March 20, 2024, Marks Wisconsin’s 8th Annual Special Day
(MADISON, WI) – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is recognizing the Wisconsin SBDC network with an official proclamation celebrating SBDC Day and acknowledging their support of the state’s small businesses.
In 2023, the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network helped 5,181 small business clients, resulting in over $96.9 million in capital investment, 298 new businesses, and 17,293 jobs supported.
The eighth annual celebration of the collective impact and success of Small Business Development Centers across the nation is March 20, 2024.
“The Wisconsin SBDC is proud to help clients launch and manage their small businesses through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education tools,” said Ken Little, state director of the Wisconsin SBDC. “For more than 40 years we have helped small businesses with planning, financing, sales and marketing expertise, financial management, and operations consulting.”
At the state level, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) remains a strong partner in promoting various small business assistance programs as well. “The SBDC team provides vital technical support and knowledge to our state’s small businesses, ensuring that business owners in every community have the opportunity to thrive,” said Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of the WEDC.
“The SBDC Wisconsin network is a strong partner of the SBA, helping thousands of Badger State small businesses to start, grow, expand, and recover from disasters every year,” added Eric Ness, SBA’s Wisconsin district director. “The training, advising, and long-term consulting made available through Wisconsin’s SBDCs deliver real results by preparing entrepreneurs for accessing capital and planning for the future. Congratulations to the SBDC network on #SBDCDay and on all the support and resilience you provide every day to Wisconsin’s small businesses.”
Clients across the state expressed their gratitude for the work of the interconnected SBDC network.
“My SBDC consultant was great and truly knowledgeable, specifically in helping us determine our costs for areas like employees and inventory,” reported Jen Erdly, owner of Devour a restaurant in Plymouth, Wisconsin, that features an eclectic menu offering unique takes on comfort food and other favorites. Erdly and her husband, Dennis, used the resources provided by the SBDC at UW-Green Bay to begin building their dream business. “I had lots of questions about writing a business plan and the consultant was quick to respond as well as very encouraging,” Erdly added. “I would recommend the SBDC to anyone seeking help with starting a small business.”
Small businesses, partners, and advocates are invited to use the hashtag #SBDCDay in social media posts leading up to and especially on March 20.
“The Universities of Wisconsin are committed to providing the state’s small businesses with the support, information, and training they need to be successful,” added Bon Wikenheiser, executive director, Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship. “Our campus-based SBDCs have served clients in every county at every stage of their growth. We are so proud of these businesses and congratulate them on making our state a great place to be.”
Wisconsin’s SBDCs are located on 11 campuses throughout the state including Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Oshkosh, Parkside, River Falls, Stevens Point, Superior, Whitewater, Madison, and Milwaukee. Additionally there are outreach centers in Rock County, Southwest and Southeast Wisconsin.
With nearly 1,000 locations across the country, SBDCs provide entrepreneurs with the resources to succeed and measurable economic results. In 2023, SBDCs across the nation helped generate 83,329 new jobs, $8.4 billion in sales, and $6.9 billion in capital investment.
View more than 175 Wisconsin-based small business success stories featuring owner interviews, video, and photos.
To learn more about #SBDCDay, visit www.AmericasSBDC.org/SBDCDay.
About the Wisconsin SBDC
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a nationally accredited statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and business education. Regional SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies and help launch successful new enterprises. The Wisconsin SBDC Network is hosted by the Universities Wisconsin within the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship. www.wisconsinSBDC.org
About America’s SBDC
America’s SBDC represents the Nation’s 63 Small Business Development Centers, a national network of partnerships uniting higher education, state and local nonprofit economic development organizations, private enterprise and government. It is the Small Business Administration’s largest partnership program, providing management and technical assistance to help Americans start, run and grow their own businesses. www.americassbdc.org