Wisconsin operates on the concept of zones. Various zones have been identified and each is eligible for a particular section of credit benefits and incentive schemes.
In the same lines Community Development Zones (CDZ) program was introduced, wherein 22 phones have been demarcated. These zones are focused towards economic development by way of private investment and therefore more inclined towards easy business credit opportunities. The only requirement is to ensure apt economic progress and creation of adequate employment opportunities by the way of business projects applying for credit. The tax benefits in these zones extend top more than $ 38 million and can be a handy tool if allocated appropriately. The tax years are counted from January 1, 2002 and thereafter.
The benefits include a non-refundable job credit for full time jobs created (the credit variances for target and non target groups) and a non-refundable environmental remediation credit of 50% of all remediation costs.
Another such program is Wisconsin's Technology Zone Program, wherein 8 zones focusing on high technology oriented programs have been identified. A maximum of $ 5 million can be allocated to each zone in form of tax credit under this program.
Enterprise Development Zones also follow the line. These offer incentives to businesses affecting distracted areas. The maximum amount of credit under this plan is $ 3 million and the exact amount depends on the expected economic impact on the designated area. About 81 zones can be demarcated and each can exist up to 7 years.
The benefits include a non-refundable jobs credit for new, full-time jobs (approximately one fourth must be form target groups) and a non-refundable jobs credit for new, full-time jobs.
Wisconsin's Industrial Revenue Bond Program: The key terms here are low interest financing especially for small manufacturers. The Department of Commerce manages the bonding authority.
A program to enable support to cities, villages, towns and cities for industrial development through sale of tax-exempt bond is christened as Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) Program. The corresponding proceedings from sale of bond are loaned to businesses. The projects eligible under this category are defined by the federal law and include construction, expansion and / or equipping of manufacturing and other related facilities.
Wisconsin Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) also supports various credit programs of which few key ones are outlined:
o Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-ED) Economic Development Program
o Customized Labor Training (CLT) Fund
o Enterprise Development Zone (EDZ) Program
o Major Economic Development (MED) Program
o Rural Economic Development (RED) Program
o Technology Development Fund (TDF)
o Tax Incremental Financing (TIF)
In addition to the mentioned there are various other programs introduced to assist businesses. Few of which are:
o Agribusiness Guarantee
o Brownfield's Initiative
o Business Employees' Skills Training (BEST) Program
o Wisconsin CAPCO Program
o Community Development Zone Program
o Early Planning Grant (EPG) program
o Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP)
o The Minority Business Development Fund
o US Small Business Administration (SBA)
o Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
There are small business consultants available online to help you finding business credit in Wisconsin.