Let’s grow our business skills, together.
As many small business owners will tell you, there’s the part you’re passionate about—and then there’s all the other stuff that comes with owning a business. You know, all the financial, legal, marketing, logistical, and technological work it takes to run a business.
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.
It also features workshops that cover topics like:
- Financing options
- Legal concerns
- Regulatory issues
- Information technology
- Small business certifications
- Identifying markets and sales opportunities
If you’re considering starting a business, trying to grow your existing small business, or trying to get an idea or a startup off the ground, take advantage of this free, annual virtual and in-person event.
This year’s Small Business Academy Topics
Run in conjunction with National Small Business Week , the Small Business Academy provides a series of panels and speakers to help you start and grow your business.
Panels
- Starting and Growing a Winning Small Business: Panel with 2024 SBA Award Winners
- Ways to Access Capital for Your Business: What Options Do You Have?
- Government Certifications: How They Can Help Your Business Gain a Competitive Advantage
Presentations
- 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
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - In Person
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.
- Appleton
Fox Valley Technical College, Bordini Center
5 N. Systems Dr. Appleton, WI 54914 - Beloit
Beloit Public Library
605 Eclipse Blvd., Beloit WI 53511 - Eau Claire
Pablo Center
128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 - Green Bay
US Bank
425 Pine St., Green Bay, WI 54301 - Hayward
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University
13466 W. Trepania Rd., Hayward, WI 54843 - La Crosse
Black River Beach Neighborhood Center
1433 Rose St., La Crosse, WI 54603 - Madison
The Black Business Hub on the 4th floor
2352 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53713 - Milwaukee – North Side
Schlitz Park
1555 N. River Center Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53212 - Milwaukee – South Side
Multicultural Entrepreneurial Institute
3419 W. Forest Home Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53215 - Racine/Kenosha
Gateway Technical College, iMet Center
2320 Renaissance Blvd., Sturtevant, WI 53177 - Rhinelander
Northwoods Center (First building on the Right side when entering campus)
5350 College Dr., Rhinelander, WI 54501
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Virtual
Financial
9 a.m.
Welcome and opening remarks
9:25 a.m.
Starting and Growing a Winning Small Business: Panel with 2024 SBA Award Winners
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
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - Virtual
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
Past Small Business Academy Recordings
Curious what the Small Business Academy is all about? View last year’s Small Business Academy recordings to get a sense of what to expect.
Event Partners
The 11th annual Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy is hosted by WEDC and the following partners:
