State seeks proposals to create entrepreneurial and technology transfer center

"Gov. Jim Doyle is committed to creating a strong and vibrant entrepreneurial climate in Wisconsin," said Commerce Secretary Cory L. Nettles. "The new entrepreneurial and technology transfer center will help us nurture the promising new businesses that will create good jobs and investment in communities all across Wisconsin."
Act 255, signed by Doyle in April, authorized the creation of an entrepreneurial and technology transfer center to provide a system of support to entrepreneurs.
The Department of Commerce will provide up to $1 million annually to the center. Working closely with the Bureau of Entrepreneurship within Commerce, the center will create an entrepreneurial support system to nurture companies with high growth potential.
Successful applicants will demonstrate how their resources will be prioritized and directed to those businesses demonstrating the greatest potential economic impact for Wisconsin.
The center will provide business planning, counseling, education and technical assistance for new and expanding companies. The center must serve all areas of the state through a minimum of four physical locations strategically located around Wisconsin. Center services must address the needs of a diverse clientele base in both the urban and rural areas.
Strong emphasis will be placed on collaborations and partnerships.
The request for proposals and application manual are available at www.commerce.state.wi.us/act255. Proposals are due by the close of business Oct. 15 and should be submitted to Department of Commerce, ATTN: Entrepreneurial Center RFP, Division of Business Development, 201 W. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 7970, Madison, WI 53703.
For further information about the request for proposals, contact Pam Christenson at the department at pchristenson@commerce.state.wi.us or (608) 267-9384.
September 17, 2004, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI