The Early Planning Grant (EPG) program is designed to help individual entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Wisconsin obtain the professional services necessary to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed start up or expansion. Under the EPG program, the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network (WEN) – with funding from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce – can provide applicants with a grant to help cover a portion of the cost of hiring an independent third party to develop a comprehensive business plan. In addition to formalizing an entrepreneur's goals and objectives, a well-prepared business plan is critical to the applicant's ability to attract the capital financing necessary for the business to be successful.

Technology Assistance Grant
The Technology Assistance Grant (TAG) program aids small Wisconsin high-technology businesses in their efforts to obtain seed, early-stage or research and development funding. Eligible project costs are professional services involved in the preparation and review of a federal R&D grant application; in obtaining industry information, data or market research needed to complete applications for R&D or early-stage funding; or in meeting specific requirements to obtain seed or early-stage funding from outside sources.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization.

Entrepreneurial Training Program
The Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) is a course offered through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) providing prospective and existing business owners with expert guidance through business plan development.  Partial tuition reimbursement may be available upon the successful completion of a business plan.

Receive free over-the-phone answers to your business start-up and management questions.  Our Wisconsin Business AnswerLine counselors have real-world business management experience.