What is an ombudsman?

An ombudsman is a neutral dispute resolver.  It is the ombudsman's job to aid in the resolution of problems in a nonadversarial manner. An ombudsman has broad powers to investigate and to make recommendations, but no authority to make or reverse a decision.

What can the Wisconsin Small Business Ombudsman do for me?

The ombudsman's job is to investigate your complaint and determine whether you have been treated fairly.  If the ombudsman concludes your complaint is justified, the ombudsman will work with you and the agency to find a fair solution.  If your complaint is not justified, the ombudsman will explain the reasoning.  The Wisconsin Small Business Ombudsman is not someone who will automatically take your side in a conflict, but will work to consider all sides of a question in an impartial and objective way.

Your complaint will be discussed in confidence.  In some cases, the ombudsman can provide the information you need to solve the problem yourself.  In other cases, the ombudsman will investigate your complaint and act as a helpful mediator in negotiating a solution.  The ombudsman has no power to order changes in rules, regulations, policies or procedures.  The ombudsman does have the ear of the Small Business Regulatory Review Board.  If your concerns are appropriate for the board's review, the ombudsman will see that the Board is made aware of your problems with a specific state agency rule.  You can find out more about the Board by visiting its website.  However, keep in mind that a great majority of state administrators are cooperative and responsive to both the Board and the ombudsman's recommendation.

When should I go to the ombudsman?
Usually it is best to think of the Wisconsin Small Business Ombudsman as a last resort -- someone who will try to help when other approaches have failed.  If you have a problem, first discuss it with the person or office involved.  Many times they will explain a specific policy or correct the problem on the spot.  In fact, agency staff can solve most problems quicker and easier than the ombudsman.  If you don't know who to see, or what procedure to use, please contact the agency's small business regulatory coordinator.

Are there problems the ombudsman can't handle?
The Wisconsin Small Business Ombudsman can only handle complaints having to do with administrative acts of the State of Wisconsin. The ombudsman cannot take up conflicts with: private individuals, companies or organizations; federal, county or local governments; the Board of Regents, universities or community colleges; elected officials and their chief advisors; the legislature and its staff; or the judicial branch of government. If the ombudsman is unable to take up your case, you will be told why.