of manufacture.                            (414) 699-5723                                  Americas & Australia, New Zealand
 • Plant patents may be granted to              latinochambersew.org                            (608) 210-6890
     anyone who invents or discovers and                                                        (608) 210-6734
                                                Latino Entrepreneurial Network,
     asexually reproduces any distinct and                                                      wedc.org
                                                Southeast WI
     new variety of plant, other than a tuber                                                   Wisconsin International
                                                (414) 383-4633
     propagated plant or a plant found in an                                                    Agribusiness Center
                                                lenwi.org
     uncultivated state.                                                                        (800) 462-5237
    A trademark or service mark includes        Latino Chamber, Dane County
                                                                                                international@wisconsin.gov
any word, name, symbol, device, or              (608) 712-3522                                  datcp.wi.gov/pages/growing_wi/
any combination, used or intended to            lccmadison.org
be used to identify and distinguish the

                                                                                                                                 17
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Entrepreneurial
Opportunities
Regional Innovation Clusters
Create jobs and grow the economy through an SBA Regional
Innovation Cluster.                                                    Online Resources
                                                                       Find free short courses and learning
Who should join
Small businesses driving innovation in one of these tech industries:   tools to start and grow your small
• advanced composites                                                  business at sba.gov/learning. The
                                                                       free SBA Online Learning Center is a
• agTech
                                                                       great resource for every entrepreneur,
• bioscience
                                                                       especially rural business owners looking
• food processing
                                                                       for easy access to vital business training.
• data sciences
• medical sciences                                                     Courses include:
• power and energy                                                     • writing your business plan
• unmanned aerial systems                                              • buying a business
• water tech                                                           • financing options
• wood products                                                        • digital and traditional marketing to win customers
                                                                       • disaster recovery
How it works
                                                                       • understanding your customer
Each industry cluster is based in a geographic region. Your small
business must be located in or near that region in order to join the
cluster. For example, the AgLaunch Initiative cluster, which focuses
on agricultural technology, is located in the Tennessee area. A
small agTech business in or near Tennessee will connect with
other agTech suppliers, service providers, and related institutions
through that innovation cluster.
                                                                          Native American
                                                                          Workshops
How it benefits you
Network with other industry innovators and connect with
resources that will help your small business find funding. You’ll
                                                                          Tribal enterprises and business organizations
also receive guidance on how to better compete for government
contracts and other opportunities so you can grow and expand.             can receive training at an SBA Entrepreneurial
Receive free technical and legal assistance to develop your tech          Empowerment Workshop. These workshops
and get it to market for government and industry buyers.                  cover business concepts important for starting,
Get involved                                                              growing, or expanding a small business. RedWind
Find an SBA Regional Innovation Cluster near you by visiting              instructors identify and help participants avoid
sba.gov/localassistance. Select the regional innovation clusters          common pitfalls. Learn how to prepare a business
on the drop-down menu.
                                                                          plan, gain access to capital, and basic book
                                                                          keeping. Request a workshop in your area by
                                                                          visiting nativesmallbusiness.org.

18
LOCAL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

                                                                                                 Need financing?
                                                                                                 Loan Fee Relief
                                                                                                 To encourage lending to members of the
                                                                                                 military community who want to start
                                                                                                 or grow their business, the SBA reduces
                                                                                                 upfront guarantee fees on select loans. That
                                                                                                 means the cost savings will be passed down
                                                                                                 to you, the eligible veteran or qualifying
  COURTESY OF LIFEHEALTH

                                                                                                 military member. Ask your local SBA district
                                                                                                 office or SBA Lender about the Veterans
                                                                                                 Advantage program.
                                                                                                 Have an employee who was called to
                                                                                                 active duty?
                                                                                                 You may receive funds that enable your
                                                                                                 business to meet ordinary and necessary
                           HOW THE SBA HELPED US SUCCEED                                         operating expenses when an essential
     Margot Adam Langstaff, left, and Elisa Hamill, right, sought assistance from their          employee is called up to active duty in the
     local Veterans Business Outreach Center, which helped them better compete for               military reserve. Ask your local SBA district
     government contracts. LifeHealth of Littleton, CO has expanded to more than 30              office or SBA Lender about the Military
     states with offices in Washington, DC and San Antonio, TX. Their clients include the        Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
     Department of Defense, the National Guard, and the Indian Health Service. They
     also expanded their business using an SBA-backed line of credit for $350,000. Margot        Interested in contracting?
     started her career as an Army medic, eventually running one of the largest outpatient       Veteran-owned and service-disabled
     clinics in the Northeast at Ft. Devens, MA.                                                 veteran-owned small businesses interested
                                                                                                 in federal contracting receive training from

                                    Opportunities
                                                                                                 the Veteran Institute for Procurement,
                                                                                                 which offers a platform with three
                                                                                                 training programs to assist veterans. Visit

                                    for Veterans                                                 nationalvip.org.
                                                                                                 VIP Start
Members of the military community can start and grow their small                                 Enter the federal market and become ready
                                                                                                 for procurement. Nearly 200 veteran-owned
businesses with the help of SBA programs.
                                                                                                 businesses from 29 states plus Washington,
Need entrepreneurship training?                   For women veterans                             DC have graduated from the program.
In Boots to Business, you explore                 Receive entrepreneurial training geared        VIP Grow
business ownership and other self-                toward women veterans, service members,        Strategize to expand and operate within
employment opportunities while learning           and spouses of service members through         the federal marketplace. More than 700
key business concepts. You will walk away         these SBA-funded programs:                     veteran-owned businesses from 42 states
with an overview of entrepreneurship                                                             plus DC and Guam have graduated from
                                                  »» Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of
and applicable business ownership                                                                this program.
                                                    Entrepreneurship in Syracuse, New York
fundamentals, including how to access
                                                  »» LiftFund in San Antonio, Texas              VIP International
startup capital using SBA resources.
                                                                                                 Enter or expand your federal and commercial
Boots to Business is conducted on all
                                                  For service-disabled veterans                  contracting opportunities overseas.
military installations as part of the
                                                  Learn how to start and grow a small business
Department of Defense’s Transition                                                               Get certified
                                                  using these SBA-funded programs:
Assistance Program.                                                                              Learn about the service-disabled veteran-
                                                  »» Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans      owned small business certification program
Who’s eligible?                                     with Disabilities in Syracuse, New York      on page 49.
Service members transitioning out of
                                                  »» Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at        For more assistance
active duty and military spouses.
                                                    the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship,
Are you a veteran or member of                                                                   Veteran and military entrepreneurs
                                                    Spears School of Business, Oklahoma
the National Guard or Reserve or a                                                               receive business training, counseling, and
                                                    State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma
military spouse? Boots to Business:                                                              referrals to other SBA Resource Partners
Reboot teaches this entrepreneurship              »» Veteran Entrepreneurship Jumpstart at       at a Veterans Business Outreach Center,
curriculum off base and in local                    St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia,     sba.gov/vboc. For veterans business
communities. Register for either B2B                Pennsylvania                                 information visit sba.gov/veterans.
program at https://sbavets.force.com.             »» Dog Tag Inc., affiliated with Georgetown
                                                    University in Washington, DC

                                                                                                                                          19
local success story

                     Stacy Tuschl
                                 PRESIDENT, AC ADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
                                           Oak Creek and Frank lin, W I

After volunteering for years     • What challenge did you have? Managing growth and keeping up with demand have
as a dance coach, teaching         been the challenge, though a welcome one. After we rebuilt our studio, it started attract-
children and teens in her          ing students from the western suburbs of Milwaukee. I saw an opportunity to open
parents’ backyard, Stacy           another location, but I needed $1 million in capital to do it. Lenders are often hesitant
Tuschl successfully launched       to take a risk on young entrepreneurs invested in the creative fields—particularly right
her own dance studio in Oak        after the Great Recession. It was a hard decision to make—incredibly nerve wracking.
Creek at the age of 21. When
she decided to expand with       • What was the SBA solution? My small business secured an SBA-backed 7(a) loan from
affordable business financing,     US Bank. I was able to qualify for the amount I needed to open the Franklin studio
Stacy turned to the SBA.           because of the SBA guarantee. The SBA guarantees loans made by lending institutions
   Stacy started providing
                                   to small business that would not otherwise be able to obtain financing. US Bank worked
music lessons in response
                                   with me to secure a low interest rate and terms that worked best for my business. It was
to client demand. She
                                   a big step to take out a $1 million loan, but the risk brought more growth. Our client base
positioned her small business
for success even during the
                                   has only grown with children and teens looking to have fun, express their creativity, and
Great Recession. Stacy built a     stay healthy with physical activity and a musical education. In 2018, we used the SBA
custom dance and performing        7(a) funding program again to expand and update the Oak Creek studio.
arts facility in Oak Creek to
replace the space she was fast   • What benefit did this have for you? Now a seven-figure business, the Academy of
outgrowing. She opened her         Performing Arts is a small business success story. We have two modern studios that can
second location in Franklin        accommodate over 1,000 students—our weekly rosters. I employ 50 dance and music
in 2013 and expanded her Oak       instructors. We’re continuing to grow and flourish thanks to the SBA.
Creek studio in 2018 thanks to
SBA-backed financing.

  20
COURTESY OF ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

                                         I was able to qualify for the
                                         amount I needed to open
                                         the Franklin studio because
                                         of the SBA guarantee.”
                                         Stacy Tuschl
                                         President, Academy of Preforming Arts

                                                                                 21
FUNDING PROGRAMS
                               Financing Your Small Business

 How We Did It

Crafting a
Business
SBA-backed financing helped Superstition Meadery expand
into a multimillion dollar enterprise.
written by Becky Bosshart
                                                               COURTESY OF SUPERSTITION MEADERY

   22
FUNDING PROGRAMS

J
            ennifer and Jeff Herbert’s                                        Solution
            home-based brewing has                                            Thanks to guidance from an SBA
            expanded into a global,                                           Resource Partner, the Small Business
            multimillion dollar                                               Development Center at Yavapai
            enterprise thanks to SBA                                          Community College, Jennifer and Jeff
assistance. Using Arizona honey and                                           learned about financing that worked

                                                                                                                                5
ingredients they’ve sourced from                                              for them. The SBA guarantees loans
around the world (such as Tahitian                                            made by lending institutions to small

                                                                                                                                           Tips for
vanilla and Moroccan saffron), the                                            business that would not otherwise be
Herberts are selling nearly 30,000                                            able to obtain financing. Their small

                                                                                                                                           Success
gallons annually of their honey-based                                         business qualified for two SBA-backed
fermented beverage. They operate a                                            loans totaling more than $600,000. The
downtown Prescott, Arizona tasting                                            Herberts’ first SBA-backed loan allowed
room and state-of-the-art production                                          them to acquire commercial property to
facility, creating jobs and building                                          design and build their mead production            Get guidance.
a local craft industry. The Herberts,                                         facility. Their second SBA-backed loan            Develop a working relationship with
founding members of the American                                              provided the funding for professional             an SBA Resource Partner (see page 8)
Mead Makers Association, have                                                 brewing equipment to complete their               to help you find the funding that works
traveled around the world hosting                                             7,450-square-foot production space. The           best for you.
pairing events and pouring at craft                                           Herberts recently purchased a historic
beverage festivals.                                                           building in downtown Phoenix, Arizona
                                                                              to open a mead-pairing restaurant.                Define your lending needs.
Challenge
                                                                                                                                Determine if a loan is right for you. Is
The Herberts wanted to scale up their                                         Benefit
                                                                                                                                this the right time? How much do you
meadery while also staying true to                                            The Herberts started with two
                                                                                                                                need? What are you going to use it for?
their values of quality ingredients and                                       employees and now have over 20
craft process. It is often difficult for                                      producing 29,000 gallons this year.
new entrepreneurs or unique concepts                                          From a homegrown setup, Jennifer and
                                                                                                                                Talk to multiple lenders.
like a meadery to get traditional                                             Jeff are now charting revenue in excess
                                                                                                                                See who best matches you and your
financing, even though they knew                                              of $2.6 million and distributing to 37
                                                                                                                                business. Has the lender successfully
they had a great idea, the backing                                            states, across Europe and Southeast
                                                                                                                                worked with other businesses in
wasn’t there to expand. They say that                                         Asia. They have plans for another                 your industry?
choosing to do something new breaks                                           expansion, including a shipping
the mold, which can be uncomfortable                                          warehouse to manage their online retail
for traditional lenders.                                                      and wholesale orders.
                                                                                                                                Check all options.
                                                                                                                                Consult with your lender to see if
                                                                                                                                you’re eligible for SBA financing
                                                                                                                                programs, determined by your
                                                                                                                                industry & experience; collateral;
                                                                                                                                credit score; and the relationship &
                                                                                                                                transparency you develop with the
                                                                                                                                lending agent.

                                                                                                                                Be ready for the ups
                                                                                                                                and downs.
                                                                                                                                Your entrepreneurial endeavor will
                                                                                                                                be a roller coaster ride filled with
                                                                                                                                challenges and successes. The path
                                                                                                                                is all consuming so make sure that
    COURTESY OF SUPERSTITION MEADERY

                                                                                                                                you love what you do. Passion is the
                                                                                                                                price of admission.

                                       Jeff & Jennifer Herbert, owners of Superstition Meadery, completed their 7,450-square-
                                       foot production space and opened a tasting room in Prescott, AZ with the assistance of
                                       SBA-backed financing. See their story on YouTube by searching for the 2019 National
                                       Small Business Persons of the Year.

                                                                                                                                                                       23
FUNDING PROGRAMS

 Lender                     SBA-backed Loans
 Match                      help small business owners and entrepreneurs who are
                            creditworthy but don’t qualify for conventional financing.
 Find a lender interested
                            If you cannot obtain a business loan with reasonable rates
 in working with you at
 sba.gov/lendermatch.       and terms, contact your local SBA Lender to see if you are
 This matching tool         eligible for SBA programs. The SBA works with participating
 connects entrepreneurs     lenders to reduce their risk, increasing the likelihood your
 with SBA Lenders in
                            loan will be approved with the terms that work best for
 your area.
                            you. The guarantee is conditional on the lender following
                            SBA program requirements. Just like with any other loan,
                            you make your loan payments directly to your lender in
                            accordance with your terms.

24
FUNDING PROGRAMS

Need
Financing?
Visit your local SBA office or lender to learn about
these funding options.

The 7(a) Loan, the SBA’s Largest
Financing Program
If you cannot get conventional financing and you meet the
eligibility requirements, you can use a 7(a) loan to buy real estate,
equipment, or inventory for your small business. It may also be
used for working capital, to refinance business debt or purchase a
small business.
MAX LOAN AMOUNT: $5 million
INTEREST RATE: generally prime + a reasonable rate capped at 2.75%
TERMS: loan term varies according to the purpose of the loan,
generally up to 25 years for real estate, 10 years for other fixed
assets and working capital
GUARANTEE: 50 to 90%

CAPLines                                                                  Microloans
Meet your revolving capital needs with lines of credit. CAPLines can      Eligible businesses can startup and grow with working
be used for contract financing, seasonal lines of credit, builders line   capital or funds for supplies, equipment, furniture and fixtures.
of credit, or for general working capital lines.                          Borrow from $500 to $50,000 and access free business counseling
                                                                          from microlenders.
SBA Express Loan                                                          INTEREST RATE: loans less than $10,000, lender cost + 8.5%; loans
Featuring a simplified process, these loans are delivered by              $10,000 and greater, lender cost + 7.75%
experienced lenders who are authorized to make the credit decision
for the SBA. These can be term loans or revolving lines of credit.        TERMS: lender negotiated, no early payoff penalty

MAX LOAN AMOUNT: $350,000
                                                                          504 Certified Development Company Loan
INTEREST RATE: for loans less than $50,000, prime + 6.5%; for             If you do not qualify for traditional financing, but would like to
loans of $50,000 and greater, prime + 4.75%                               purchase or renovate real estate or buy heavy equipment for
TERMS: loan term varies according to the purpose of the loan,             your business, ask about the 504 loan. It provides competitive
generally up to 25 years for real estate and 10 years for other fixed     fixed-rate mortgage financing through a lender and a Certified
assets and working capital                                                Development Company.

GUARANTEE: 50%                                                            MAX LOAN AMOUNT (UP TO 40% OF THE TOTAL PROJECT):
                                                                          up to $5 million; $5.5 million for manufacturing or energy public
Community Advantage                                                       policy projects
A financing program for women, veterans, low-income borrowers, and        INTEREST RATE: below market fixed rates for 10, 20 or 25 year terms
minority entrepreneurs just starting up or in business for a few years.
                                                                          TERMS: 20 or 25 years for real estate or long-term equipment,
Receive free business counseling as you work with a community-based
                                                                          10 years for general machinery and equipment
financial institution.
                                                                          GUARANTEE: the lender provides a senior loan for 50% of the
INTEREST RATE: prime + 6%
                                                                          project cost (with no SBA guarantee); the CDC finances up to 40% in
TERMS: up to 25 years for real estate, 10 years for equipment and         a junior lien position (supported by the SBA guarantee)
working capital
                                                                          SPECIAL CONDITION: a minimum borrower contribution, or down
GUARANTEE: 75 to 90%                                                      payment, is required, amounts vary by project but are usually 10%

                                                                                                                                               25
FUNDING PROGRAMS

SBA Lenders
Our participating SBA Lenders serve all of Wisconsin unless otherwise noted.

ABBOTSFORD                     Fox Communities Credit Union   BALDWIN                           Fortifi Bank
Abbybank                       Jason Behling                  First Bank of Baldwin             Dave Mills
Adam Rekau                     (920) 933-3789                 Shane Bauer                       (608) 286-3903
(715) 298-4168                 Don Vanevenhoven               (715) 684-3366 or                 Kale Unangst
                               (920) 993-3733                 (800) 499-4362                    fortifibank.com
Garrett Kornman
(715) 298-4179                 Chris Cumicek                  John Larson
abbybank.com                                                  firstbankbaldwin.com
                               (920) 884-7173                                                   BOSCOBEL
                               foxcu.org                                                        Community First Bank
ALMA                                                          BARABOO                           Ryan Boebel
                               Prospera Credit Union
Bank of Alma                                                  Baraboo State Bank                (608) 448-4665
                               John Schemm
Lynn Reinhard                                                 David Taylor                      cfbank.com
                               (920) 882-4800
(608) 685-4461                 myprospera.com                 (608) 356-7703
bankofalma.net
                                                              Scott Jenkins                     BRODHEAD
                               Thrivent Federal
                                                              baraboonational.com               Bank of Brodhead
ALTOONA                        Credit Union
                               Heidi Giuliani                                                   Michael Olson
Citizens Community Federal
                               (612) 844-8048 or              BEAVER DAM                        (608) 897-2121
Greg Dahl
                               (612) 844-8512                 American Bank                     bankofbrodhead.com
(715) 835-6846
                               thrivent.com                   Mark Holsapple
Justin Harings
                                                              (920) 356-6989                    BROOKFIELD
(715) 839-4672
                                                              anbnet.com                        BMO Harris Bank
                               ARCADIA
Eric P. Rogness
                               State Bank of Arcadia                                            Christine Kornburger (262)
(715) 597-3139 x12804
                               Paul Lorenz                    BELOIT                            938-2630
ccf.us
                               (715) 538-4358                 Blackhawk Bank                    bmoharris.com/us

                               Kurt Johnston                  Phil Whitehead
ANTIGO                                                                                          Byline Bank
                               (608) 323-3331                 (608) 713-1997
Covantage Credit Union                                                                          Eric Manke
Rhonda Norrbom                 Bruce A. Salzman               Jack Walden                       (262) 860-2090
(715) 623-1343                 (800) 869-8021                 (608) 299-3471                    bylinebank.com/business-
covantagecu.org                rkdbank.com                    blackhawkbank.com                 banking

                                                              First National Bank & Trust Co.   Old National Bank
APPLETON                       ASHLAND                        Aaron Bussan                      Paul Sackmann
American National Bank         Northern State Bank            (608) 363-8000                    (262) 317-4890
Fox Cities                     John Beirl                     bankatfirst                       oldnational.com
Paul Northway                  (715) 682-2772                 national.com
(920) 739-1040                                                                                  Park Bank
                               Stephanie Cech
Brett Schroeder                nsbashland.com                                                   Tracy Meeks
                                                              BERLIN
(920) 739-1040                                                                                  (262) 827-5117
                                                              Farmers &
anbfc.bank                                                                                      parkbankonline.com
                               AUGUSTA
                                                              Merchants Bank
Community First Credit Union   Unity Bank                     Bob Thorsen                       Spring Bank
Cindy Schlichting              Teresa Rosengarten             (920) 361-1454 x2226              Glenn Michaelsen
(920) 830-7293                 (877) 440-2223                 Mark Klein                        (262) 754-5563
Kim Van Osdol                  unitybanking.com               (920) 361-1454 x2250              Heather Nelson
communityfirstcu.org                                          fmberlin.com
                                                                                                (262) 754-5569
                                                                                                springbankwi.com

26
FUNDING PROGRAMS

Westbury Bank                CUMBERLAND                 Westconsin Credit Union         National Exchange
Joe Schaefer                 Cumberland Federal Bank    Melissa Kraemer                 Bank & Trust
(262) 439-3338               Barry Ranallo              (715) 386-2300 x7818            Wally DeVries
westburybankwi.com           (715) 822-2249             Brice Medin                     (920) 906-6884
                             cumberland                                                 nebat.com
                                                        (715) 930-1675 x1681
                             federal.com
BURLINGTON                                              Christopher Brooke
Fox River State Bank                                                                    FORT ATKINSON
                                                        (715) 833-8305 x7367
(262) 767-8600               DEERFIELD                  westconsincu.org                Badger Bank
foxriverstatebank.com        Bank of Deerfield                                          Mitch Weyer
                             Benjamin Mlsna                                             (920)699-2905
                             (608) 764-5411             ELKHORN                         badgerbank.bank
CASHTON                                                 Advia Credit Union
                             Darren Winkler                                             Premier Bank
Bank of Cashton                                         Rachelle Poteracki (844) 238-
                             bankofdeerfield.com                                        Ray Bucholtz
John Daniels                                            4228
(608) 654-5121                                          adviacu.org                     (262) 458-2939
bankofcashton.com            DEFOREST                                                   bankwithpremier.com
                             Settlers Bank
                             David Fink                 ELROY                           GALESVILLE
CHILTON                      (608) 842-5000             Royal Bank                      Bluff View Bank
State Bank of Chilton                                   Josh Esser
                             Ed Kinney (608) 842-5021                                   Damian Levandoski
Allan Schlorf                                           (608) 623-2313
                             settlerswi.com                                             (608) 582-2233
(920) 849-9371                                          royalbank-usa.com               bluffviewbank.com
statebankofchilton.com
                             DENMARK
                                                        EVANSVILLE                      GRAFTON
                             Denmark State Bank
CLEVELAND                                               Union Bank & Trust Co.          Cornerstone Community Bank
                             Mark Hoefs
Cleveland State Bank                                    Karl Allen (608) 490-2226       Dave Cwiklinski
                             (920) 469-4700
Brandon Boerner                                         Julie Johnson                   (262) 437-7233
                             Ryan Johanek
(866) 321-9854                                          (608) 424-2317                  Rick Novotny
clevelandstate.bank          (920) 732-4551
                             denmarkstate.com           Mary Stenbroten                 (262) 546-1131
                                                        (608) 527-5700                  bankwith
COLLINS                                                 David Wyttenbach                cornerstone.com
                             DURAND
Collins State Bank                                      (608) 291-6115
                             Security Financial Bank
Terry Van Engen                                         ub-t.com                        GREEN BAY
                             Scott Erickson
(920) 994-9434                                                                          Associated Bank
                             (715) 930-7024
collinsstatebank.com                                    FITCHBURG                       Amy Tremel
                             Jennifer Jereczek                                          (920) 727-8420
                                                        Oak Bank
                             securityfinancial                                          associatedbank.com
CROSS PLAINS                 bank.com                   Business Lending Services
State Bank of Cross Plains                              (608) 441-6000 or               Bay Bank
Scott Ducke                                             (877) 625-2265                  Christopher Coppens
                             EAU CLAIRE                 oakbankonline.com
(608) 798-5221                                                                          (920) 490-7600
                             Charter Bank
                                                                                        baybankgb.com
George Ohlendorf             Dusty Hurtgen
                                                        FLORENCE
(608) 849-2707               (715) 850-2306                                             Nicolet National Bank
                                                        Great North Bank
Casey McClyman               Danny Pohnl                                                Eric Dejardine
                                                        Tom Wittkopf
(608) 416-4834               (715) 832-4254                                             (920) 617-5309
                                                        (715) 528-4844
sbcp.bank                    charterbank.bank                                           Shelly Henry
                                                        greatnorthbank.com
                                                                                        (920) 617-8218
                             Royal Credit Union
                                                                                        nicoletbank.com
CUBA CITY                    Joe Fischer                FOND DU LAC
American Bank &              (715) 246-8036             Fox Valley Savings Bank
Trust Wisconsin                                                                         GREENFIELD
                             Karlee Wallin              Steve Walbur
Robert Stauffacher                                                                      Pyramax Bank
                             (715) 552-3094             (920) 907-8685
(608) 348-4300                                          fvsbank.com                     Eric Hurd (414) 235-5894
                             Kristi Voller                                              pyramaxbank.com
Roger Dammen
                             (952) 683-9765             Hometown Bank
(608) 744-2125               rcu.org                    Tim Beno (920) 360-9550
americanbankwi.com                                                                      GRESHAM
                                                        Ben Thome
                                                                                        State Bank
                                                        (920) 907-6542
                                                                                        (715) 787-3201
                                                        htbwi.com
                                                                                        statebank.biz

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