The Development Association, Inc.,
Michelle Hostetler
715-392-4749 1401
Tower Avenue, Suite302, Superior, WI 54880
The Development Associations mission is to retain, expand and create new business and industry in Douglas County. The organization administers the Douglas County Revolving Loan Fund on behalf of Douglas County. General information about other financing through the Department of Commerce can also be obtained from The Development Association.
Superior Business Center, Inc.,
Michelle McKercher
715-392-4749
1423 North 8th Street, Superior, WI 54880
The Superior Business Centers mission is to “foster economic development in Superior/Douglas County through the provision of leased space and/or other resources to both existing and start-up businesses”. In addition, the Center encourages the creation of new, viable business enterprises; the generation and retention of long-term, self-sustaining job opportunities; and the diversification of our economic base.
The SBC is a multi-tenant facility for small businesses. Target markets include, but is not limited to, start-up businesses and expansion/relocation of local businesses that could not otherwise survive in the area. They also act as temporary housing of businesses in transition.
The SBC has developed a working relationship with a number of organizations throughout the Twin Ports who are willing to work more closely with the “incubator” tenants.
The SBC also has a 2,600 sq. ft. USDA certified commercial kitchen.
Superior Business Improvement District
Kaye Tenerelli
715-394-3557
1401 Tower Avenue, Suite 302
Superior, WI 54880 (restricted to boundaries within the downtown)
The Superior Business Improvement District can assist an entrepreneur in locating business sites and/or connect them with property owners within the BID. Through the property owners, there are grants available for signs, awnings and façade renovation. While we do not provide one-on-one counseling, we welcome the opportunity to discuss the entrepreneurs’ project and can act as a referral source.
Northeast Entrepreneur Fund,
1-218-726-4791 or 1-800-422-0374, Ext. 402
1401 Tower Avenue, Suite 302
Superior, WI 54880
The mission of the Entrepreneur Fund, is to create economic opportunity through entrepreneurship. They help men and women start and grow small businesses in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. They provide training, technical assistance and financing, with a special focus on low-income, unemployed, and underemployed individuals.
The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund offers one-on-one counseling, education and have a loan fund which can loan up to $100,000 to existing businesses that wish to stabilize or expand. They offer a free Introduction Workshop twice a month in the Superior/Duluth area, and Core Four classes are offered 8 times a year in the Superior/Duluth area.
The Core Four class is $244 per person, and $100 if the spouse of someone enrolled wishes to attend also. No one will be turned away because they cannot afford to pay; they use a sliding fee scale to determine what they can afford and they also have other options as far as scholarships for the Core Four class.
After a person receives a loan through NEEF, for $100 (which is added to their loan amount), they provide a consultant for one year to help the customer with financial reports, questions, etc.
Entrepreneur Fund assisted businesses, mostly start-ups, have a high survival rate; 85% are still operating 2 years after receiving assistance.
UW-Superior Small Business Development Center
Julianne Raymond
P.O. Box 2000
Superior, WI 54880
715-394-8325
Small Business Development Center serves 8 counties in Northwestern Wisconsin: Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Price, Sawyer and Washburn.
Primary services include one-on-one, confidential business management counseling for existing and new businesses, and those interested in starting a business. Counseling is free of charge and funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Topics can include business planning, account and cash flow, financing and loan requests, inventory, human resources, marketing and advertising, and e-commerce.
In cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, the SBDC offers an 8-session Entrepreneurial Training Certificate program which includes lectures, materials, individual counseling and a 75% tuition grant program for eligible participants who complete a written business plan.
Additional services include free group classes on First Steps to Owning a Business, usually as arranged and scheduled in advance in specific communities.
Lake Superior Region SCORE
(various representatives depending on the particular need of the entrepreneur)
11 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN
(218) 726-7857
SCORE is a nonprofit corporation organized for charitable and educational purposes. SCORE also is a business development resource of the Small Business Administration, which sponsors and financially supports SCORE operations.
The purpose of SCORE is to strengthen the U.S. small business community through its experienced volunteer SCORE members, who provide high quality technical and managerial counseling and guidance to prospective and existing small business owners and nonprofit organizations on the handling of business
Personnel Solutions (CEP)
Dan Reinerio
715-392-6033
1805 North 14th Street, Ste. 1
Superior, WI 54880
Provides employment and training services to businesses and citizens.
Northwest CEP is a private, non-profit agency that has spent more than 30 years providing employment and training services to the businesses and citizens of the ten counties of Northwest Wisconsin. CEP is constantly evolving to maintain its leadership role in employment and training by offering timely services that improve local economies, through the guidance of employer-led boards.
Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency
Millie Rounsville
715-392-5127 1106
Tower Avenue
Superior, WI 54880
Their Business Development Program provides the technical assistance, business planning guidance and management skills training necessary for success. Its services are provided at no cost to individuals who are income eligible. The program operates within the agency’s entire service area, which includes Douglas, Ashland, Bayfield, Iron and Price Counties.
Services Offered: Business Plan Development; Marketing; Profit/Loss Analysis; Cash Flow Analysis; Bookkeeping; Credit/Collections; Employee Skills; Inventory Control; Business Mentors; Ongoing Business Support.