Are you a Wisconsin woman challenged in sourcing capital for your small business? You’re not alone.
The Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) historically finds fewer women entrepreneurs get capital and overall receive smaller amounts compared to men. In 2022, 47.5% of OBE women clients received capital vs 49.6% of men, with women receiving $63.8M in total compared to men’s $142M.
What is the Capital Readiness Program?
With the assistance of a grant from the Minority Business Development Agency, OBE is on a mission to help women entrepreneurs get access to more capital. We have completed research surveys with women entrepreneurs and focus groups with investors, lenders, and other stakeholders to help us identify particular needs for women-owned businesses.
This curriculum is tailored to women entrepreneurs and includes modules on building financial acumen, an in-depth study of business finances; special interest topics for women (communication skills, gender bias issues); business mentorship based on participant need; and concludes with a company pitch session to investors specially chosen to best meet the circumstances of each cohort.
Letters of Interest due August 25
This no-cost program, led by the Center for Technology Commercialization and the Office of Business and Entrepreneurship, offers:
– Expert guidance and personalized financial coaching
– Direct exposure to investors
– Free market analysis and optional one-on-one sessions
Eligibility
- Your company must be 1-100% female owned.
- Your business must be a Wisconsin company.
- You must attend the virtual workshops.
Schedule
Starts September 16, meets VIRTUALLY Wednesdays 12:30–2:30 PM CDT. Live virtual attendance required.
Sessions feature instructors like Jennifer Gagne, Chelsea Stanton, Brian Walsh, plus a range of local angel investors and VCs. Topics include:
| September 16 | Orientation |
| September 23 | Prepare your Pitch |
| September 30 | Building Investor-Ready Foundations: Financial Strategies for Growth |
| October 7 | Building Investor-Ready Foundations: Taxes and HR |
| October 14 | Lean Strategies for Pitching |
| October 21 | Breaking Barriers: Women in Tech’s Guide to Raising Startup Funds |
| October 28 | Investor Panel |
| November 4 | Practice your Pitch |
| November 10, 11, or 12 | Mock Final Pitch to Investors |