A 4-year-old program at UW-Madison’s School of Business has helped nearly two dozen women-owned businesses in the Madison area and it’s gearing up to help more in June.
The LEAP program (short for Launching Entrepreneurial Advisory Panels) brings in experienced business professionals to counsel entrepreneurs on expanding and improving their businesses.
The next LEAP class, which still has a few openings, will meet for the first time next month; another will begin in approximately six months. On June 10, current and past LEAP participants will be on hand to help explain the program to potential LEAP entrepreneurs and advisors. Marian Walluks is the LEAP coordinator and has many years experience helping women develop their businesses.
People interested in participating in LEAP as entrepreneurs or advisors can contact Helen Capellaro at 608-262-9213 or e-mail hcapellaro@bus.wisc.edu.
In order for its owner to participate in LEAP, a business must:
- be primarily owned and operated by a woman/women
- be at least two years old
- have employees or plans to add employees
- have under $2 million in gross revenues, and
- possess potential for growth, improved profits and positive changes.
Cost to the entrepreneurs for the program is $500. LEAP is supported by the Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship and Women in Business Council. The program’s chief corporate sponsor is Cullen, Weston, Pines and Bach, L.L.P. with additional support from the QTI Group and CUNA Mutual.
LEAP Web site: http://www.bus.wisc.edu/leap
