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SBDC adds “powerful” planning, benchmarking tool

University of Wisconsin-Parkside Small Business Development Center (SBDC) director Jim McPhaul reports the Wisconsin SBDC is partnering with Comparison International to bring Wisconsin companies a new benchmarking and process-improvement tool at no cost to clients. The Promoting Business Excellence (PROBE) business consulting network employs exclusive software using global business data that grows more robust with each new client. McPhaul is one of 12 certified PROBE facilitators in the Wisconsin SBDC network. 

PROBE facilitators guide clients through a performance analysis comparing their company to industry peers. Armed with that knowledge, the facilitator and client work together to identify and prioritize areas for business development and process improvements.

McPhaul said, "We are pleased to bring this powerful tool to small businesses and manufacturers in the Kenosha/Racine area. With PROBE, we are providing companies with a no-cost, diagnostic analysis they can't easily access any other way."

The PROBE network's benchmarking software and assessment tools enable SBDC consultants to more efficiently help clients who want to:

• Examine their performance compared to highly successful companies
• Identify strengths and target areas for improvement
• Generate action plans for greater competitiveness, and
• Implement strategies for better business practices and enhanced performance

The Wisconsin SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Through no-cost consulting, educational resources, and specialty services, the SBDC guides entrepreneurs through the process of business creation and helps established businesses grow. For more information on PROBE and the UW-Parkside SBDC, visit www.parksidesbdc.com or call McPhaul at 262-595-3362.