The Fitchburg Chamber features a diverse range of members, many of whom are invaluable to start-up businesses. These members can assist in launching your new venture or help your business expand into a more efficient and successful operation. Here are a few organizations that can support your business growth:
Zen Business
Start and expand your side hustle or dream business with ZenBusiness, a top formations company that helps clients protect their liability, manage finances, and build an online presence—all through a user-friendly dashboard. ZenBusiness has integrated the tools, services, and expert guidance necessary to launch, operate, and grow a thriving business.
Founded in 2017 by Ross Buhrdorf and Shanaz Hemmati, ZenBusiness was built on the belief that people are happier and more successful when they work for themselves. They assembled a diverse team of entrepreneurs to bring this vision to life, making ZenBusiness uniquely qualified to help customers turn their dreams into reality.
WBD
WBD is a business finance resource offering the expertise, services, and access to capital needed to create jobs, grow businesses, and strengthen communities. At the heart of WBD's success is the SBA 504 loan program. Offered nationwide exclusively by not-for-profit Certified Development Companies (CDCs), the SBA 504 loan helps small businesses expand and create jobs by providing financing with lower down payments and long-term fixed rates for owner-occupied commercial real estate and business equipment.
Since 1981, WBD has helped fund thousands of businesses and facilitated the creation of over 65,000 jobs in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Consistently ranked among the top ten of nearly 250 CDCs nationwide, WBD can partner with any bank or credit union and has extensive experience working with hundreds of lenders across Wisconsin, the Twin Cities, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
UW SBDC
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is part of a statewide network dedicated to fostering business growth, improvement, and the successful launch of new businesses. Whether you're looking for guidance on starting, managing, or expanding a business, the UW-Madison SBDC is your go-to resource for business education. Through free consulting and affordable entrepreneurial training, SBDC experts provide valuable support to small and emerging mid-sized businesses.
The Wisconsin SBDC Network is proud to be part of the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship within the Universities of Wisconsin and receives partial funding through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Entrepreneur's Organization
Entrepreneur's Organization(EO) brings entrepreneurs together to support personal and professional success. This global network of more than 15,000 influential business owners, with 172 chapters in 60 countries, is the world’s only peer-to-peer network exclusively for entrepreneurs.
Members of EO Wisconsin have the opportunity to build upon a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, learn how to overcome the day-to-day challenges of running a business, and evolve to the next level of entrepreneurship through executive education and events. Their support system of entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, helps you gather new ideas, explore uncharted territory, reinvest time in others and elevate your mindset.
Benefits of Being a Chamber Member
With advice and experiences specific to the Fitchburg and Madison area, your fellow chamber members are a great resource for business start-ups and entrepreneurs. Grow your network of local business leaders by attending one of our upcoming networking events:
On Tuesday, November 12th, we will welcome MadREP's President & CEO, Jason Fields to our Fitchburg Focus. Jason will speak about the economic development strategy for the region that takes us into 2028, opportunities for growth, talent attraction and housing, plus opportunities for small businesses. He is thrilled to discuss the vision, goals, victories, and partnerships MadREP has for our region. Question & Answer to follow. Time for networking will be included and Light breakfast items and coffee will be provided.
Following the November Fitchburg Focus, join us for our annual highly anticipated "We're Better Together" Joint Networking event on Wednesday, November 13th. This year we will be welcoming Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce, Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Out Professional Engagement Network(OPEN) and Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau. Bring your business cards, enjoy casino games, great appetizers, fabulous cocktails and make some new connections!