Small business owners from across Wisconsin had an opportunity to connect with experts, lenders, advisors, and business support organizations during the Small Business Clinic held Monday, July 27, at the Oneida Hotel & Casino in Green Bay.
A Day Building Around Small Business Success
The clinic hosted by University of Wisconsin’s Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE), offered a full schedule of presentations, panel discussions, one-on-one consultations, and resource-providers.
Fern Orie, CEO of the Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC), provided a welcome to participants. Colleen Merrill, Strategic Projects Director with OBE, presented an overview of programs and initiatives supporting entrepreneurs throughout Wisconsin. Merrill offered a clear message, “Business owners do not have to navigate entrepreneurship alone.”
Connecting Entrepreneurs with Capital
One of the morning’s highlights was the Funding Resources Panel: Connecting Entrepreneurs with Lenders, which featured local lending and business-financing organizations. Panelists discussed what lenders look for in applicants, financing options available to entrepreneurs, and practical steps business owners can take to prepare for funding.
Jeff Bowman, President & CEO of Bay Bank shared great advice: “Know your own story. Make your business plan your own. Know and understand the numbers that will show lenders your idea is a good idea.”
Practical Education for Every Stage of Business
Throughout the day, attendees could choose from sessions addressing a wide range of business needs. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) provided guidance on small business tax basics, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) highlighted resources available to entrepreneurs seeking funding, advising, government contracting opportunities, and disaster assistance.
One participant said, “I really enjoyed all the networking opportunities. The clinic is a great way to get to know people and get more information on things that might help you with your business.”
The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) taught participants how to develop a practical business plan using the Business Model Canvas, while food and agricultural entrepreneurs received specialized guidance on choosing profitable sales channels. Anna Thomas, Farm Finance Manager with the Food Finance Institute, presented helpful strategies for pricing of agricultural goods.
One small business owner in attendance said, “I would definitely recommend it. I am pretty impressed with the wide range of organizations. It’s a great way to be introduced to available resources.”
During the lunch break, a panel of local small business owners answered specific questions from participants. They shared tales of their own obstacles and how they overcame challenges. They also gave words of wisdoms to those embarking on entrepreneurship for the first time.
The afternoon sessions demonstrated that successful entrepreneurship isn’t only about solving today’s problems. It’s also about preparing for future opportunities.
The AI session explored practical ways small businesses can use emerging technology to automate tasks and improve efficiency. Marketing education emphasized the importance of reaching the right customers. And for owners thinking years ahead, succession planning offered strategies for preparing for retirement, transferring ownership, and selling a business.
“There is fear around AI, but there is also power in it. I was glad to talk with the representative on AI,” a participant shared.
One-on-One Advice Tailored to Individual Businesses
Beyond the presentations, the clinic provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs to sit down individually with experienced professionals. These individual conversations gave business owners the opportunity to bring their specific questions and challenges directly to specialists.
One participant said, “I able to talk to some great business leaders and get some personalized advice that I can use to move forward with my business.”
A Marketplace of Business Resources
Throughout the day, resource-provider tables gave attendees another opportunity to ask questions one-on-one and discover organizations ready to support Wisconsin’s small business community.
Participating organizations included the UW Office of Business & Entrepreneurship, Wisconsin SBDC Network, Food Finance Institute, Wisconsin SBA District Office, Wisconsin Native Loan Fund, First American Capital Corp., Woodland Financial Partners, Oneida Nation, Entrepreneur Fund, Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation, Bay Bank, SCORE, American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin and Community Education Initiative.
Building Stronger Businesses Through Connection
Events like the Small Business Clinic demonstrate the power of bringing entrepreneurs and resource providers together in one place. One small business owner said, “I just registered my business last month. This event gave me the chance to really build my foundational pieces before I start offering my services to the community.”
Whether an entrepreneur was exploring a new business idea, preparing for financing, or thinking about the future of the company, the day provided practical information and direct connections to people who could help. Check out upcoming Small Business Clinics throughout Wisconsin.
