ACCWI Members Resources

Business Resources to Help You Grow

Connect with tools, programs, funding, certifications, procurement opportunities and technical assistance designed to support entreprenuers and business owners.

Business Resources

Empowering Entrepreneurs. Strengthening Businesses. Creating Opportunities.

Building a successful business requires more than hard work—it requires access to the right information, trusted partners, and opportunities that support long-term growth. Whether you’re starting a business, expanding operations, pursuing certifications, seeking financing, or
for contracts, having the right resources can help you move forward with confidence.

This page brings together a collection of organizations, agencies, and business support programs that serve Wisconsin entrepreneurs and small businesses. Explore the resources below to find technical assistance, business financing, economic development programs, certification opportunities, workforce solutions, and funding resources to help your business start, grow, and succeed.

Technical Assistance

AACCWI connects members with trusted organizations that provide business coaching,
legal guidance, planning support, training, procurement assistance, and access to capital.

Marquette University Entrepreneur Legal Clinic

Offers legal assistance to entrepreneurs starting or growing businesses in southeastern Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Public Library

Provides one-on-one support for business research, planning, and general business questions.

One Stop Business Portal

Helps business owners understand Wisconsin startup steps, registration, licensing, and requirements.

SCORE

Offers free small business mentoring and entrepreneur education through experienced mentors.

Small Business Administration

Provides support with funding, counseling, federal certifications, and disaster recovery resources.

Small Business Development Center

Offers no-cost, confidential consulting and business education through UW-Milwaukee.

UW Extension Milwaukee County

Supports entrepreneurs through strategic planning and community-based business development.

UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic

Provides free legal services for startup businesses throughout Wisconsin.

Veteran Business Outreach Center

Supports veterans, active-duty service members, Guard, Reserve, and military-connected entrepreneurs.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Connects businesses with financial assistance, operational support, networking, and development programs.

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)

Provides business training, financial education, business planning, and access to capital.

Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Helps Wisconsin businesses compete in government markets and strengthen supply chain opportunities.

Small Business Financing

Access to capital is critical for starting, sustaining, and growing a successful business.
AACCWI connects members with lenders and community partners that understand the unique needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

CDFIs are mission-driven financial institutions that provide loans and financial services
to businesses and communities that may be underserved by traditional banks. Many CDFIs
offer flexible lending options, technical assistance, and long-term business support.

First American Capital Corporation

Provides loans from $1,000 to $250,000 for Native American and minority-owned businesses eligible for SBA-supported financing.

Legacy Redevelopment Corporation

Offers microloans, emerging business loans, pre-development financing, real estate financing, and subcontractor gap funding.

Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation

Provides financing often used alongside traditional bank lending to support business growth, job creation, and investment.

Northwest Side Community Development Corporation

Offers loans for real estate acquisition, equipment purchases, leasehold improvements, working capital, and startup businesses.

Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC)

Provides loans, business training, financial education, and technical assistance for startup and existing businesses.

Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce

Offers small business loans, emergency funding, and financing options to support business growth and expansion.

Economic Development Resources

Economic development organizations provide programs, financing, technical assistance,
and business support services that help entrepreneurs grow, invest, and succeed throughout Wisconsin.

Milwaukee County Economic Development

Provides business resources, financing opportunities, and economic development programs for Milwaukee County businesses.

Building Bridges Program
Loan Fund
Business Certifications

City of Milwaukee Department of City Development

Supports business growth through development services, permitting assistance, and resources for entrepreneurs and developers.

Red Tape Rescue
Courtesy Inspection Program

Funding & Financial Resources

Discover funding opportunities that can help your business launch, grow, and innovate.
These resources provide access to grants, financial assistance, and funding information
available through federal, state, and local programs.

Grants.gov

Search thousands of federal grant opportunities, funding notices, and application resources for eligible businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities.

KIVA

Kiva is a nonprofit organization that provides 0% interest small business loans through community-backed crowdfunding. U.S. entrepreneurs can apply for loans of up to $15,000 with no fees, making Kiva an excellent financing option for startups and small businesses that may not qualify for traditional lending.

Business Certifications

Business certifications can open the door to government contracting, supplier diversity programs, and procurement opportunities. Explore certification programs available through local, state, and national organizations.

E-notify e-mail notification system used by City, County, MPS

city.milwaukee.gov/News-Events/enotify

Workforce Development & Hiring

Employ Milwaukee – Business Solutions

Resources to help employers recruit, hire, train, and retain employees, including workforce development programs, customized training, and hiring assistance.