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Small Business Academy

A free three day business academy for existing small businesses, individuals thinking of starting a business, and entrepreneurs looking for funding and resources.

Attend workshops covering small business lending topics, free business assistance resources, and ways to plan, start and grow a profitable business are offered. Attend sessions via Zoom video, or dial in to sessions using the phone numbers indicated.  The password to enter all conference sessions is sb2020.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2020 [Join the General Session – CLICK HERE]  – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 86159090592).
  • 8:30AM – Event Kickoff/Program Overview/Virtual Program Tips
  • 8:35AM – Partnership Introductions – Vanessa Ineza, DBD Manager, WEDC US DOT/WisDOT, SBDC, WPI and EDBC
  • 8:45AM – Mary Gage, VP of BCD, WEDC
  • 8:50AM – Keystone Sponsor – Steve SaLoutos, Executive Vice President, U.S. Bank
  • 8:55AM – Introduction of Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes – Sec. & CEO Melissa Hughes, WEDC
  • 9:00AM – Welcome – Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes
  • 9:10AM – Sec. Hughes, WEDC – Thank you
  • 9:15AM – Jason Rae, President of LGBT Chamber of Commerce – Introduce Speaker
    Speaker: Entrepreneur – (Emerging Business) – Pang Vang, President, Style & Grace
  • 9:45AM – BREAK
  • 9:55AM – Pandemic Business Pivots-Reinventing Your Business – John Mleziva, Owner, State Line Distillery; Donald Hill, VP, Dakonte Product Group, Inc; Syovata Edari, CEO, Cocovaa; Lisa Reynolds, Reynolds Packaging LLC
  • 10:45AM – BREAK

11:00AM BREAK OUT SESSIONS – CHOOSE ONE

  • Financing Panel (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 88997510312)

    Description:  Hear from a panel of financing experts on resources and steps to take to access the capital you need to start or grow.
    Panelists: Vincent Mack, Digital Accelerator, U.S. Bank; James Strube, SBA; Maysee Herr, Hmong Chamber; Renee Linder, KIVA
    Moderator:     Thaddeus J Hannah, U.S. Bank

  • Do Government Agencies and Corporations REALLY care about small business certifications? (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 86159090592)

    Description:  Is it really worth the time and effort of a small, woman, minority, disadvantaged or veteran business to go through the certification process?  Learn from businesses that have successfully leveraged their certifications to compete and win.
    Panelists:Eric Ness, SBA; Herb Miller, Michels Corporation; Dele Ojelabi, Comcentia; Tina Reese, The Reese Group; Natalie Chesebro, Your Personal Gardener; Manisha Dotson, The Nisha Group LLC
    Moderator: Aina Vilumsons, WPI

NOON – LUNCH BREAK/NETWORKING SESSIONS:

Description: These networking sessions provide an interactive opportunity for participants to meet others who are starting or growing a business. Using a speed networking approach, participants will have the opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs and discuss challenges and opportunities each is facing. Participation in these sessions is limited. If you are interested in joining one of the sessions, please arrive early. Depending on the level of interest, these sessions may repeat on Wednesday, October 7. An email will be sent to registrants if there will be sessions on October 7.

BREAK OUT SESSIONS – SELECT THE START OR GROW TRACK

1:00PM SESSIONS:

  • (START) Starting on a Shoestring (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 84101216497)

    Description:  Businesses often start when the owner has limited financial resources. 
    Learn ways to access resources and adjust your business operations to reduce the capital needed to start a business.
    Presenter: Julie Emslie, WWBIC

  • (GROW) Preparing to Work as a DOT Contractor (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 84649181435)

    Description:  Gain firsthand information on the best strategies to access and perform work as a DOT contractor.
    Presenter: Brian A Mitchell, WisDOT
    Moderator: Gabriela Garcia, US DOT

2:00PM SESSIONS:

  • (START) Testing Your Idea (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 84101216497)

    Description:  Optimize your entrepreneurial efforts by learning how to describe, test and refine your idea using the Business Model Canvas tool.
    Presenter: Terri Urbanek, The Emporium of Consulting

  • (GROW) Understanding Financial Statements (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 84649181435)

    Description:  Understand your financial statements and learn core financial ratios to help you become more successful at developing and deploying your business financial strategy.
    Presenter: Luke Kempen, Director, WSBDC at UW-Eau Claire

3:00PM SESSIONS:

  • (START) Getting Started: Core Considerations (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 84101216497)

    Description:  Getting started – The fundamentals to reduce your risk and launch your business, including entity selection, tax considerations, registration to operate, etc.
    Presenter:  Anne Hlavacka, Director, WSBDC at UW-La Crosse  

  • (GROW) Funding for Growth (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 84649181435)

    Description:  Often alternative funding sources are necessary to start or grow your business.  Learn about various funding resources that help businesses access the capital needed to grow.
    Panelists: Patrick Martin, Landmark Credit Union; Jona Moore, African American Chamber; Sanjit Singh, Founders First Capital
    Moderator: Mike Kellman, Northshore Bank

4:00PM: PROGRAM ENDS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020 [Join the General Session: CLICK HERE] – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 88462410864)
Reminder: The password to enter all conference sessions is sb2020.

  • 8:30AM – Welcome/Program/Overview/Virtual Program Tips – Sam Rikkers, COO WEDC
  • 8:35AM – Speaker: Entrepreneur #2 (Growth Business) –  Denise Thomas, The Effective Communication Coach, LLC

BREAKOUT SESSIONS – SELECT THE START OR GROW TRACK

9:00AM SESSIONS:

  • The Lender’s Eye: Getting A Business Loan (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 85874726851)

    Description:  Learn what lenders consider when making funding decisions.  How can you position your business so your lender says “YES.”
    Panelists: Rudy Gonzalez, CIBC; Robert Lamb, U.S. Bank; Willie Smith, NWSCDC
    Moderator: Ed Bryant, Town Bank

  • Overview of Available Federal, State, Local and Corporate Small Business Certifications. (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 88462410864)

    Description:  Each agency has unique certification requirements.  Learn from agency representatives what is required for qualification and application, how applications are reviewed and what benefits and opportunities are associated with certification approval.
    Panelists: James Strube, SBA; Tondra Davis, Wisconsin DOA; Nikki Purvis, City of Milwaukee; Jessie Leonard, WBDC; Heather Olson, NCMSDC; Madalena Maestri, WisDOT
    Moderator: Aina Vilumsons, WPI

10:00AM SESSIONS:

  • Financing Tools (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 85874726851)

    Description:  Lenders are using more tools to interact with customers and help customers operate their businesses.  Learn about these tools to help your business streamline financial activities.
    Presenter: Vincent Mack, Digital Accelerator, U.S. Bank
    Moderator: Jessica Cavazos

  • Cybersecurity (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 88462410864)

    Description: Learn how vulnerable your business may be to online security threats and steps you can take to reduce those risks.
    Presenter: Matthew Frost, Cyber Security Specialist – CyberNINES

11:00AM SESSIONS:

  • E-Marketing & Web Presence (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 85874726851)

    Description:  Learn how to develop an e-marketing strategy and web presence that will drive customers to your business.
    Presenter: Genia Stevens, Owner & Managing Partner, Belwah Media

  • Financial Recordkeeping (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 88462410864)

    Description:  Tracking financial information is critical to a successful business operation. Learn tips and best practices to track and retain financial information.
    Presenter: Bill Beson – FACC
    Moderator: Gary Mejchar – First American Capital Corp.

NOON – LUNCH BREAK

BREAK OUT SESSIONS – SELECT THE START OR GROW TRACK

1:00PM SESSIONS:

  • (START) Introduction to Financial Statements (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 83702296742)

    Description:  This session will introduce the core financial statements and terminology to help you as you determine your business financial strategy.
    Presenter: Michail Walker, Business Consultant and Outreach Specialist, WSBDC at UW-La Crosse

  • (GROW) Sales: Managing Your Numbers (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 83158589025)

    Description:  Learn how your numbers can help you manage your business and grow your sales revenues.
    Presenter: Don Hill, VP, HIR

2:00PM SESSIONS:

  • (START) E-Commerce: Getting Online and Social Media (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 83702296742)

    Description: Some businesses depend on an online sales strategy; others need one to grow. This session will identify activities needed to support an e-commerce business strategy and ways to use social media to expand your reach.
    Presenter: Brent Hoffman, Perodigm 
    Moderator: Becky Albert, Ho-Chunk

  • (GROW) Tax Considerations Business (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 83158589025)

    Description: Understanding how taxes affect your business will help you determine if your business is properly structured; when and how to purchase equipment, inventory, etc.; and other factors so you can make smart decisions.
    Presenter: Megan Schwan, Sidekick Accounting Services
    Moderator: Camille Carter, President, Madison Black Chamber of Commerce

3:00PM SESSIONS:

  • (START) Business Plan: Planning for Success (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 83702296742)

    Description:  Planning for your business success is critical. Planning is more than a tool for financing. Learn about key considerations needed to develop a strategic business plan, including a financial forecast.
    Presenter: Deneine Powell, President & CEO, AALAM

  • (GROW) E-Commerce: Search Engine Optimization (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 83158589025)

    Description: The ability to reach your online customers is critical to an effective e-commerce strategy. This session will provide insight and strategies to improve your search engine optimization (SEO), connect to customers in new ways to improve your online return on investment (ROI).
    Presenter: Sarah Arendt-Beyer, Marketing Director, DigiSage, Inc.

4:00PM: PROGRAM ENDS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020.

8:25AM – Welcome/Program Overview/Virtual Program Tips [CLICK HERE] – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 82962524635) 

INDUSTRY CLUSTERS – BEST PRACTICES. DISCUSSION, NETWORKING
Reminder: The password to enter all conference sessions is sb2020.

8:30AM SESSIONS:

  • Childcare (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 82962524635)

    Description: This industry cluster features child care. The facilitators and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitators: Karman Briggs and Renee Ernsting, Western Dairyland EOC, Inc.

  • Online Businesses (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 81456003880)

    Description: This industry cluster features online businesses. The facilitator and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitator: Michail Walker, WSBDC at UW-La Crosse

  • Hospitality/Entertainment (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 82631781448)

    Description: This industry cluster features tourism. The facilitators and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitators: Terry Whipple, Juneau County EDC; Andrew Nussbaum, Wisconsin Department of Tourism

  • Transportation (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 81699454465)

    Description: This industry cluster features transportation. The facilitator and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitator: Annette Tipton, Able Access Transportation

9:30AM SESSIONS:

  • Resilience: Strategies to Move Beyond the Pandemic (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 82962524635)

    Description: Managing a business during a pandemic is stressful. This session will identify ways to keep your focus on the longer term while meeting the current challenges. Learn strategies to better connect with customers and make your business more resilient.
    Presenter: Dujuan Cherry, AgencyML

  • Construction (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 81456003880)

    Description: This industry cluster features construction. The facilitators and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitators: Bryce Unger, CG Schmidt; Clifton Phelps, JCP; Ugo Nwagbaraocha, DDI

  • Retail (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 82631781448)

    Description: This industry cluster features retail businesses. The facilitator and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitator: Debbie Allen, African American Chamber

  • Restaurants, Food Services & Agriculture (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 81699454465)

    Description: This industry cluster features restaurants, food services, and agriculture. The facilitators and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitators: Pat Jones, StartUp Kitchen; Citlali Mendieta, Antigua Restaurant

10:30AM SESSIONS:

  • Post Pandemic: Best Practices for Your Business (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 82962524635)

    Description: Interested in steps you can take during these challenging times to strengthen your operations, build a workforce that can meet your business needs. Gain insight on best practices to work remotely, work safely in person, foster inclusivity, and take action to take advantage of opportunities.
    Presenter: Errin Welty, WEDC

  • Cleaning (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 81456003880)

    Description: This industry cluster features janitorial services. The facilitator and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitator: Ronny Thompson, PeachyClean

  • Manufacturing (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 82631781448)

    Description: This industry cluster features manufacturing. The facilitator and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitator: Buckley Brinkman, Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing and Productivity

  • Professional Services, Health Care and Personal Care (click here to join the session) – (Listen by phone: 1.312.626.6799 – Meeting ID: 81699454465)

    Description: This industry cluster features professional services, health care and personal care. The facilitators and participants will share their experiences and provide insight on challenges, opportunities and trends affecting the industry.
    Facilitator: Dr. Jennifer Potts, Center Street BID 39

11:30AM SESSION:

NOON: Program Ends