Learn how you can refer your Wisconsin small business clients to the State Small Business Credit Initiative.
Resources, referral tools, and program information for lending partners, CDFIs, economic development organizations, and service providers supporting Wisconsin’s SSBCI Technical Assistance program.
What is the SSBCI TA Center?
The State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance Center (SSBCI TAC) provides no-cost legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to very small and socially/economically disadvantaged businesses in Wisconsin that are actively seeking capital.
Administered through OBE in partnership with the UW-Madison Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic (UWLE), the program is funded by the U.S. Treasury through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
As a referral partner, you play a critical role in connecting eligible businesses with services that strengthen their readiness for capital.
Quick Reference for Partners:
- Eligible Businesses: Very small businesses (<10 employees) and/or SEDI-owned businesses actively seeking capital.
- Legal Services provided by UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic — formation, governance, contracts, investor docs, ESOPs.
- Accounting Services — audits, financial statements, record digitization, software advisory, bookkeeping training.
- Financial Advisory — banking relationships, loan applications, capital source identification, financial modeling, business plans.
- Turnaround: Once the intake form is submitted, businesses are contacted within 48 business hours.
Partner Toolkit
Materials to help you identify eligible businesses, explain program offerings, and make referrals. Download, print, or share digitally.
How to Refer a Client
Making a referral is simple. Here’s what happens after you identify an eligible business.
Use the Eligiibility Quick Reference table below to confirm the business is a VSB (<10 employees) or SEDI-owned and is actively seeking capital.
Direct the business owner to complete the online intake form.
Our team contacts the business within 48 business hours to schedule an initial consultation and needs assessment.
Based on the consultation, the business is connected to the appropriate legal, accounting, or financial advisory partners.
Eligibility Quick Reference
Businesses must fall into at least one of these categories and be actively seeking capital.
Very Small Business (VSB):
A business with fewer than 10 employees, including independent contractors and sole proprietors.
SEDI-Owned Business:
Owned/controlled by individuals whose credit access has been limited due to factors including race/ethnicity, gender, veteran status, limited English proficiency, disability, rural residence, tribal membership, residence in a transitioning community, or membership in an underserved community.
Note: This program does not offer direct funding. “Actively seeking capital” means the business is preparing for or engaged with a lender, investor, or similar entity to obtain capital.
SSBCI Partner Inquiry Form
Have questions about the program, referral process, or partnership opportunities? Reach out to our SSBCI team directly or submit an inquiry using the form.