Get the Small Business Academy advantage

The Small Business Academy features workshops on what’s important to you and your small businesses, including financing options, legal concerns, regulatory issues, information technology, small business certifications, and identifying markets and sales opportunities, as well as practical advice from business owners who have successfully made it through the initial stages of starting and growing their companies.

If you are an existing small business, an individual thinking of starting a business, or an entrepreneur looking for funding and resources, take advantage of this free virtual and in-person event.

Los Amigos took their tortilla production business idea and made it a reality.

2024 Program

Run in conjunction with National Small Business Week, the Small Business Academy provides a series of panels and speakers to help your businesses grow.

Panels

  • Ways to Access Capital for Your Business: What Options Do You Have?
  • Government Certifications: How They Can Help Your Business Gain a Competitive Advantage

Speakers

  • Future Planning: The Value of Financial Statements
  • Branding Basics for Small Business – Setting the Foundation to Build a Vibrant Brand and Thriving Business
  • Unleashing the Power of Digital Marketing
  • Marketing and Pursuing Opportunities in the Government Marketplace: What You Need to Know
  • I Am a Start-Up: Where Do I Start?
  • Growth Strategy: Key Steps for Business Growth and Expansion

Agenda

8 a.m.
In-Person Regional Programing
Regional in-person events will be held throughout the state on Tuesday, April 30th 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.

Map of Small Business Academy in-person locations

  • Appleton
  • Beloit
  • Eau Claire
  • Green Bay
  • Hayward
  • La Crosse
  • Madison
  • Milwaukee – North Side
  • Milwaukee – South Side
  • Racine/Kenosha
  • Rhinelander

Financial

9 a.m.
Welcome and opening remarks

9:25 a.m.
Panel recording

10 a.m.
Ways to Access Capital for Your Business: What Options Do You Have?

11 a.m.
Future Planning: The Value of Financial Statements

Noon
Small Business Story: Lunch and Learn

Marketing

9 a.m.
Branding Basics for Small Business – Setting the Foundation to Build a Vibrant Brand and Thriving Business

10 a.m.
Unleashing the Power of Digital Marketing

11 a.m.
Marketing and Pursuing Opportunities in the Government Marketplace: What You Need to Know

Noon
Small Business Story: Lunch and Learn

Business Developent

9 a.m.
I Am a Start-Up: Where Do I Start?

10 a.m.
Growth Strategy: Key Steps for Business Growth and Expansion

11 a.m.
Government Certifications: How They Can Help Your Business Gain a Competitive Advantage

Noon
Small Business Story: Lunch and Learn

2023 Small Business Academy Recordings

Are you still not sure? View last year’s Small Business Academy recordings to get a sense of what to expect.

Partners

The 11th Annual Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy is hosted by WEDC and its partners: the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Department of Administration-Supplier Diversity Program, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, Wisconsin Procurement Institute, Ethnic Diverse Business Coalition, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation, SCORE Association, and US Bank .

Wisconsin Department of Administration logo
US Bank

Resource Directory

Explore the resource directory to find and connect with organizations focused on small business development. This comprehensive list can serve as an essential tool to help you discover information specific to your journey.

“These business owners need to understand that they’re not alone as they work to grow their business. The entire state of Wisconsin is supporting them with educational opportunities such as the Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy, grants, and partnerships with nonprofit groups and the federal Small Business Administration that offer training, advice, loans, and so much more.”

MISSY HUGHES • SECRETARY AND CEO • WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Contact

If you still have questions about the Small Business Academy after reviewing the above information, we want to hear from you. Please fill out and submit the below form and an event representative will reach out to you and try to help.

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