Let’s grow our business skills, together.
As many small business owners will tell you, there’s the part you’re passionate about—and then there’s all the other stuff that comes with owning a business. You know, all the financial, legal, marketing, logistical, and technological work it takes to run a business.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy offers practical advice from business owners who have successfully made it through the initial stages of starting and growing their companies.
It also features workshops that cover topics like:
- Financing options
- Legal concerns
- Regulatory issues
- Information technology
- Small business certifications
- Identifying markets and sales opportunities
If you’re considering starting a business, trying to grow your existing small business, or trying to get an idea or a startup off the ground, take advantage of this free, annual virtual and in-person event.
Agenda
Run in conjunction with National Small Business Week , the Small Business Academy provides a series of panels and speakers to help you start and grow your business.
Business Financing
8 a.m.
Welcome and opening remarks
Dr. Gene Manzanet, Sr. Director, Diverse Business Development, WEDC
Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO, WEDC
Sara Rodriguez, 46th Lieutenant Governor, State of Wisconsin – Invited
Eric Ness, Wisconsin District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration
8:30 a.m.
Start and Grow to Win with SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration): 2025 Award Winners Panel
9 a.m.
Unlock Your Startup’s Potential by Learning to use the Business Model Canvas Framework
Are you ready to take your idea or early-stage business to the next level? Join us for an engaging webinar designed to empower you to move forward faster. We will show you how to develop a clear strategy and how to break down complex business ideas into actionable components using the proven Business Model Canvas framework.
10 a.m.
Panel Discussion with Lenders
Gain insights into financing options available for small businesses through a panel discussion with representatives from various lending institutions, including chambers, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), SBA lenders, and regional lenders.
11 a.m.
Small Business Story: Overcoming Challenges of Launching and Growing
Hear insights from business owners as they share their personal journeys, discussing the challenges they encountered while launching and growing their businesses—with a focus on navigating funding opportunities and overcoming obstacles.
Noon
Workshop concludes
Technology and Marketing
8 a.m.
Opening remarks
8:10 a.m.
AI as an Ally: Practical Tools for Small Businesses
Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Claude can help make running your business easier. In this session, you’ll learn simple, practical ways to use AI to save time, spark new ideas, and elevate your marketing. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your business to the next level, this session will show you how to make AI work for you.
9 a.m.
Marketing Strategies
Delve into effective marketing strategies, branding, and the integration of AI to enhance your business’s reach and engagement.
10 a.m.
E-Commerce
Learn about digital marketing and sales strategies to optimize your online business operations and drive growth.
11 a.m.
Harnessing AI for Business Growth: Strategic AI Implementation for Startups
This session will feature either a business owner sharing their journey or a discussion on intermediary AI applications for small businesses. Topics include: demystifying artificial intelligence for startups, strategic AI road Mapping, AI-driven competitive advantage, and ethical & regulatory AI considerations.
Noon
Workshop concludes
Preparing for Contracting Opportunities
8 a.m.
Opening Remarks
8:10 a.m.
Could Your Business Benefit from Government Small Business Certifications?
Small business certifications can enhance your firm’s market appeal and credibility and help you gain access to government contracts, financial assistance, and business development resources such as training and mentoring. During this session, learn from government representatives about certification programs and how to leverage their benefits in the government and corporate markets.
9 a.m.
How To Prepare for Your Next Buyer Meeting
Opportunities are coming up for small businesses to meet with local, state, and federal government agencies and their prime contractors. To take full advantage of these opportunities, you must do your homework and be prepared. During this session you will learn how to do market research, how to prepare marketing collateral and how to maximize success during your individual meetings.
10 a.m.
Advice from Successful Small Business Owners
Starting and growing a business is a challenge. While some ventures thrive, others do not. During this session, small business owners will share their journeys and offer insight and wisdom on what kept them on the road to success.
11 a.m.
State Resources
A conversation with Wisconsin organizations providing technical assistance, financing and business tools.
11:55 a.m.
Closing remarks
8 a.m.
In-Person Regional Programing
Regional in-person events will be held throughout the state on Friday, May 9 from 8 a.m.-Noon. Attendance will give access to testimonies from established businesses owners, community business development leaders, business topic roundtables, educational sessions, and technical assistance resources. Information including an agenda for the in-person locations will be sent in a follow-up email closer to the event.
- Appleton/Green Bay
- Beloit
- Eau Claire
- Hayward
- La Crosse
- Lac du Flambeau
- Madison
- Milwaukee – North Side
- Milwaukee – South Side
- Racine/Kenosha
- Stevens Point
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Past Small Business Academy Recordings
Curious what the Small Business Academy is all about? View last year’s Small Business Academy recordings to get a sense of what to expect.
Event Partners
The 11th annual Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy is hosted by WEDC and the following partners:
