Business Resources for Manufacturers through the University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UW-EX) plays a strong role in economic development across the state. UW-EX's role is to translate the research of the University of Wisconsin into practical applications:

Center for Innovation and Development (CID)

Feasibility assessment, product engineering and design; prototype development and patent advice. - uwstout.edu

Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation

Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI) focuses on technology transfer, primarily connecting "unused" technology from larger companies to entrepreneurs who can then start or expand business.

Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP)

SATOP offers up to 40 hours of FREE engineering assistance for qualified requests, utilizing the vast expertise of NASA and our Alliance Partners.

UW-Madison, School of Business - Executive Education

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Executive Education was named the "Best School for Continuing Education" in 2009 by Corporate Report Wisconsin, the state's most widely read business magazine.

UW-Madison, Center for Quick Response Manufacturing

WMEP works with the Center for Quick Response Manufacturing to implement its Accelerate program for suppliers to OEMs.  Rajan Suri, the Center's founder and director, has been named to Industry Week's Manufacturing Hall of Fame's Dream Team.

UW-Madison, School of Business - Technology Business Development Institute

UW-Madison, School of Business - Technology Business Development Institute - sbdc.wisc.edu

UW-Milwaukee, Continuing Education - Executive Management

Quality, noncredit courses that help you succeed in today's work environment. - www.uwm.edu

University of Wisconsin Family Business Center

Provides educational forums and discussions, peer group learning, resources and referrals, relevant academic courses and applied research.  http://fbc.wisc.edu/

UW-EX Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (DEED)

The SBDC Lead Center is housed in the DEED helps entrepreneurs create new businesses and grow existing businesses by providing training; information about financial, technology and other resources; one-on-one business counseling; and networking opportunities.

Wisconsin Business AnswerLine

Wisconsin Business AnswerLine (WIBAL) is a service of SBDC. The WIBAL counselors have real-world business management experience and respond to more than 2,500 calls annually from nascent and existing business across the state.

Wisconsin Innovation Service Center (WISC)

Wisconsin Innovation Service Center (WISC) helps clients make wise marketing decisions and develop new products, performing more than 250 market feasibility assessments each year.

Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council

The WI Sustainable Business Council is a network of Wisconsin businesses and organizations that are interested in, or actively responding to, the challenge of sustainability.  Many businesses find themselves challenged by stakeholders to describe what they are doing in this field.  The council is designed to bring businesses together and provide resources to help businesses on their path toward being more sustainable.

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN)

A statewide system of service providers offering a competitive set of public services targeted at entrepreneurs. Includes services offered by chambers of commerce, county-based economic development corporations, community based organizations, technical colleges, SBDCs, women's centers, and others. - wenportal.org

Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Wisconsin's SBDC network consists of twelve service centers and four specialty centers, providing Educational assistance to strengthen small business management; available at all 4-year UW campuses.

Two popular programs from the SBA (Small Business Administration) are Export Express and Export Working Capital Programs help small businesses with export financing.