Consultants

Various business advisors make their services available through our office, at no, or low costs to reveal resources, and identify important questions. Counselors offer assistance with initial activities in the start-up process, legal structures, business plan development, financing, marketing, operations, e-commerce and inventory management, computer hardware and software purchase decisions, domain name registration and web development. All coaching is confidential and tailored to meet your specific needs.

SWSBDC

Southwest Small Business Development Center
Gary Smith
(608) 342-1038
swsbdc@uwplatt.edu

The Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center is based in the Pioneer Tower at the University of Platteville and services the residents and businesses of Richland, Crawford, Iowa, Grant, Lafayette and Green. Office hours are held in Richland Center every month on the third Wednesday.

The Small Business Development Center provides unlimited, free counseling to existing business owners and entrepreneurs as well as individuals interested in starting a small business. Counselors are able to answer questions related to initial activities in the start-up process, legal structures, business plan development, financing a venture, marketing, operations, e-commerce and inventory management, to name a few.

The SWSBDC also provides regular free workshops. These workshops discuss the basics of starting a business and outline many of the resources available to entrepreneurs.

Finally, the SWSBDC is an advocate for youth entrepreneurship. In a partnership with CESA #3, the SWSBDC provides curricula to K-12 teachers promoting entrepreneurism and sponsors a student recognition day for all schools to attend.

Individuals (entrepreneurs or existing business owners) wanting to meet with a business counselor during the scheduled Richland period (or any other of the six county locations) should contact the SWSBDC office at UW-Platteville.

SWCAP

Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program
Dale Holthusen
(608) 341-6278

The Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program (SWCAP) offers a Business Development program for Richland County residents. SWCAP Business Development is available at the Richland County Economic Development Corporation Business Center on Thursdays, or other weekdays by appointment.

  • Business Plan Coaching
    • Confidential, tailored coaching
    • Feasability analysis
    • Assistance in finding funding
    • Support during, and after business plan implementation
  • Contract Consulting (Fee based)
    • Additional experts
    • Access to programs via SWCAP's non-profit status
    • Flexible pricing
    • Business Loans
    • Up to $5000 to any one borrower
    • Simple application process
    • No application fees. Fees apply only when loan is approved.
    • No credit card approach
    • Automatic enrollment in Business Plan Coaching service.