Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Start-up and early-stage firms in Wisconsin searching forventure financing now have access to an additional $50 million infinancing capital through three new participants in the CertifiedCapital Company Program (CCCP).
There are general CCCP requirements that businesses must meet tobe eligible for the financing, as well as individual requirementsfor each venture fund. Specifically, business owners must be unableto obtain conventional financing, and the businesses'headquarters must be located in Wisconsin with principal businessoperations in the state. Companies must have no more than 100employees, 75 percent of whom must be employed in Wisconsin. Duringthe two most recent fiscal years, average annual net incomescan't have exceeded $2 million, and there are limitations onthe industries considered by investors.
Here's how to submit a financial proposal to the three newparticipants:
Wisconsin Growth Fund: Call Kent Velde or Ed Pope at(414) 258-6700 and leave a very brief synopsis of youridea.
Capital Advantage Wisconsin Partners: Send a detailedcover letter or executive summary and a concise business plan withyour company's history, management, ownership and financialdetails, information on your products or services, and your plansfor using the capital. Send it to Maurice Doyle, 250 E. WisconsinAve. 18th Fl., Milwaukee, WI 53202, or call (414) 347-7834 formore information.
Wilshire Investors: Submit a business plan by mail to1330 W. Towne Square Rd., Mequon, WI 53092 or call(262) 240-2954 for details.
Contact Sources
Wisconsin Certified Capital Company Program, (608)267-0345, choltan@commerce.state.wi.us
