FOCUS FORWARD
The go-to resource to keep Wisconsin citizens, communities and businesses moving forward.
WORKING TOGETHER TO PREPARE WISCONSIN TO PROSPER
By working together, we can overcome the unprecedented challenges COVID-19 has put on us all. Focus Forward provides tools, information and inspiration related to business, community and personal resilience. It’s a place to communicate and connect regularly, where you’ll find information on financial and operational assistance programs from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and other state and federal partners that will prepare you for economic recovery. Most of all, it’s a destination to unite, roll up our sleeves and get to work helping each other and the entire state of Wisconsin move forward.
FOCUS FORWARD VIDEOS & LIVESTREAM EVENTS
Join WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes for videos and livestream events covering business-critical topics and peer-to-peer conversations featuring recovery tips. You’ll find the information and insights your business and community need to successfully move beyond the current crisis.
Stay tuned for Focus Forward livestreams, featuring information on reopening and recovery efforts. We’ll also take your questions live as we work together to get Wisconsin’s economy and your business back on track.
FOCUS FORWARD PODCAST
THE VOICE OF WISCONSIN BUSINESS
The Focus Forward podcast connects business and community leaders and other Wisconsin “doers” in conversations about how we can all help each other succeed. In each episode, WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes guides the discussion toward real and actionable advice you can incorporate in your business or community to help overcome the challenges you’re facing today and prepare for the new opportunities of tomorrow.
PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Focus Forward is here to connect you to the programs and resources WEDC, other state partners and national organizations have created to help your business. It’s our commitment to make it easier for you to find the information you need for relief and recovery, including WEDC financial assistance for Wisconsin companies, SBA disaster assistance, COVID-19 federal relief programs and more. Subscribe to our Focus Forward updates to ensure you have access to the newest programs and resources as they become available.
The Water Council seeks up-and-coming water technology innovators for fall 2020 Tech Challenge
In addition to $15,000 in prize money, the contest—open to entrepreneurs, students, researchers, water-industry professionals and inventive individuals—provides winners the opportunity to partner with a world-class water technology brand on the marketing, licensing or sale of their technology or solution. Read More
FOCUS FORWARD UPDATES
Stay in-the-know about important Wisconsin business and economic news, community announcements and new programs and resources available for your business.
Register by Sept. 18 for virtual trade venture to South Korea
The online program, which takes place during the month of November, will connect Wisconsin exporters with potential partners and distributors in South Korea. Each participating Wisconsin company will have meetings arranged with potential partners custom-selected specifically for them; advance registration is required to allow time for market research and arranging well-targeted meetings. Read More
Focus Forward Podcast Ep 6: Meeting the Challenge: COVID Testing with Kevin Conroy
Kevin Conroy, chairman and CEO of Exact Sciences, talks about research and development and teams that drive innovation. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes speaks with Conroy about Exact Sciences’ pivot to COVID-19 testing. Read More
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Attend the final virtual listening session of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity
During the meeting—Sept. 16 from 3 to 5 p.m., with interpretation provided in Spanish and Hmong—the commission wants to hear from rural Wisconsin residents about issues that are important to them. Read More