Supporting entrepreneurs & “Putting Dreams to Work” since 1987.
Supporting entrepreneurs & “Putting Dreams to Work” since 1987.
Start or Grow Your Business
Many entrepreneurs are looking for resources and expert advice to help launch & grow their businesses. At WWBIC, we can assist through our over 400 workshops offered each year.
Finance Your Business
We are the State’s largest microlender providing access to fair capital for business start-ups and expansions. WWBIC makes loans to small and micro businesses up to $250,000.
Strengthen Your Finances
Financial planning is not just for the wealthy. We all need to manage our finances effectively and WWBIC can help. We offer Education & coaching to build life-changing money skills.
Who We Are
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) assists individuals who are interested in starting, strengthening or expanding businesses by providing direct lending, quality business and financial capability education and one-on-one technical business assistance.
Services are open to anyone but our focus is women, people of color and people of lower wealth – those most likely to face barriers in accessing financing or educational support.
Since 2012, WWBIC has been rated by Aeris, the nationally-recognized information service for community investors. Aeris provides a comprehensive, third-party assessment of community development financial institution (CDFI) loan fund fiscal strength, performance, and impact. In 2022, WWBIC was re-rated and demonstrated an improved performance. WWBIC is pleased with our new rating of A-***. This rating represents an upgrade over our prior rating, reflecting organization improvements that were initiated as a result of our first rating. Our new rating also provides meaningful comprehensive information to make enhancements to our programs and processes.
MICRO BUSINESS, MACRO IMPACT.
Business Loans
We offer Wisconsin small business owners loans ranging from $1,000 to $250,000. Loan funds may be used for start-up capital, inventory and equipment, business expansion, working capital and business support. All borrowers receive one-on-one small business coaching from our team of small business consultants.
Take a Class
Expand your education and strengthen your business
| Event | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| My Business is Certified; Now What? |
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Register |
| Cómo Aumentar la Visibilidad y las Ventas |
|
Register |
| Creciendo su Empresa Artisanal |
|
Register |
| Start, Run, and Grow |
|
Register |
| En Que Productos o Servicios se Tiene que Pagar Sales Tax |
|
Register |
| Event | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| My Business is Certified; Now What? |
|
Register |
| Cómo Aumentar la Visibilidad y las Ventas |
|
Register |
| Creciendo su Empresa Artisanal |
|
Register |
| Start, Run, and Grow |
|
Register |
| En Que Productos o Servicios se Tiene que Pagar Sales Tax |
|
Register |
Support Small Business
WWBIC’s many endeavors would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations. Donations of time, items and finances are significant in helping us meet the needs of the communities we serve.
News & Events
WWBIC 2022 Luncheon Highlights
Thanks to the over 950 attendees who made our 2022 annual luncheon a resounding success. Clients, funders, partners, volunteers, staff and friends all gathered at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino on November 15th to celebrate WWBIC's 35th anniversary. Three industry...
Associated Bank and Brewers Community Foundation Announce Continued Support of WWBIC Clients
WWBIC is thrilled to announce the continued support of Associated Bank and the Brewers Community Foundation for our clients through new funding for 2023. See photos, read a press release, and get more details here.
2022 Annual WWBIC Luncheon
Our 35th anniversary luncheon celebration, themed “Open for Business,” showcases decades of impact and connects our small business community to our many partners and supporters. The celebration is two-fold in nature, with a small business market followed by a luncheon and program.
Client Testimonials
Stephanie Sarr
Savanna Beauty Supply
Madison, WI
“WWBIC connects small business owners like myself with others, successfully creating a community of connection.”
Bennie & Angela Smith
Daddy's Soul Food & Grille (Veteran Owned Business)
Milwaukee, WI
“WWBIC was the fuel behind our dream, we had the idea, we had the drive, but WWBIC believed in us and provided the funds to put it into place.”
Businesses We Have Served
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