Login

FAQ

We are available to answer your questions

What is the role of partners and supporters in WiDEN's mission?

Read More
At WiDEN, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment of business growth, retention, expansion and collaboration. Our mission is to create a more connected and collaborative business landscape. We do this by connecting Wisconsin’s small businesses (any business with less than 100 employees) with potential customers and partners with the Business Directory. The Business Hub serves as an invaluable resource for those businesses seeking support for business growth and engage with other Wisconsin’s businesses, specifically procurement opportunities. WiDEN also provides a diverse range of programs and services to help businesses develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed through their Events section. Our partners and supporters are essential to our mission of creating a more accessible and robust business ecosystem in Wisconsin. Through strategic partnerships with organizations of all sizes and industries, we can further our mission of promoting businesses throughout Wisconsin. From local non-profits to Fortune 500 companies, our partners are united by a shared commitment to creating a more robust and collaborative business landscape in Wisconsin.

What is a NAICS Code?

Read More
NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes are used by governments, businesses, researchers, and others. Each code represents a specific type of industry or business, making it easier to classify and sort them based on what they mainly do. NAICS codes are typically assigned or issued when a business registers with a government agency or fills out forms related to licensing, taxation, or business identification. This code helps identify business categories. Here are a few examples of NAICS codes: 722511-Full-Service Restaurants, 812112-Beauty Salons, and 561720-Janitorial Services. You can find more information about the specific details of NAICS codes on the Census Bureau’s website at North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) U.S. Census Bureau.

What do I need to prepare before creating my profile?

Read More

To ensure that you’re prepared to create your WiDEN profile, please gather the following information beforehand: your NAICS code, a list of your current business certifications (if any), your logo, and the number of people employed by your business. Having these details readily available will help simplify the process for when you get started.

Which business certifications are recognized by WiDEN?

Read More
Business certifications offer numerous benefits, such as exclusive contracting opportunities only available to certified businesses. They also improve visibility among government agencies and potential partners, creating a competitive edge and demonstrating dedication to diversity in certain markets. These are the business certifications recognized by WiDEN:

  • Federal – Small Disadvantaged Businesses SDB/8 (a)
  • Federal – Women-Owned Small business (WOSB)
  • Federal – Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
  • Federal – HUBZone
  • Federal – Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Federal – Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) – U.S. Small Business
  • Administration 8(A) •State of Wisconsin – Woman-Owned Small Business Enterprise (WBE)
  • State of Wisconsin – Disabled Veteran Business (DVB)
  • State of Wisconsin – Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)
  • Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
  • North Central Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

Business Intake Form Information

Why is the gender question asked in the business intake questionnaire?

Read More
The gender question is asked in the business intake questionnaire to gather demographic information about the business owner or representative. This information helps in understanding the representation of businesses in the directory.

Why is the race question asked in the business intake questionnaire?

Read More
The race question is asked in the business intake questionnaire to gather demographic information about the business owner or representative. This information helps in understanding the representation of businesses in the directory.

What should I include when describing my business for the directory?

Read More

When describing your business for the directory, you should include relevant details such as the nature of your business, products or services offered, target market, unique selling points, and any other information that can help potential customers understand what your business is about.

What is a SIC Code?

Read More

A SIC code, which stands for Standard Industrial Classification, is a classification system used to categorize and identify various industries and businesses based on their primary economic activity. Like a NACIS code, they may help entities source products and services.

A SIC code is different from a NACIS code. SIC codes consist of a series of four-digit numerical codes that correspond to specific industry sectors. Here is an example of a SIC code: 8742-Management Consulting Services. For specific details about SIC codes, you can visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website at OSHA SIC Manual.

Can I choose multiple options for the NAICS sector question?

The form doesn’t specify whether multiple options can be selected for the NAICS sector question. You should choose the one option that best represents the primary sector of your business. For more information visit the NAICS codes on the Census Bureau’s website at North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

Please gather your NAICS code as many entities that are looking to source a particular product or service may search for a business using this code. Please note that a NAICS code is different from a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code.

Read More

The form doesn’t specify whether multiple options can be selected for the NAICS sector
question. You should choose the one option that best represents the primary sector of your
business. For more information visit the NAICS codes on the Census Bureau’s website at North
American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Please gather your NAICS code as many
entities that are looking to source a particular product or service may search for a business
using this code. Please note that a NAICS code is different from a Standard Industrial
Classification (SIC) code.

•Federal – Small Disadvantaged Businesses SDB/8 (a)

•Federal – Women-Owned Small business (WOSB)

•Federal – Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)

•Federal – HUBZone

•Federal – Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

•Federal – Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) – U.S. Small Business Administration 8(A) •State of Wisconsin – Woman-Owned Small Business Enterprise (WBE) •State of Wisconsin – Disabled Veteran Business (DVB)

•State of Wisconsin – Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)

•Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

•Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)

•Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

•North Central Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

What should I do if my business doesn't have a website?

Read More
If your business does not have a website, provide alternative online presence information such as social media profiles or other relevant online platforms where potential customers can access information about your business. If this does not apply to your business, enter N/A.

What if I don't know the exact year my business was established?

You can find the exact year your business was established in your Articles of Organization. In Wisconsin, you can visit https://www.wdfi.org/apps/corpsearch/search.aspx to find this information. If you do not have articles of organization, visit www.wdfi.org to learn more.

Can I select multiple options for the region question?

Yes, you can select multiple options for the region question if your business is located in a region that overlaps.

Can I submit the form without uploading a logo for my business?

Yes, you can submit the form without a logo. Uploading a logo for your business is a recommended step to enhance your brand’s visibility and recognition in the directory. If you don’t have a logo readily available, consider creating one to establish a strong visual brand for your business.

How should I determine the number of employees for my business?

When determining the number of employees for your business, count all individuals who are currently employed by your business, including full-time, part-time, and contract employees. Exclude the business owner if they are not considered an employee.

How can I edit my submission after submitting the form?

We advise reviewing your responses carefully before submission to ensure accuracy. If you need to make any changes or corrections, create a member profile to log into the business hub. If you choose not to create a profile, please reach out to our support team for further assistance by email: Info@widen.biz.

What dimensions should the logo be when uploading it for the business intake form?

The logo should have a ratio of 1:1, meaning the width and height should be equal. For example, a logo with dimensions of 500 pixels by 500 pixels would meet the 1:1 ratio requirement.

Can I upload a logo with different dimensions or aspect ratios?

To maintain consistency and visual appeal, we require logos to have a 1:1 aspect ratio. If your logo doesn’t meet this requirement, you may need to resize or crop it to achieve the desired dimensions before uploading it to the form.
Return To Business Intake Questionnaire