What each badge on a listing means, how we check things, and what verification does — and doesn't — promise.
We confirmed the business is registered and in good standing with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Sole proprietorships without a state filing may not carry this badge even when the business is legitimate.
For categories that require professional licensing — childcare, home health, medical and dental care, mental health counseling, and legal services — we confirmed the license or credential through the relevant state board.
The business owner has confirmed their business is majority Black-owned, and we've done a reasonable review — including a phone conversation and cross-checking public information. This is not a guarantee of ownership, since no directory can verify ownership with certainty at this scale.
This business holds a real Minority Business Enterprise certification through Wisconsin's Supplier Diversity Program, or a comparable certification such as through the U.S. Black Chambers. This is our strongest trust signal, since it's backed by an outside certifying body rather than our own review alone.
This owner has shared a short video introducing themselves and their business. It's a nice way to connect with a business before reaching out — but on its own, it isn't proof of anything, which is why it's shown separately from the verification badges above.
Our directory makes reasonable efforts to verify business information using public records, licensing databases, certifications, and information provided by business owners. Verification does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee of quality, financial stability, legal compliance, or professional performance. Users should conduct their own due diligence before engaging any business.