For Businesses and Entrepreneurs

For Entrepreneurs

A number of University "outreach" centers provide valuable services to business and entrepreneurs. Contact each Center to learn more about services and fees (many services provided at reduced or no cost).

Fiscal and Economic Research Center (FERC)

The mission of the FERC is to tap into faculty/staff expertise to provide outreach services. FERC provides research services for area businesses, not-for-profits organizations, and government entities including, but not limited to, the following areas: economic analysis, land-use planning, market research, marketing strategy and planning, statistical analysis, simulation analysis, and business development.

The GIS Center provides web-based mapping and spatial analysis services for businesses and other clients. Currently, the Center's work is focused on providing these tools as part of a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency to the University (the State of Ingenuity initiative. The Center is developing a suite of business-support tools for Rock, Walworth, Kenosha, Racine, Boone, and Winnebago counties.

Global Business Resource Center (GBRC)

The GBRC specializes in providing international market entry strategies for businesses. Services include data gathering, business analysis, market identification, feasibility studies, and market intelligence. Several combinations of methodologies including primary data collection, interviews, vendor and partner search, focus groups are employed to provide a comprehensive report for decision-makers.

The SBDC, as part of a nationwide network, provides high-impact, results-based consulting and training services to business owners and entrepreneurs with up to 500 employees. In today's economic environment, the SBDC is forging ahead to partner with new, established, growing, and forward-thinking businesses as they navigate the waters of change. Through targeted training, clients learn how to launch businesses, stabilize established ventures and take their companies to the next level.

Wi-CITS focuses on providing IT services to regional non-profits and small businesses, while giving students real-world experience. Targeted work includes website design and development, software design and development and IT consulting (e.g. gaining value from your web presence, search engine optimization, security, and database).

The Wisconsin Innovation Service Center (WISC) specializes in new product and invention assessments and market expansion opportunities for innovative manufacturers, technology businesses, and independent inventors. Since 1980, WISC has researched the viability of more than 8,000 projects. Technical experts and researchers use an extensive array of resources to analyze information on technical feasibility, existing patents, market size, competitive intensity, demand trends, and other areas.

Business Incubation Program

Developed to foster the growth of ideas from researchers into business, the Whitewater University Technology Park's Innovation Center is a nurturing place for start-up companies and entrepreneurs. The Whitewater Incubation Program (WhIP) is managed by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Small Business Development Center. Incubation services are provided by University Centers and the Innovation Hub. A complete inventory of business incubation services can be accessed from Technology Park's web. Services are provided at no charge to tenants of the facility.

Partnerships with Industry

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs supports businesses through the development of University-Industry Partnerships. New knowledge derived from these collaborations should impact a company's performance. To learn more:

Submit an inquiry

Contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
262.472.5212
research@uww.edu

Contacts

RESEARCH AND SPONSORED PROGRAMS
Denise Ehlen, Director
262.472.5212
ehlend@uww.edu

Derek Erltiz, Business Incubation Services Manager
262.472.5212
erlitzdp17@uww.edu

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Ronald "Bud" Gayhart, Director
262.472.1689
gayhartr@uww.edu

WHITEWATER UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGY PARK BOARD
Robert Young, Executive Director
youngro@uww.edu