Entrepreneurial Development Programs

Commerce has two types of planning grants available to Wisconsin entrepreneurs.

Early Planning Grant (EPG):
The EPG program allows applicants to hire an independent third party to help them prepare a comprehensive business plan. Although this program typically provides grants for 75% of eligible project costs up to $3,000, there are limited funds available. As such, only those businesses that fall within the following established Industrial Clusters are eligible for EPG assistance. These clusters include:

• Manufacturing
• Automation
• Paper/Forest Products
• Agriculture/Food Products
• Printing
• Medical Devices
• Biotechnology
• Information Technology
• Tourism
• Childcare (does NOT include in-home childcare)

For more information on Industrial Clusters, click here.

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements and would like additional information on or an application for Commerce's Early Planning Grant program, click here.

Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP): For entrepreneurs that would rather prepare their business plan in a more formal setting and for those businesses that fall outside the identified Industrial Clusters, Commerce offers the ETP program. Under this program, applicants are provided with a grant to cover up to 75% of the tuition costs associated with enrolling in an approved course at their local Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

This program represents a partnership between the SBDC and Commerce and was developed in recognition of the need to support all types of entrepreneurial development. Meeting once-a-week over an 8 to 10 week period, participants will be provided instruction on how to prepare a comprehensive business plan. The goal is for participants to "graduate" with a professional plan that can be used to pursue start-up capital.

For additional ETP information and instructions on how to apply for this program, click here .

Selecting A Consultant To Assist With Your Business Start-Up: As entrepreneurs make the decision to start a new business or expand an existing business, they may employ the services of experienced professionals to develop a comprehensive business plan. For information designed to help you assess your needs and evaluate key issues prior to hiring a professional business planning consultant, click here.