From farmers to a fashion designer, a diverse group of people planning to grow their own businesses are devoting their Friday evenings to a series of entrepreneurial workshops thanks to the Rising Queens.
The non-profit organization received $24,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to provide the courses which are offered free to any interested people. The classes are held at the Rising Queens’ home offices at 401 Park Ave.
The first group of a dozen students attended the courses and graduated on March 25. Rising Queens Executive Director Tracy Dumas said the second group kicked off on Friday evening and a third section, set for July, already has a waiting list. Dumas said some of the budding business people who have attended have launched cleaning, food and other businesses.
Daniel Weston, who is working the third shift at a warehouse, said he hopes to start a clothing brand and have it running steady in three to five years. He said Friday’s class was a big step toward his dreams.
“It will take time,” Weston said. “I want to start out with T-shirts and hoodies and expand into everything I can.”
[Adapted from: Beloit’s Rising Queens hold entrepreneurial workshops thanks to grant Apr. 12, 2022, BELOIT DAILY NEWS]