Find a wide variety of business startup resources by clicking "Startup Resources" below. Here SCORE provides webinars, blogs, workshops, articles and more to help you get started.
Before signing up for a mentor, we strongly recommend that you start with the free "Simple Steps for Staring Your Business" short course by clicking on the "Startup Resouces" link below.
Browse the list of links at the bottom of the page to find important and helpful buisness resources outside of SCORE.
- Links To Business Resources -
Business Startup Links:
Wisconsin One Stop Business Portal
The Wisconsin One Stop Business Portal is an easy step-through process where Wisconsin's businesses can find the requirements and tools they need to start a business in Wisconsin. When you have finished, your new business will be registered with multiple state agencies - Department of Financial Institutions, the Department of Revenue and the Department of Workforce Development.
Wisconsin Online Form to Register an LLC
Sales Tax and Seller's Permit Information
Business Plan Template
A simple, one page business plan template.
UW Law & Entrepreneurs Clinic
The Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic (L & E Clinic) provides free legal services to nascent entrepreneurs and early stage companies through the work of law students supervised by faculty and private sector attorneys.
How to Choose Your Business Name
Trademark Information
How to Find an Accountant
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):
SBA ASCENT Program
Ascent is an interactive digital platform packed with resources women business owners need to set, and achieve, their business goals. Ascent is designed for the “missing middle” — growth-oriented women entrepreneurs who are beyond the start-up phase and already generating revenue yet looking to grow and scale. Most learning resources for business owners focus on either start-ups or mature businesses. Ascent is here to change that!
SBA Bridge Loans
Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
SBA Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.
SBA Debt Relief
As part of our coronavirus debt relief efforts, the SBA will pay 6 months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all current 7(a), 504, and Microloans in regular servicing status as well as new 7(a), 504, and Microloans disbursed prior to September 27, 2020.
SBA Search for Local Assistance
SBA Small Business Tools
SBA's suite of tools can help you at any stage of your business venture. From initial counseling and business planning to contracting with the government and finding seminars to grow your business – there's something for every entrepreneur to get the help they need. Let us help you find what you're looking for today.
Local Business Resources:
City of Madison Economic Development
The CONNECT MADISON Strategy is Madison's Economic Development Plan. The Strategy is the culmination of a two-year effort that engaged hundreds of community members in a conversation about the future of our economy and the City's economic developemnt priorities.
Dane County Economic Development
Dane County and City of Madison Food Establishment Licensing
State of Wisconsin Economic Development (WEDC)
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is committed to creating and maintaining a business climate that allows you to maximize your potential. Working with more than 600 statewide partners, including regional economic development organizations, academic institutions and industry groups, we’re enhancing our communities, supporting business development, advancing industry innovation, tapping global markets and developing a talented workforce to help Wisconsin realize its full economic potential.
Library Searchable Business Databases:
A to Z Database
A to Z Databases is the premier reference and marketing database marketed to library, academic, and government institutions throughout the United States This simple, user-friendly, web-based solution provides details on businesses and households within the U.S. (30 day free trial)
Reference Solutions
Madison Public Library - powerful business and consumer research database, offering business and residential listings useful in searching for people, executives, creating marketing plans, conducting competitive analysis, fundraising and sales.
Madison Area Resources
Madison Public Library - wide range of Madison area resources and services.
Links to non-SCORE Seminars and Workshops:
Wisconsin Woman's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)
WWBIC opens the doors of opportunity by providing targeted individuals who are interested in starting, strengthening or expanding businesses with access to critical resources such as responsible financial products and quality business and financial education.
Small Business Development Center
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Madison provides no cost consulting and non-credit courses to help businesses from start-up through growth.
American Family Insurance DreamBank
American Family Insurance believes that a dream is the most valuable thing you’ll ever own. That’s why we created DreamBank — an inspirational community destination and digital experience, dedicated to the pursuit of dreams. Whether you need information, motivation, or just space to get down to business figuring out the details, DreamBank is the place to get started.