(Hayward, Wisconsin) — The Wisconsin Small Business Academy, is a four-day event commencing on April 30 with a half-day program occurring simultaneously at 11 locations throughout the state (including Hayward) that will focus on providing the region’s entrepreneurs and start-up businesses an opportunity to connect with financial and technical resource providers, learn the tools needed to start and grow a business, and network with business owners. Following the April 30 events, the virtual portion of the conference will continue online. To learn more about the virtual portion of the Small Business Academy and register to attend the conference, visit wedc.org/smallbusiness/small-business-academy/ This event is part of the state’s celebration of the Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week.
The half-day “in person” programs will take place on April 30, 2024. Registration and networking for the Hayward event will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the program concluding at 12:00 p.m. at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, 13466 West Trepania Road, Hayward, WI 54843. The program is FREE of charge but registration is required and can be completed online at wedc.org/smallbusiness/small-business-academy/
This event emphasizes the importance of small businesses to the state’s economy. This program is presented by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI), SCORE, the Ethnic Diverse Business Coalition, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), Wisconsin Department of Administration – Supplier Diversity Program, Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, and local participating organizations. U.S. Bank is providing financial support for the event. Locally, the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, Northwest Regional Planning Commission, First American Capital Corporation, Inc., and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Inc. collaborated to plan and deliver this event.
“You don’t have to own a small business to attend,” says Chris Cote, First American Capital Corporation (FACC) Business Development Impact Manager and location lead for the Hayward Small Business Academy. “If you’re wondering whether small business is right for you or whether your business idea is a good one, this event is a great place to learn more and to meet others who are going through the same discovery process.”
The program will include a presentation by a local entrepreneur from the community. Participants will have the opportunity to explore small business topics by choosing from various roundtables. Experts in specific business areas will lead the discussion. Small Business Academy topics will include financial management, marketing, risk management, doing business with the government, and social media.
