Entrepreneurs come from all ages, backgrounds, and stages in the idea development process. Every entrepreneur starts with an idea; an idea that can be developed into a lucrative business with patience and perseverance. It's important to recognize the invaluable resources right here in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties to facilitate your idea. Whether you are at the discovery level of becoming an entrepreneur to someone researching ideas to develop, the resources are available to you. Some examples of the idea resources available include: Nine Sigma RFPs

• CATI Technologies
• Inventor Connect
• Businesses for Sale
• First Step Class
• Are You an Entrepreneur
• Get Ready - from the Small Business Administration

Whether you plan to expand an existing business, acquire an existing business, or start your own business, it is important to perform a preliminary evaluation to determine the worth of your idea. Local resources are available to help you determine the feasibility of your idea.

• Small Biz Class
• FastTrac Tech
• SBA Video Clips
• First Step Class
• SBDC One-on-One Counseling

Are you looking for a product to develop? CATI, located right in Sturtevant, WI, manages/owns nearly 300 patented technologies from global corporations such as Kraft, Boeing, DuPont, Hercules, S.C. Johnson, and International Specialty Products. We match businesses with unused technology. We can also link you to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) to provide you with information on government events, federal agency opportunities, or resources available in Wisconsin and Illinois.

• InovaED
• SBIR

Entrepreneurs need to evaluate and define how they can obtain capital resources to launch and sustain their business. Opportunities exist at many local agencies to help finance local entrepreneurs.

• BizStarts Milwaukee
• Wisconsin Angel Network (WAN)
• KIVA (kiva.org)
• Business Lending Partners (SBA 504, etc.)
• SBA
• CEDCO
• WWBIC
• KABA

Having a launch plan is critical to making your idea into a reality. Entrepreneurs should Utilize local mentoring and partake in networking opportunities to enable your business to achieve a successful startup.

• Mentors - BizStarts Milwaukee
• Networking - I&E Club
• SBDC One-on-One Counseling

Entrepreneurs at any level of their business may need growth assistance. From new business to existing business there are local resources to grow your business.

• FastTrac Growth Venture
• SBDC One-on-One Counseling
• Exporting Tools for Small Businesses