Best Small Business Resources in the Madison Area

Description

This 32,000 square foot business incubator offers shared offices and light industrial space for assembly or distribution. Amenities include conferences rooms and high-speed internet access, while the manufacturing space offers loading bays and material handling equipment. The average company stays in this facility for 3-5 years, throughout this time tenants have access to mentoring, workshops, and technical advisors.

Description

100state is a large coworking space that hosts frequent entrepreneurial events and workshops. The space is unique in that it includes amenities like a fitness gym with showers, free beer and coffee, and free printing/copying. Membership plans are tiered and range from an annual membership that grants access to the events, shared desks, and private offices.

Description

Industrious’ Madison branch is a top-tier luxury coworking space near the capital building. Floor to ceiling windows offer sweeping views of the capital and lake Monona while the interior is well decorated and filled with light. Amenities include the usual (internet, printing, social gatherings, etc.) and extend to the unusual (local pastries and fresh fruit served daily). While Industrious may cost more than other coworking spaces, the price is well justified by the beautiful atmosphere and luxury amenities.

Description

The Madison Enterprise Center is a light industrial business incubator formed as a partnership between Madison Gas and Electric and Common Wealth back in 1987. The incubator is an industrial-oriented space with loading docks, minimal decoration or furniture, and industrial-grade electrical capacity. Membership includes access to networking events, a conference room, and an on-site community manager.

Restrictions

Must be a for-profit company that produces a product or service.

Description

The Madison Public Library offers access to dozens of prominent research databases. These resources can help entrepreneurs build a market assessment of current trends and develop an entry strategy. Research can also be conducted on competitors and business plan assistance.

Restrictions

A library membership may be required to access certain amenities.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.