
Business & Startup Scene in Madison, Wisconsin, United States
1. Madison Entrepreneurship Center (MEC)
A hub for startups and entrepreneurs providing resources, mentorship, and events to help grow businesses.
- Customized Resources: Offers tailored services for different industries and stages of business development.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects entrepreneurs with experienced professionals and potential investors.
- Educational Workshops: Provides regular workshops on various business topics to enhance entrepreneurial skills.
2. Wisconsin Technology Council
Advocates for technology-based economic development and supports Wisconsin's tech entrepreneurs.
- Policy Influence: Lobbies state and federal officials to create supportive business environments.
- Collaborative Networks: Partners with educational institutions, research organizations, and businesses to foster innovation.
- Programs & Events: Offers programs like the Wisconsin Innovation Awards that recognize tech achievements.
3. Madison Area Technical College - Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Provides business consulting, training, and resources for small businesses in the Madison area.
- Business Planning Assistance: Assists entrepreneurs in creating comprehensive business plans.
- Financial Analysis Support: Offers financial analysis and projections to help businesses make informed decisions.
- Strategic Planning Guidance: Provides guidance on long-term strategic planning for small business growth.
4. Generator Maker Space
A collaborative workspace offering tools, resources, and programming for makers and entrepreneurs.
- Flexible Workspace: Offers a variety of workspace options including private offices, shared desks, and open areas.
- Maker Equipment: Provides access to state-of-the-art equipment for prototyping and manufacturing.
- Community Building: Encourages collaboration and networking among members through events and workshops.
5. Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) Business Resource Center
Offers energy-related resources and assistance to help local businesses save energy and costs.
- Energy Efficiency Solutions: Provides solutions for improving business energy efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting sustainability.
- Customized Consultations: Offers personalized consultations to help businesses implement energy-saving strategies.
- Financial Incentives: Provides financial incentives for implementing energy efficiency measures.
6. Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP)
Works to attract and retain businesses in the Madison region by promoting economic development initiatives.
- Regional Marketing: Markets the Madison region to potential investors, businesses, and talent.
- Business Retention & Expansion: Supports existing businesses to retain jobs and expand operations in the region.
- Site Selection Assistance: Assists businesses with site selection, infrastructure needs, and workforce development.
7. Madison Area SCORE Chapter
A resource partner of the Small Business Administration (SBA) offering free business advice and mentoring.
- Business Planning Guidance: Provides one-on-one counseling for creating effective business plans.
- Marketing Strategies: Offers guidance on marketing strategies to help businesses reach their target audience.
- Financial Management Assistance: Supports entrepreneurs with financial management, cash flow analysis, and loan packaging.
8. Madison Public Library Business Resources
Offers a variety of business resources including books, online databases, and workshops.
- Library Collection: Provides access to a vast collection of business-related books, eBooks, and audiobooks.
- Online Databases: Offers online databases with market research reports, company information, and industry trends.
- Workshops & Classes: Hosts workshops and classes on topics like marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
9. Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF)
A non-profit organization managing patents for UW-Madison discoveries and collaborating with businesses.
- Innovation Licensing: Licenses technology inventions to help bring new products and services to market.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Fosters partnerships between university researchers, businesses, and entrepreneurs.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Supports the development of new ventures based on UW-Madison technologies.
10. Madison Area Sustainability Council (MASC)
A network supporting sustainable businesses and initiatives in the Madison area.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects sustainable businesses with each other, consumers, and community partners.
- Resources & Education: Provides resources, educational materials, and events to help businesses adopt sustainable practices.
- Advocacy & Policy Influence: Promotes policy changes that support sustainability in the Madison area.
11. Madison Area Women's Business Center (MAWBC)
A resource center dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Training & Education: Offers training programs and educational resources for women entrepreneurs.
- Mentoring & Coaching: Provides mentorship and coaching to help women succeed in business.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects women entrepreneurs with each other, successful businesswomen, and resources.
12. Madison Area Urban Ministry (MAUM)
Provides entrepreneurship training and support to low-income individuals and underserved communities.
- Entrepreneurship Training: Offers classes, workshops, and mentoring for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Business Development Services: Provides resources and support for business planning, marketing, and financial management.
- Community Building: Fosters a supportive community that encourages entrepreneurship among underserved groups.
13. Madison Area Food Council (MAFC)
A network promoting sustainable and equitable food systems in the Madison area.
- Policy Advocacy: Works to influence local food policies that support sustainability and equity.
- Education & Outreach: Provides education on sustainable and equitable food practices.
- Networking & Collaboration: Fosters collaboration among food-related organizations, businesses, and community members.
14. Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC)
Supports the growth of sports tourism in the Madison area by attracting events and promoting sports facilities.
- Event Attraction: Works to bring sporting events, tournaments, and championships to Madison.
- Facility Promotion: Markets the area's sports facilities to attract events and teams.
- Economic Development: Contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors and creating jobs in the sports industry.
15. Madison Area Sports Business Association (MASBA)
A networking group for sports business professionals in the Madison area.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects sports business professionals with each other and industry leaders.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and events on sports business topics.
- Advocacy & Policy Influence: Works to support policies that benefit the sports industry in Madison.