Our Congressional offices work closely with the U.S. Small Business Administration, local Chambers of Commerce, and other non-profit organizations that can provide help and information to small businesses in western Wisconsin. Below are links that may be helpful to you as well as information on trade and exports.
 
SCORE: "Counselors to America's Small Business" offers free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA ) – The SBA provides aid, counseling and assistance to small businesses throughout the nation.  

Wisconsin SBA

Wisconsin SBA - Women Owned Small Businesses

Wisconsin Department of Commerce

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network

Wisconsin Small Business Resource Center

Wisconsin Small Business Development Center

Wisconsin Economic Development Association

Wisconsin Economic Development Institute

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Export.gov

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Small Business Lending Fund

Enacted into law as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) is a $30 billion fund that encourages lending to small businesses by providing Tier 1 capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. Through the fund, Main Street banks and small businesses can work together to help create jobs and promote economic growth in local communities. Click here to learn more.

• Supports Main Street banks, community development loan funds and small businesses
• Enables community banks to access Tier 1 capital
• Provides incentives for Main Street banks to increase their lending to small businesses

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Local Economic Development Corporations and Resources

• Small Business Development Center at UW-La Crosse
• Small Business Development Center at UW-Eau Claire
• Small Business Development Center at UW-River Falls
• Small Business Development Center at UW-Stout
• Small Business Development Center at UW-Platteville

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Exporting Your Goods & Services:
Over 6,000 Wisconsin companies export goods – 87% of these companies are small and medium sized enterprises, with fewer than 500 employees.  Today’s economy calls for creative solutions to help U.S. firms sustain or grow their profit margins. Increased export promotion for small and medium-sized businesses offers a real solution for revenue generation, job creation and new tax revenues. With 95% of the world’s consumers living outside of the United States, there is tremendous opportunity for further growth. If you are looking to take advantage of international market opportunities, there are several resources available to your business

The Commerce Department has an online tool to help small- and medium-sized businesses tap into the global marketplace and start exporting.  Use Six Steps to Begin Exporting to gauge your readiness to export. The self-assessment is followed by sections on training and conseling programs; resources to create an export business plan; information on conducting market research; assistance for finding foreign buyers; and investigating export financing. 

International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Export Promotion Programs
ITA’s US & Foreign Commercial Service and Manufacturing and Services units help local businesses take advantage of new market opportunities while also addressing their competitiveness issues. ITA works with partners, such as the Small Business Administration and the Export-Import Bank, to help businesses access other federal programs and financing. To learn more, visit the International Trade Administration.

Additional Trade Resources Include:
Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Find your local U.S. Export Assistance Center
State level trade statistics or Trade Stats Express
Sustainable Business Clearinghouse  - a searchable database of resources/programs
Export Yellow Pages