Building a contracting business can be a daunting task for a small contractor. There is a web of licenses and permits, developing an effective cost accounting system, scheduling, certifications, hiring, and training procedures and more. For assistance navigating this process, call us at (414) 383-4633!
MEI Contractors Empowerment Initiative Program provides managerial and strategic planning services for a contractor to develop the capacity to perform lead abatement work in the City of Milwaukee. The program is limited to Milwaukee County contractors at this time.
The Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute assists and provides you with technical assistance with the process of becoming a Lead Certified Company. It does not matter at which stage of the process you are. We will meet you there and guide you this technical assistance and support is at no cost to you thanks to Employe Milwaukee. This program ends on 12/31/2023.
Services at no cost to you – También disponibles en español.
• Technical assistance with formalizing your business, securing licenses or SBE/DBE/MBE Certifications. State formation costs are not included.
• Technical assistance with setting up the cost accounting system and business tax planning strategies.
• Business planning
• Orientation on how to do business with existing lead abatement work agencies
• Connecting with labor and hiring opportunities
• Connecting with training programs for your employees
• Training in basic estimating and bidding, accounting and taxation, and management.
• Assistance with the identification of the equipment financing programs and operating capital and loan packaging
• Coordinate networking activities for business opportunities
THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT
• Pay for the actual cost of your licenses, certifications, or business formation. (Review each link to learn more about the costs.)
• Pay for the lead abatement classes. PLEASE NOTE that agencies that offer the work will reimburse the company for the cost of the lead abatement training should you bid for their lead abatement work.
• Provide legal advice on contracts.
Formalizing your Business
Forming an LLC or Corporation in Wisconsin
Obtaining your Federal Identification Number
Obtaining Liability Insurance – Liability Insurance must be secured by an Insurance Agent.
Obtaining Workers Compensation – Workers Compensation must be secured through an Insurance Agent.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Contractor Licenses – Required
Per Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 305.31, no person may obtain a building permit for a one- and two-family dwelling unless the person complies with all the following, except as provided under Wis. Stats. § 101.654(1)(b) and (1)(c)(2):
• Holds a Dwelling Contractor Certification or a Dwelling Contractor Restricted Certification issued by the Department.
• Holds or engages, as an employee, a person who hold a certification issued by the Department as a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.
Dwelling Contractor – https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/DwellingContractor/Default.aspx
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier – https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/DwellingContractorQualifier/Default.aspx
Initial Training Providers – Always refer to the links above for the most recent information.
Milwaukee Home Improvement License – License required for those engaged in installing, repairing, servicing, improving, or remodeling any permanent installation or improvement attached to an existing home or building used for residence purposes but not exceeding six living units.
Applications to fill out,
Wisconsin Lead Abatement
Both individual certification and company certification are required. – https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead/training-certification.htm
Training – https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead/training.htm
Certifications – https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/waldo/index.htm
Agencies Offering Work:
Social Development Commission (SDC)
Lead Safe Program – https://www.cr-sdc.org/services/lead-safe-homes
Contact: Monica Mercado (414) 285- 3918
Revitalize Milwaukee – Program starts on January 2023 – https://www.freehomerepairs.org/programsNeighborhood%20Improvement%20Program
Neighborhood Improvement Program – https://city.milwaukee.gov/DNSPrograms/NIP
Seeking Employment Support Programs
You can find employees through Healthy Homes or you can have your employees sign up for the Absolute Advantage program which includes training in:
- OSHA 30
- Asbestos Abatement Worker
- Lead Abatement Worker
- Construction Safety
- Pre-apprenticeship Certificate from Wisconsin Apprenticeship Systems
Learn more here.
Minority and Disadvantage Certifications
Call us at (414) 383-4633 for assistance navigating these.
- Disadvantage Business Enterprise – https://mke.diversitycompliance.com/Default.asp
- Small Business Enterprise – https://city.milwaukee.gov/Equity-and-Inclusion/Certification
- Minority, Woman and Veteran owned businesses – https://supplierdiversity.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Assistance Form (or for more information) / Formulario de ayuda (o para más información)
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