Develop a Business

Who can help me make a difference in the region's economy by developing a small business or by impacting the community at a broader level?

Glad you asked. Our Small Business Development Center offers owners and managers of small businesses and entrepreneurs considering going into business confidential, individual counseling services at no charge and low-cost training programs in a variety of business related areas. It is affiliated with the US Small Business Administration. Our Human Resource Generalist Series helps individuals gain a general overview of the basic aspects of human resource management for their businesses and organizations. Our Northern Center for Community and Economic Development is a regional center and works directly with multi-county and stadewide organizations and agencies on issue of specific importance to Northern Wisconsin. We foster partnerships and collaborative relationships in order to leverage limited regional resources. Each year our Leadership Program Superior/Douglas County selects 25 individuals to participate in a year long community leadership program to help make a difference in the community.

We want to help you make a difference in our region's economy. All you have to do is ask.

Here are the options from which you may choose to help make a difference:

• Small Business Development Center
  

  How do I start my own business? Sometimes it's easier said than done. But once you ask questions and get some answers, the wheels start moving and you find out you can control your cash flow, handle inventory efficiently, and learn the knack of marketing and advertising. We work side-by-side with hundreds of growing entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals, whose need to know how to "Get Moving" in their own businesses has led them to call the Small Business Development Center for individual help or to attend a class.

• Northern Center For Community and Economic Development
  
  
• What can I do to keep up with all the changing laws and human resource standards in the workplace?
  

  You are not alone with this concern. Many employers except managers to have basic knowledge and understanding of various aspects of human resources even if they have had no formal training in the field. Our Human Resource Generalist Certificate program provides a solid foundation of knowledge about current laws and practices. This knowledge base can often help you and your agency successfully recruit and retain good employees. We can teach you how to avoid costly and often needless problems that can occur if you do not have proper training. We can make sure you are up to date with the current laws and practices in the human resources field. All you have to do is ask.

• How can I make difference and make important improvements in my community?
  

  We know how frustrating it can be when you want to make changes in your community. Making changes and improvements in the community can be very frustrating and difficult. We can help you develop the knowledge base, communication and network that can help you with your goals. Each year the Douglas County Leaderships program selects 30 participants to participate in a year long training program with a wide cross and divers group of community members who want to emerge as community leaders.

• Northwoods Nonprofit
  
  
• How can I manage my nonprofit business more effectively and efficiently?
  

  These are challenges we now well. With funding cuts, increased competition for funds that still exist, increased costs of employee pay and benefits and the need to often cut budgets rather than increase them, we know how challenging it is to manage non-profit organizations. We can help you learn new set of skills in your non-profit area, network with others, learn from experts in the field and learn about new programmatic and funding strategies.

• How can I ensure that my nonprofit is as efficient and effective as possible?
  

  You are not alone with this concern. We know that many managers, staff members, board members and volunteers of nonprofit agencies are facing declining revenues and increased demand for services. We provide a well-rounded foundation in administration that helps you develop skills in working with trustees, human resources, evaluation, funding and marketing. You will be able to apply your knowledge and skills immediately to the changing nonprofit workplace.