For Local Businesses
The SCEDC spends the majority of our time with local companies. We have worked with companies with several hundred employees to entrepreneurial start-ups. Below is a list of our core services for existing Sheboygan County businesses. The SCEDC is also willing to partner with local banks, attorneys, accounting firms, or general contractors to provide these services for their clients.
Non-Traditional Financing: The SCEDC specializes in assembling non-traditional financing. Non-traditional forms of financing involving raising capital using tax-exempt bonds, loans directly from government entities or non-profits, and private investors. The SCEDC will assist you in navigating these choices. Contact the SCEDC if you are seeking capital for:
- New building construction or renovation
- Purchasing of land or building
- Funding for equipment
- Double working capital
- New product development
- Gap financing to supplement a traditional loan
Property Search: The SCEDC has connections with many commercial real-estate brokers as well as several online tools that makes searching for properties easier. The SCEDC will even look for properties anonymously on your behalf or you can search for properties using one of our online property databases.
Workforce Training: The SCEDC works with several local higher-education institutions that offer a variety of training, certificates, and full programs for nearly any occupation. Some training may invoke grants or tax credits.
Workforce Hiring: The SCEDC has an exhaustive list of staffing agencies within Sheboygan County. In addition, there are several hiring incentive programs to offset costs of hiring.
Market Expansion - Supply Chain: The SCEDC knows where to find lists of potential suppliers and distributors at little or no cost. These lists can be used for direct sales calls, finding new suppliers, or to help create a business or marketing plan.
Market Expansion - Trade & Export: Getting your product to foreign markets is less risky than what you might expect. Both the State of Wisconsin and Federal governments offer customized export market research for your product for a low fee, typically around $700. In addition, they can introduce you to foreign suppliers, distributors, and sales agents.
New Product Development: Assessing the market for a new product, applying for a patent, and finding start-up capital can be mindboggling. There are a series of resources available to assist you through this process.
Mentorship: The SCEDC is a good place to turn to find solutions to business issues and concerns. We can connect you with current and former businesses owners that have “been there and done that,” thanks to our partnerships.
Grants: Get the truth about grants. There is no “free money” available to businesses that does not require time and energy to assemble a proper grant application. Familiarize yourself on how to seek grants by contacting the SCEDC.
Tax Credits and Incentives: Most credits and incentives are based on job creation, investment, business type, or physical location. If you are thinking about a relocating or expanding your operations, contact the SCEDC to learn if savings are possible.
Business Plans: Creating a viable business plan is the first step for many entrepreneurs. SCEDC has access to information you can use in your plans as well as knowledge on where to find free one-on-one counseling.
“Know where to find the information and how to use it - That's the secret of success” – Albert Einstein
