Are you a very small (under 10 employees) and/or socially or economically disadvantaged business seeking access to capital?
The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Center (TAC) is seeking to help disadvantaged individuals prepare to access capital in Wisconsin.
SSBCI is funded by the U.S. Treasury through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the UW-Madison Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic.
Help us, help you!
This program provides no cost technical assistance to small businesses and startups by offering a range of services, including accounting, legal and financial advisory services (see full breakdown of services). Additionally, we can assist with the development of financial projections, provide training in financial management, and guidance in the loan application processes. Overall, our focus is on addressing the needs of socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and small businesses while preparing businesses to be credible loan applicants and enhancing their ability to operate successfully.
If this sounds like a fit for you and your business, complete the intake form linked below to get started.
UW-Madison’s Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic
The Law & Entrepreneurship (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.
Start in Wisconsin
Start In Wisconsin is the premier network for local businesses. For owners and startups, Start In Wisconsin will power connections to start, scale and accelerate area entrepreneurs. For the established resource network, Start In Wisconsin will be a platform to provide best fit referrals, build your network, and to showcase the story of entrepreneurship in our region.
SSBCI Specialist
Nora Roughen-Schmidt
Nora’s areas of expertise include small business and tech startups and support, social media strategy, marketing, grant writing, nonprofits, partnerships, venture funding, agritourism, and economic development. She says that working with her will always be fun, productive and likely involve caffeine.
Eliminating barriers for small businesses is her favorite part of her job. Curating services and finding the best support and resources for businesses can be game-changing for people. She loves being able to offer that information and access.
Legal Services, which include any of the following:
- Assisting with business formation or adopting corporate governance documents.
- Obtaining needed registrations, licenses, filings, and certifications.
- Advising on, or preparing documents for, the business to enter into contracts.
- Legal services related to the business obtaining capital from investors, such as the development of financial instruments, investment term sheets, purchase agreements, and shareholder rights agreements.
- Legal services related to a transfer of ownership interests in a business, in the case of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).
Financial Advisory Services, which include any of the following:
- Assisting with the establishment of banking relationships or other financial services.
- Assisting with applications for government small business programs, including preparing financial analyses.
- Identifying sources of credit, capital, grants, and other financing.
- Advising on factors that may impede access to financing for the business.
- Advising on financial management.
- Developing presentations to potential investors, financial models, and business plans.
Accounting Services, which include any of the following:
- Preparing audits, financial statements, or business records.
- Digitizing financial records.
- Advisory services or training regarding accounting practices, recordkeeping, or accounting software.