Events

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.

Whether you’re starting a business, working to grow your existing small business, or trying to get an idea or a startup off the ground, this free, annual, virtual and in-person event offers information that can set you up for success.

Each year, WEDC invites its network of economic development partners, its ambassadors, and industry experts to gather, connect, reflect, and learn from each other. This two-day event provides a recap of the economic successes and challenges of the past year, a look at the state of Wisconsin’s economy, and deep dives into trending economic topics that affect Wisconsin.

MARKETPLACE is a great way to make connections and grow your small business. Targeting businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQ+ community, the conference offers opportunities to learn about government contracting; connect with financial, legal, and other resources; meet with buyers from state and local governments as well as the private sector; and make deals or lay the framework for future contracts.

Each year, WEDC’s market development directors lead Wisconsin businesses on virtual and in-person global trade missions to strategically chosen markets. They include a high-level country briefing as well as pre-arranged meetings with companies whose needs or capabilities align with your company’s export objectives. Subsidized by the U.S. Small Business Administration, these trips are a smart way for businesses interested in exporting to build international working relationships and access in-market expertise. Click to see the global trade missions planned so far this year.