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 2008
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 October 1-2, 2008 in Milwaukee.  Download Marketplace 2008 flyer

• MBE Awards Applications are now being accepted.  High performing minority businesses can now apply for recognition as a 2008 minority business of the year.  Learn more about the application and/or the three award categories below:
• Call for Applications! -  Information and Instruction Sheet
• Outstanding Minority Business Award Application
• Rising Star Award Application
• Good Citizen Award Application

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. The application for minority certification may be obtained by clicking here and submitting to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

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:

• Minority businesses by company name (alphabetical listing)
• Minority businesses by county
• Minority businesses by industry sector

The Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) 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
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 - 5th Floor
PO Box 7970
Madison, WI 53707
608-267-9550
COMMBD@wisconsin.gov

Bureau of Minority Business Development Contacts