Business Tools
Business Capitalization
One of the greatest challenges to lasting business success is to find the right capital structure for the venture. Navigating the alphabet soup of private and public sector programs can be daunting, even to those with extensive finance expertise. Let us help you in this challenge. Call us for a free, confidential discussion of your financing needs. We will connect you to the resources you need, (715) 307-9674.
We have categorized a number of the business capitalization tools. Here is a brief explanation of each tool/resource.
Business Capitalization
Local lenders that provide business and commercial lending to businesses and entrepreneurs under conventional rates and terms. This includes commercial banks and credit unions
Resources (Lenders that Provide Conventional Business Financing):
Hiawatha National Bank
BMO Harris
Westconsin Credit Union
Royal Credit Union
CCF Bank
First National Bank of River Falls
Pillar Bank, Baldwin
River Falls State Bank
Compeer Financial
Citizens State Bank
Midweston Bank
First American Bank
First State Bank and Trust
Associated Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
First National Community Bank
US Bank
Security Financial Bank
One of the many financial tools SBA offers is its 7(a) loan guarantee program. The program in partnership with your local lender through the use of a loan guarantee provides you access to capital when you may not otherwise qualify for conventional financing. Lenders and loan programs have unique eligibility requirements. In general, eligibility is based on what a business does to receive its income, the character of its ownership, and where the business operates. Normally, businesses must meet size standards, be able to repay, and have a sound business purpose. Even those with bad credit may qualify for startup funding. The lender will provide you with a full list of eligibility requirements for your loan.
Resources:
- Lender Match is a free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating SBA-approved lenders. Click here to connect to local lenders participating in SBA’s 7(a) loan guarantee and 504 fixed asset lending program: www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/lender-match
An SBA funded program that provide financing for fixed assets such as land building and equipment in partnership with a local lender such as bank or credit union through a licensed certified development company. Fixed rates for 30-40% of the project cost for terms of 10-25 years. 10-20% equity injection required and a 1s mortgage lender willing to make a loan for 50% of the project cost.
Resources:
Eligible businesses can startup and grow with working capital or funds for supplies, equipment, furniture and fixtures. Borrow from $500 to $50,000 and access free business counseling from microlenders.
Resources:
Women Venture
www.womenventure.org
(612) 224-9540
WWBIC
www.wwbic.com
414 263 -5450
Impact Seven
www.impactseven.org
714 434-1717
Regional Business Fund (River Falls and Spring Valley – Only)
www.rbfinc.org
715-836-2918
Financing intended to cover the gap between what a conventional lender is willing and able to lend and the remaining debt capital needs of the business. Requirements are specific to each program.
Resources:
Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC) Business Capital Fund (BCF)
https://mrrpc.com/loans-grants/
608 785-9396
Regional Business Fund (RBF)
www.rbfinc.org
715-836-2918
St. Croix Electric Cooperative
https://scecnet.net/
715-796-7000
WEDC provides funding, resources and training help companies that do business in Wisconsin maximize their potential. Obtain details from Heather Smith, Regional Economic Development Director at 608.210.6758 or heather.smith@wedc.org.
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a financing program for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water efficiency improvements and equipment. A PACE approved lender provides low cost long term financing. Visit www.pacewi.org or call 800.522.3014 to learn more.
There are four types of crowd funding: Micro finance, Credit based, Rewards based crowdfunding and Equity Crowd funding.
Resources:
Micro-Finance
Credit-Based
Rewards-Based Crowdfunding
Equity Crowdfunding
Venture Capital – is a type of private equity a form of financing that is provided by firms or funds to small, early-stage, emerging firms that are deemed to have high growth potential, or which have demonstrated high growth
Resources:
Growth capital firms provide funding to established, revenue-generating companies with a proven business model, helping them expand operations, enter new markets, develop new products, or finance acquisitions without incurring excessive debt.
Resources:
An Angel Investor is an affluent individual who provides capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity. A small but increasing number of angel investors invest online through equity crowdfunding or organize themselves into angel groups or angel networks to share investment capital, as well as to provide advice to their portfolio companies Visit the Wiscosnin Angel netork for more information: https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/wisconsin-angel-network/.
Here is a more comprehensive list of capital resources in our region, “Where’s The Money.”