Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Milwaukee

08/07/2026

LUNCH & LEARN: The Succession Moment
Why Wisconsin Owners Should Consider Employee Ownership
REGISTER HERE: https://businessentrepreneurship.zohobackstage.com/SuccessionPlanningLunchandLearn #/
Thursday, August 20
Lunch included · RSVP required

Wisconsin is in the middle of one of the largest generational business transitions in its history. Over the next decade, thousands of Wisconsin business owners will face the same question: what happens to the company when I step away? For a growing number of them, the answer is the same people who built it — their employees. Join us over lunch for an honest, owner-focused look at why employee ownership is gaining momentum and how to know if it's right for your business.

07/24/2026

Want to learn about financing and scaling not one, two, but three businesses? Register for our event Wednesday, July 29th at 5 PM to learn about financing options for your business. Enjoy refreshments from Community State Bank in the lovely Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood

SIGN UP NOW- https://businessentrepreneurship.zohobackstage.com/RunningaBusinessIsaBalancingActYourFinancesDontHavetoBe #/

07/22/2026

You've built something worth growing. But when it comes to financing, knowing where to start — and whether you're ready — can feel like the hardest part.
REGISTER HERE- https://businessentrepreneurship.zohobackstage.com/AccessFundingyourBusinessNeedstoGrow #/
Join Ozaukee Economic Development and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Small Business Development Center for a free morning session designed to help you take a confident next step.

You'll hear from SBDC advisors on the free resources available to small business owners, and from featured entrepreneur Kelly Brown — owner of Cavelier Wine Bar and Locally InspiredInspired in Downtown Port, — who navigated financing for two very different business models and is ready to share what she learned.
Whether you're considering your first business loan, planning an expansion, or just trying to understand what lenders actually look for, this session is built for you.

At the end of the workshop, you will be able to:
Understand Funding Options- identify at least three types of business funding sources (e.g., grants, loans, equity investment) and explain their advantages and disadvantages.

Develop a Funding Readiness Assessment- evaluate funding readiness and identify at least two areas for improvement.

Craft a Pitch- learn to draft a one-page funding pitch summary tailored to a specific funding source, incorporating key financial and market data.

Navigate Application Processes- outline the step-by-step process for applying to at least one relevant funding program, including required documentation and timelines.

Build an Action Plan- create a 90-day action plan to pursue at least one funding opportunity.

Featured Guest: Meet Kelly Brown, entrepreneur and owner of Cavelier Wine Bar and Locally Inspired — two Ozaukee County businesses built on different models, both financed strategically. Kelly will share her firsthand experience, what she'd do differently, and what other business owners can take away from her journey.

Schedule: 7:45 AM
— Doors open 8:00 AM
— Program begins 9:00 AM
— Networking 10:00 AM

Acknowledgment: Presented by Ozaukee County Economic Development Corporation and the SBDC at UW-Milwaukee. The Wisconsin SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

07/21/2026

Over the next decade, thousands of business owners across the state will face the same question: ❓What happens to the company when I'm ready to step away❓

For a growing number of them, the answer is the same people who built it — their employees.

Learn from 𝗝𝗼𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗽𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 UW Center for Cooperatives, and representatives from the Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Milwaukee during this honest, owner-focused conversation about why employee ownership is gaining momentum in Wisconsin and how to know if it might be the right path for your business.

Thursday, August 20th
12:00 –1:30 PM
Complimentary · Lunch included · Registration required
REGISTER HERE: https://businessentrepreneurship.zohobackstage.com/SuccessionPlanningLunchandLearn

07/17/2026

Register here- https://businessentrepreneurship.zohobackstage.com/NaturallyWisconsinEntrepreneurHuddle-July #/
Join us for a casual morning meetup with fellow food, beverage, and natural product entrepreneurs at HoneyBeeSage!
Whether you’re celebrating a recent win, navigating a challenge, looking for advice, or simply hoping to connect with others who understand the realities of building a business, this space is for you.

Come share:

What’s going well
What’s keeping you up at night
Questions you’re working through
Resources and recommendations (“Does anyone have an accountant?”)
Opportunities to collaborate and support one another

These gatherings are part of Naturally Wisconsin’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections, strengthening our entrepreneurial community, and supporting the people behind Wisconsin’s growing natural products ecosystem.

No formal agenda — just conversation, community, and coffee.

Tuesday, July 21

10:00 AM –12:00 PM

HoneyBee Sage Wellness Cafe

1819 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee

07/13/2026

A big Thank You to Desiree Cocroft for hosting "Clarity, Identity, and Strategy II" for SBDC clients!

07/09/2026

Register here- https://lnkd.in/gJpUkSXW

Whether you're thinking about your first business loan, looking to grow, or just trying to understand what lenders actually want to see — this free evening event is built for you.

Join the Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Milwaukee and Community State Bank for a practical, no-pressure conversation about business financing, hosted at the fabulous Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood.

Then stay for the mixer. Ask questions. Make connections. Enjoy light refreshments, generously provided by Community State Bank.

Featured Guest:
Meet James Warner, entrepreneur and owner of Odd Job Larry, Kitchens and Baths, and Millie Bo Peep. James took deliberate steps to access financing and grow — three times. He'll share what he learned, what he'd do differently, and what advice he has for business owners ready to take their next step.

About KIN- Bringing Together the Community

The KIN is a collaborative, mixed-use project that is defining and delivering a regional destination with sustainable, innovation-focused office, medical, educational, commercial, residential and recreational space that meets the unique needs of neighbors, the broader Kenosha community, visitors and end-users.

The Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Milwaukee is part of a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through consulting services and training workshops. http://wisconsinsbdc.org/milwaukee

06/09/2026

https://businessentrepreneurship.zohobackstage.com/ReadytoOpen-PlanningforaCommercialSpace #/

Milwaukee Co., the SBDC, & LISC are partnering to offer no-cost support for your business. Learn tips about leasing & property ownership.

06/05/2026

04/17/2026

Networking- A Strategic Approach to Building Meaningful Connections
Apr 28, 2026
11:30 AM
Virtual
REGISTER HERE- https://businessentrepreneurship.zohobackstage.com/Networking-AStrategicApproachtoBuildingMeaningfulConnections

Prepare for networking situations (especially conferences), identify and connect with the right people, and turn conversations into lasting business relationships.

Key talking points include:

- Networking is not random: why intentional strategy makes connections more effective.
- Know your audience before you go: Identifying key people, reviewing itineraries, and setting goals.
- Connect with priority people first: Focus on target audience clients, collaborators, or decision-makers before exploring the room.
- Prepare your tools and story: Elevator pitch, capability statements, business cards, and personal branding.
- Be intentional in conversations: Building relationships through listening and purposeful engagement, not just small talk.
- - Follow up strategically: Converting initial connections into meaningful opportunities.
Show up as your brand: How personal appearance, confidence, and alignment with your brand reinforce your message.

MEET YOUR HOST
Rochelle Einsiedel is the founder of OH Snap! By Shell Photography, a certified woman- and minority-owned creative business built on authenticity, storytelling, and connection. Known for her dynamic presence and ability to “work the room,” Rochelle has turned strategic networking into a powerful tool for business growth. Beyond her work behind the camera, she is recognized for building meaningful connections and leveraging relationships to create real opportunities. Rochelle has been invited to mentor entrepreneurs on networking and relationshipbuilding, helping them confidently navigate professional spaces and turn conversations into lasting partnerships. Passionate about authenticity and connection, she brings a practical, high-energy approach to teaching others how to show up with intention, stand out, and build relationships that drive results

Meaningful Marks will capture a graphic recording during the session that shared with attendees following the event.