Business Resources
It is the Portage County Connect’s goal to strengthen business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts in Portage County. There are many business economic development programs and resources to assist you. Below you will find links to these key resources.
Portage County Business Council (PCBC)
Chamber of Commerce / Economic Development partnership focused on business, member, workforce and community development. Provides assistance with site / building selection, business / community information and resource referrals to help start, expand or locate your business here. The PCBC is the organization behind Portage County Connects.
www.portagecountybiz.com
Association of Downtown Businesses (ADB)
Independent group of business owners and volunteers that promote the historic and economic redevelopment of the traditional business district in Stevens Point. The ADB is part of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce Main Street Program.
www.stevenspoint.biz/Organization.html
CAP Services
Providing information on revolving loan programs for low-income individuals starting a business.
www.capserv.org
Vbi.biz
City of Stevens Point – Community Development
The City of Stevens Point offers programs and financial assistance to aid businesses. Programs include: loans, grants, bonds, tax credits, tax incremental financing, and more.
www.stevenspoint.com
SCORE
Volunteer organization that offers no cost counseling on all aspects of starting & running a business.
www.score.org
Small Business Administration
Programs and services to help small businesses start, grow and succeed.
www.sba.gov
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The UW Stevens Point Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers confidential, no cost business counseling to current or prospective small business owners on issues ranging from financial management to sources of capital. The SBDC counselor can meet with clients at either the SBDC’s on campus office, the Portage County Business Council, or the client’s place of business. Appointments must be made in advance by calling 715-346-4609, or through the SBDC’s automated Business Resource Line, 1-800-487-7389.
www.uwsp.edu/conted/sbdc
USDA Rural Development
Enhancing the ability of rural communities to develop, to grow, and to improve their quality of life by targeting financial and technical resources in areas of greatest need through activities of greatest potential.
www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi
UW-Stout Center for Innovation & Development
Prototype development.
stti.uwstout.edu/centers/cid.asp
Wisconsin Angel Network
The Wisconsin Angel Network (WAN) fuels the growth of entrepreneurial, early stage financing.
www.wisconsinangelnetwork.com
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
As the state’s lead economic development organization, WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation in Wisconsin by providing resources, technical support, and financial assistance to companies, partners and the communities they serve. Contact Deb Clements, Regional Account Manager, office – (715) 344-1381, cell – (715) 340-9767 cell, or email deb.clements@wisconsin.gov.
www.wedc.org
Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Provides technical expertise & workshops on advanced manufacturing technologies & business practices that can improve the bottom line. Emphasis on LEAN manufacturing processes.
www.wmep.org
