Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661 MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that nine Wisconsin businesses will share $23,797 in funding from the Department of Commerce (Commerce) Early Planning Grant (EPG) program and the Commerce Business Employees Skills Training (BEST) program. “Through my Grow Wisconsin plan, we are working to foster entrepreneurial growth – helping to turn great ideas into job-creating businesses,” Governor Doyle said. “These grants will help entrepreneurs and small businesses obtain professional business plans that will help get their ideas to market.” The projects are as follows: · Daycare for the Growing, Inc., Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, $3,000 EPG grant · Hagen Information Technologies, Inc., Watertown, Jefferson County, $2,250 BEST grant · Hilmot Corp., Waukesha, Waukesha County, $547 BEST grant · Horizon Systems & Services, Inc., Sheboygan, Sheboygan County, $3,000 EPG grant · MRI Technologies, LLC, Pewaukee, Waukesha County, $3,000 EPG grant · Charlotte R. Randolph, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, $3,000 EPG grant · Richard H. Sawall, Menomonee Falls, Waukesha County, $3,000 EPG grant · Daniel F. Weis, Union Grove, Kenosha County, $3,000 EPG grant · Wood Graphixs, Corporation, Pewaukee, Waukesha County, $3,000 EPG grant Entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Wisconsin can access early planning grants to assist them in obtaining the professional services necessary to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed start-up or expansion project. Specific allocations have been set aside for dairy farmers, rural businesses or members of minority groups. Businesses throughout Wisconsin can apply for funds through the BEST program for assistance in training employees. For further information about these programs, contact the Commerce area development manager in your region at http://commerce.wi.gov/BD/MT-FAX-0901.html
