SBDC 30th Anniversary!

Small Business Support Agencies Celebrate Milestones

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today congratulated the UW Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) on 30 years of assistance to Wisconsin’s small businesses. He also recognized the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network (WEN) on its five-year anniversary of assisting the state’s entrepreneurs. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Aaron Olver represented the Governor at the joint anniversary celebration held April 14th at Madison’s Hilton Hotel.

“As Wisconsin’s Small Business Development Center Network and the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network prepare to celebrate milestone anniversaries – 30 and five years, respectively – this is a fitting time to salute their foresight in creating the kind of environment and connections that help an entrepreneur take a good idea and translate it into a successful business enterprise,” Governor Doyle said. “Year after year, small and beginning businesses create most of the new jobs in our economy.”

“Our business counselors and staff have significant experience, knowledge and background in all areas related to starting and growing a business, including planning, financing and marketing. Their insight and advice in client meetings and the classroom continues to impress and deliver results across Wisconsin,” said Gayle Kugler, SBDC and WEN State Director. “I couldn’t be more proud to work with and represent this great group of dedicated people who work in our two programs.”

The late Sen. Gaylord Nelson, as chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, authored the legislation creating the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) concept. Wisconsin and seven other states piloted the program. Through federal funding from the SBA, matched by UW, the SBDC provides business counseling at all UW four-year campuses. Over the years, it has incorporated the latest technology teaching methods, strengthened its connections with economic development organizations, and linked to early stage funding opportunities.

During 2009, the SBDC provided counseling to nearly 5,000 clients and training for more than 9,400 clients. Businesses assisted by the SBDC completed 257 business plans and represented a $22.4-million overall capital infusion to the Wisconsin economy.

WEN, an initiative in Governor Jim Doyle’s Grow Wisconsin plan, was established in June 2005 as a joint venture between the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Division (DEED). WEN has four regional directors and a minority business specialist. WEN Directors specialize in helping businesses secure federal SBIR funds through technology assistance grants. WEN and its partners strive to provide seamless access to the statewide network of entrepreneurial resources and expertise to create new ventures. They help grow existing businesses and move forward high-potential entrepreneurs to enable Wisconsin to be competitive in a global economic environment.