THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY

8:45 a.m.
Virtual session goes live

9 a.m.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Small Habits Build Big Wins
An introduction built on a nationally recognized mindset course. An experiential, problem-based learning program designed to expose participants to the fundamental aspects of an entrepreneurial mindset, essential for anyone to succeed in today’s rapidly changing and highly complex world and the limitless opportunities it can provide, regardless of their chosen path. Designed to help you learn to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset as a life skill, with practical tools to overcome self-limiting beliefs.

Presenter: Stephanie Banks, Attorney, Banks C-Suite

10 a.m.
Price It Right: How to Set Prices that Actually Make You Money
Pricing can make or break a business, but figuring out what to charge isn’t always straightforward. In this session, we’ll break down simple, practical ways to price your products or services so you’re not just covering costs but actually making money. You’ll learn how to understand your true costs, set smart markups, and evaluate profit margins so your pricing supports long-term growth. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your pricing strategy, you’ll walk away with tools you can immediately apply to price with confidence and protect your profit.

Presenter: Genia Stevens, CEO, Jumpstart S.C. Wisconsin Inc.

11 a.m.
How Did You Decide When You Were Ready to Quit Your Day Job?
Learn how to turn your side hustle into a sustainable full-time business (from a knowledgeable panel) in this practical session. We’ll cover validating demand and revenue strategies, building systems for time and finances, and crafting a growth road map to replace your day-job income. Ideal for part-time entrepreneurs ready to make the jump to full-time.

Moderator: Patrick Snyder, BizStarts

Noon:
Lunch

12:30 p.m.
How Do You Build Your Free Dream Team around You?
Even for solopreneurs, your “dream team” begins with the advisers and professional service providers who support your business from the start. This session will explore how to build and maintain strong relationships with key supporters (like accountants, bankers, attorneys, and mentors) who help you make informed decisions. You’ll learn simple ways to identify your business’s gaps and bring the right people into your corner through shared values and aligned goals. We will also touch on how these partners lay the groundwork for eventually growing an internal team. You’ll come away with ideas and approaches you can immediately begin applying to strengthen the network around your business.

Presenter: Julie Collins, Owner, KnotMagic

1 p.m.
Library Resources for Startups
Learn how you can leverage the free tools and expert support public libraries offer to startups. Participants will learn how to access premium market and consumer research tools and discover opportunities to grow essential business skills. This session also highlights how libraries connect startups with space, technology, market analysis, and critical community resources to help new businesses thrive.

Presenter: Kristina Gómez, Library Services Manager (Business, Science & Technology, and Periodicals), Milwaukee Public Library

2 p.m.
Business Law 101
Join us to learn about key legal issues for small businesses. The session will discuss a variety of issues and topics that are important to the success of a small business. These include choosing the right type of business entity, hiring workers, protecting intellectual property, and more. You will be provided with general information and helpful tips, including resources for additional information and assistance.

Presenter: Emily Buchholz, Associate Dean for Experiential Learning, University of Wisconsin Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic

3 p.m.
From Spreadsheet to Strategy: Using AI to Power Your Business Finances
In this session, we’ll discuss basic financial data every small business owner should track, such as revenue, expenses, and profit. You’ll learn how organizing your numbers in one place can help you better understand how your business is performing. We’ll also demonstrate how AI tools can analyze this data to help you identify trends, support better decision-making, plan for future growth, and communicate more confidently with lenders or financial partners. This workshop is designed for new business owners who want a simple way to turn their financial data into useful insights.

Presenter: Genia Stevens, Jumpstart South Central Wisconsin

8:45 a.m.
Virtual session goes live

9 a.m.
Free Technology around project management, productivity
This session introduces startups to free technology tools that enhance project organization, collaboration, and productivity without straining limited resources. Panelists will highlight practical, easy-to-use solutions for task management, communication, workflow organization, and early operational structure, along with simple tips for getting started. You’ll learn how technology can support better coordination, quicker progress, and smarter decision-making, helping entrepreneurs juggle multiple roles, scale early operations, and achieve more at zero cost.

Moderator: Athena Agoudemos, Associate State Director, SBDC

Panelists:
1. Josh Klemons, President, Reverbal Communications
2. Christina Outlay, CEO, Maydm
3. Ibrahim Harun, Owner, IH Concepts

10 a.m.
Small Business Cybersecurity Training
Cybersecurity threats are increasing across every industry, and small businesses are frequently targeted because they often have fewer security resources and controls in place. This session will provide small business owners, managers, and staff with a practical introduction to cybersecurity risks and the basic steps that can be taken to protect business systems, sensitive information, and customer data. Designed for non-technical audiences, this session delivers straightforward, actionable cybersecurity guidance that small businesses can begin applying in their day-to-day operations.

Presenter: Matthew Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute

11 a.m.
How to successfully Sell your Product and Services
Participants will learn the key differences between marketing and selling—and why both are essential for business growth. “Marketing” attracts the right customers through messaging and visibility, while “Selling” converts that interest into revenue. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your marketing approach, improve your sales process, and create a smooth path from awareness to purchase.

Presenter: Kola Alayande, Ph.D., SCORE
Panelists:
1. Lizz Tsosie Stachura, President, Tootsie’s Tea
2. Jennifer Makary, Vice President of Operations and Marketing Coach, KnotMagic

Noon
Lunch

12:30 p.m.
Customer Service Strategies for Small Business Success (30 Min) 
Excellent customer service strengthens relationships across the entire business network—from suppliers to clients. This workshop uses a coffee shop example to demonstrate practical ways small business owners can communicate effectively, set clear expectations, resolve issues professionally, and build trust with both customers and suppliers. Participants will learn how strong service relationships can improve operations, encourage repeat business, and support long-term business success.

Presenter: Erika Villafuerte, Salud First

1 p.m.
Procurement Basics: Understanding the Market
Government agencies, local municipalities, institutional buyers, and large corporations purchase a wide range of goods and services each year, creating significant opportunities for small businesses. This session introduces the procurement process and provides guidance on how businesses can identify, access, and compete for these opportunities.

Moderator: Aina Vilumsons, President of Wisconsin Procurement Institute

2 p.m.
Procurement Opportunities: Identifying, Marketing, Promoting, Networking
This session provides practical guidance on how businesses can position and promote their capabilities to compete for procurement opportunities. Participants will learn how buyers identify and evaluate suppliers and how to effectively present their business as a qualified and competitive vendor. The session will also highlight strategies for identifying opportunities, marketing capabilities to buyers, and building relationships with procurement officers and supply chain managers.

Moderator: Aina Vilumsons, President of Wisconsin Procurement Institute

3 p.m.
How to WIN! Gain Practical Advice from the Agency – Industry Representatives and from Successful Small Businesses
Winning contracts requires more than understanding the procurement process. This session provides practical insights from industry and government experts as well as experienced small businesses that have successfully navigated these markets. Participants will hear firsthand perspectives on how successful companies identify opportunities, position their capabilities, and build relationships with buyers. The session will highlight real-world strategies, lessons learned, and practical advice businesses can apply to strengthen their competitiveness.

Moderator: Aina Vilumsons, President of Wisconsin Procurement Institute

8 a.m.
In-Person Regional Programing
Regional in-person events will be held throughout the state on Friday, May 8 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.

• Eau Claire
  The Lakely (within The Oxbow Hotel)
  516 Galloway St., Eau Claire, WI 54703
  
• Green Bay
  The Urban Hub
  340 N Broadway #200, Green Bay, WI 54303
• Janesville
  Blackhawk Technical College
  6004 S County Rd G, Janesville, WI 53546
• La Crosse
  Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
  1433 Rose Street, La Crosse WI 54603
• Lac du Flambeau
  LDF Workforce Training & Business Center
  2640 Thorofare Rd. Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
  
• Madison
  The HUB (4th Floor)
  2352 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53713
  
• Marshfield
  Marshfield Area Chamber
  700 S Central Ave, Marshfield, WI 54449
• Milwaukee – Downtown
  Schlitz Park
  1555 North River Center Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53212
• Milwaukee – South Side
  (Spanish translation available)
  247 W Freshwater Way, Milwaukee, WI 53204
• Racine
  Gateway Technical College Conference Center
  1001 Main Street, Racine WI 53403