Business Assistance, Other Links

Wisconsin resources

Wisconsin.gov The one-stop portal to government services in Wisconsin. It includes links to state agencies, programs, laws, demographic, cultural, and business information and much more. Assistance for business includes:

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is the state agency responsible for:

University Extension

Small Business Development Centers offer a variety of educational services to small-businesses including low-cost courses, seminars, and workshops. In addition, the SBDC provides counseling to help clients manage and run their businesses more profitably.

SBDC Business AnswerLine provides free over-the-phone answers to your business start-up and management questions. Call our experienced counselors at 1-800-940-7232.
Business and Manufacturing Extension
Wisconsin Entrepreneur's Network

WorkSource Wisconsin was designed to provide Wisconsin business with the tools and information to hire, support and retain employees with disabilities. Information, resources and training available through WorkSource Wisconsin include: workplace accommodation, employment law and human resource management practices. It is a product of the Department of Health and Family Services

Wisconsin Department of Commerce

Business Resources

Wisconsin Forward Award. The mission of Wisconsin Forward Award, Inc. is to promote and recognize the adoption of high performance management principles and practices by Wisconsin organizations in order to achieve world-class status for Wisconsin products and services; help meet international competition; and enhance continuous learning, quality improvement and performance excellence. The primary program focus is to:

Advance the competitive advantage of Wisconsin businesses and organizations;
Provide recognition as well as a method for self assessment to assist Wisconsin enterprises achieve world-class customer-focused quality; and
Promote continuous learning and performance improvement

Wisconsin Information for Specific Groups

Workers with Work Related Limitations
Non-Traditional Occupations
Older Workers
Youth and Employment
Veteran Services
Dislocated Workers

Labor Laws, Discrimination

Wisconsin Labor Laws
Discrimination in Wisconsin
Federal Wage and Hours Laws
Employment Law Guide
Discrimination (Federal law)
Background Checks

Unemployment Insurance

Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance information may be obtained online or by telephone, toll-free, at 1-800-494-4944.

How to Use UI Services for Business

File a Claim:

Online Claims
By Telephone, toll-free, at 1-800-822-5246

Workplace Safety

Wisconsin (Safety and Buildings, WI Dept. of Commerce)
Wisconsin Workplace Safety Institute
Federal (OSHA)
For Youth (also see Youth and Employment)
Workers Compensation
Workplace Violence (Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA)

Other National Resources

Business Center Here you will find resources to help start your business, make it grow, manage your resources, and maintain a safe environment for your employees. From the Career One Stop (U.S. Department of Labor).

Business.gov This is the official business link to the U.S. government. It guides you through the maze of government rules and regulations and provides access to services and resources to help you start, grow, and succeed in business. From the U.S. Small Business Administration

Disability Information (from DisabilityInfo.gov, U.S. Department of Labor)
Employment and Training Administration (ETA) includes links of interest to employers and jobseekers.
First Gov Links to US Government Services and programs. Arranged by topics and searchable.
First Gov for Workers Connects workers to a wide variety of US Government information and services about jobs, learning, family and health, transportation, money management, travel and your rights as a citizen.
First Gov for Seniors Connects Senior Citizens to US Government services and information. Includes tax preparation assistance, retirement planning, consumer protection, and much more.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) The Federal agency that covers workplace safety for all private sector employment in Wisconsin. This link provides information on workers rights and how to file a complaint.
US Department of Labor (DOL) contains valuable information on all of their programs and services.
Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) provides information on Veterans Services.

SCORE Learning Center SCORE is a nonprofit partner of the Small Business Administration and provides business counseling from retired business owners and executives.

SBA Library Advice and information from the Small Business Administration resource for the full range of business operations.

Private Industry Resources

(free or free with registration)
Business Owners Tools Kit
Workforce Management
About.com
Recruiters Network