Additional Resources for Preventing Layoffs

The links from this page go to external websites. These links should be viewed as informational resources and not as recommendations

Economic Development

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is the state's lead economic development organization which provides a range of services and programs to help elevate Wisconsin's economy. Assistance may include state tax incentives, financing, and guidance on a wide variety of business activities. WEDC Regional Account Managers will help connect you with resources, including your local economic development and partner organizations.

County and Local Economic Development Organizations are committed to working with businesses within their city or county. One way you may locate the local economic development organization(s) in your area is by contacting the appropriate WEDC Regional Account Managers.

For more information, visit the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's website or call (608) 210-6700.

Wisconsin Department of Revenue offers a range of tax incentives for businesses.

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and the job center network offer a wide range of services, including assistance with connecting your company to skilled workers. To learn more visit Job Center of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's Work Share was signed by Former Governor Scott Walker in May 2013 and is designed to assist employers in retaining their trained workforce during an economic slowdown. Instead of laying off valuable employees, employers can reduce the work hours for employees in a work unit and have a portion of their lost wages replaced by the Unemployment Insurance program calculated under the Work Share formula.

For more information, please visit the Unemployment Insurance Work-Share Fact Sheet.

Wisconsin's WisConomy is the state's workforce and labor market information system. It is the place for employers to access economic data needed for day-to-day operations and planning. From wage comparisons to identifying business opportunities and concerns, labor market information is foundational. To learn more visit WisConomy.

The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) is part of a network of more than 400 not-for-profit centers nationwide, affiliated with the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). According to its website, the WMEP works with small to mid-sized Wisconsin manufacturers "by providing expert assistance in the areas of growth and innovation, continuous improvement, training, export assistance, supply chain management and profitable sustainability."

For more information, visit the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership's website or call (877) 856-8588.

The Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Program is a federal program that provides financial assistance to employers affected by import competition. This program helps businesses by contributing towards the costs of consultants or industry-specific experts for projects that improve an employer's competitiveness. Project areas include:

For more information, visit the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms Program's website, or call (800) 333-2148 (Regional office).

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a type of employee benefit plan that buys and holds company stock for the benefit of a broad group of employees. ESOPs are an attractive form of capital financing for multiple reasons, including tax advantages and employees' increased commitment to the long-term success of their companies. The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) is a private nonprofit membership and research organization that, according to its website, "serves as the leading source of accurate, unbiased information on employee stock ownership plans." Learn more about the Wisconsin Chapter of the ESPO.

Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a network of twelve service centers and three specialty centers located at four-year University of Wisconsin campuses. According to its website, the centers annually serve over 1,800 counseling clients and train more than 9,000 existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in order to support the creation and growth of Wisconsin small businesses. For more information, visit the Wisconsin Small Busineess Development Center or call (608) 263-0398.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides access to business financing, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, and advocacy. For more information, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration or call (800) 827-5722 (National Office) / (608) 441-5263 (District Office).

SCORE Association, a partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed. SCORE provides confidential business counseling at no charge, local and online workshops and events, and tools to assist entrepreneurs. To learn more and to connect to a SCORE Chapter near you visit, SCORE.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development provides support to rural communities and enhances quality of life for rural residents in part by providing job training and business development opportunities as well as technical support and tools. To learn more visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.