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Minority Business Development

The Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development program is designed to generate and foster the growth of minority businesses in the State of Wisconsin. The Bureau of Minority Business Development provides consultation and services to minority business owners, entrepreneurs, and resource organizations.

Marketplace 2009
Marketplace 2009 The Bureau annually coordinates the Governor's Conference on Minority Business Development, Marketplace, which is a low cost, capacity building conference for certified minority-owned firms and government purchasing agents. This year's conference will be held September 16,2009. 

Financial Consulting and Technical Assistance
The Bureau provides consultation to individuals who are interested in starting a business, buying a business, or expanding an existing business. Our economic consultants provide counseling to individuals regarding structuring financing plans and preparing loan applications. Assistance may include referrals to an extensive network of public and private sector financial institutions and resource agencies, including the Minority Business Development Loan Program and the Early Planning Grant (EPG) or the Entrepreneurial Training Grant Program (ETG).

Certification
The Bureau certifies minority-owned businesses for participation in the state's minority business purchasing and contracting program.

Certification Renewal
Procedure for certification renewal for businesses whose certification expires December 31, 2009. Click here

Frequently Asked Questions

Directory of Minority-Owned Firms
Commerce has replaced the printed directory of firms that have been certified by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce with an online directory that can be viewed and navigated in three ways:

The Wisconsin Department of Administration maintains a Minority Business Program Business Search which enables buyers to access information on Wisconsin minority-owned firms by product, service area, county, commodity code or ethnic category.

Minority Business News
Sign up to receive Minority Business Development Newsletter.

News for Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms and stakeholders from the Department of Transportation.

Information Clearinghouse
The Bureau of Minority Business Development serves as a clearinghouse of information to client firms, government and corporate buyers, and other resource agencies. The Bureau also sponsors seminars and workshops designed to improve the managerial, marketing and other business skills of owners of small and minority businesses.

To receive further information, you may contact:

Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Bureau of Minority Business Development
201 W Washington Avenue, 5th Floor
POBox 7970
Madison, WI 53707
608-267-9550
Fax: 608-264-6151
Email: COMMBD@wisconsin.gov

Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Bureau of Minority Business Development
2645 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 140
Wauwatosa, WI 53226-1304
414-302-2807
Fax: 414-302-2830
Email: COMMBD@wisconsin.gov

Bureau of Minority Business Development Contacts