Business Resources

Have you ever dreamed of living and working in Northern Wisconsin? Why not become an entrepreneur and join our growing small business community, telecommute from your cottage on the lake, launch a new food product from our kitchen incubator or relocate your business to our industrial park or other site. The following resources can help your dream become a reality:

Commercial Businesses for Sale Contact:
ReMax North Country:  140 Florence Ave, Florence, WI  715-528-6031
Wild Rivers Realty & Associates Inc.:  727 Central Ave, Florence WI  715-528-3280
Florence County Economic Development is also willing to help you with your site search (715-528-3294 or wgehlhoff@co.florence.wi.us)

FIND HELP FOR YOUR BUSINESS

FCED Sponsored Free Business Counselor
Writing a business plan is the most critical step of opening a new business. Florence County offers free services from business counselors who help new entrepreneurs write a detailed business plan to include start-up cost projections, cash flow projections, market analysis, a marketing plan, and resources for financing your business. The Business Counselors also work with existing businesses on anything from how to plan an expansion or advertising campaign to addressing cash flow issues or delinquent accounts receivables. They are familiar with SBA and USDA Rural Development loan programs and other state and federal government programs for small business. Appointments can be made by calling Eric Printz FCEDC (715)528-3294.
Do you want to start-up a new business?
Check out this link on entrepreneurship for a how-to guide.
Or click here for a How to Start a Business in WI resource

Florence County Chamber of Commerce
Promotes Florence County and its businesses in order to create an environment beneficial to the growth and prosperity of the entire community. Visit florencecountychamber.org for membership information.

NWTC Woodland Kitchen & Business Incubator
Do you have a special recipe or food product you would like to process and sell to the public? State law requires these items be prepared in an inspected and licensed commercial kitchen. A shared-use kitchen incubator is a certified, fully-equipped commercial kitchen for use by growers, food processors, caterers, restaurants, chefs, special event food vendors, bakers, groups, organizations, and more. Users of the kitchen will pay an hourly fee, a fraction of the cost of renovating and converting a home kitchen or building a commercial kitchen. The facility will support the business aspects of food processing such as: writing a business plan, labeling, packaging, marketing and distribution. Wodland Kitchen will also be available to area restaurants and caterers to allow them greater flexibility in the jobs they take on. To learn more, contact 715-589-2768 or visit www.nwtc.edu/atnwtc/places/RegionalCenters/North/WoodlandKitchen/Pages/home.aspx

County Land and Tax Information by Parcel
Click here for County GIS Land Mapping system  
Click here  for County Property Tax Record database by parcel and owner

FIND MONEY FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Depending on your business project, there are other funding sources available through FCED in addition to the following:

Small Business FC RLF Loan Program  
Florence County Economic Development received a $99,999 Rural Business Development Grant from USDA – Rural Development to start a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program to help small businesses grow and expand.  Florence County is providing $25,000 of matching funds.  The RLF program can fund loans from $10,000 up to $50,000 to help new or existing businesses purchase equipment, land, buildings, and inventory or for working capital.
Click here for RLF loan application
Click here for RLF loan manual

GEMSTAR Micro-Loan Program
The GEMSTAR micro loan program was established in 2012 with grant funds received from a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program. The program is a joint effort between NWTC (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College), MCABI (Marinette County Association of Business and Industry) and FCEDC (Florence County Economic Development Commission).  The micro loan program was established to provide very small businesses not adequately served by the traditional financial system access to a micro loan from $2,000 to $10,000. Loans are set at 3% interest amortized over not more than 5 years.
Click here for Micro Loan brochure  
Click here for Micro Loan application

WEDC - Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation provides programs and resources to help entrepreneurs get started and existing businesses grow.

Northern Initiatives:   Is a Community Development Financial Institution delivering loans and business services to small business owners and entrepreneurs who create jobs and enable the people and communities of Northern Michigan and the border counties in Wisconsin to thrive.  Click HERE to fill out their loan inquiry form and a lender will get back to you.  Northern Initiatives offers all types of business assitance.

SBA Business Assistance:  The US Small Business Administration website and regional offices offer a variety of help to plan, launch, manage and grow small businesses.  There are free webinars, loan programs and assistance for a variety of business categories.  Click HERE for the Wisconsin SBA Business Resource Guide.
 
WWBIC:   Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation is a statewide economic development corporation that provides quality business education and financing to Wisconsin’s entrepreneurs and small business owners including men.  Click HERE  for their FAQ sheet about WWBIC loans.  Their loans range from $1,000 up to $100,000 and possibly more with an SBA Guarantee.  These loans fund equipment, furniture, fixtures, inventory, supplies and working capital but not real estate.  A business plan is required to apply.  WWIBC offers free classes about starting your own business, help with financial planning and other business topics.

	Florence Industrial Park Accessed via Class A Road heading North 1/8 mile off US Hwy 2/141 on east edge of Florence. Lots are available for $4000/acre complete with water, sewer, natural gas, electricity and internet amenities. Lot prices can be reduced based on the number of jobs created and the business benefit to the community.  Contact Economic Development Director, Eric Printz (715-528-3294, eprintz@florencecountywi.gov) to discuss park details plus TIF cash incentives and other Wisconsin business assistance and funding  programs. Ten tenants currently reside in the park.