Events

FREE Comprehensive Business Resource Guide - Western WI

SBDCJanuary 1, 2020 | 12:00AM | Online

Topic: Business Basics

Critical guide for businesses at all stages. Includes: Business Planning & Start Up; Local Legal Resources; Financial Resources; Marketing and Market Research; Current Local Workshops; and much more. Please complete short registration to receive the comprehensive Western WI Business Resource Guide

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NIH/NSF Presubmission Review

CTCAugust 10, 2020 | 12:00PM | Center For Technology Commercialization, Madison

Do you plan to submit to NIH or NSF this September? Please register with CTC to participate in our free Presubmission Panel Review. CTC, in collaboration with a panel of expert reviewers, will simulate the NIH or NSF review process to help you improve your SBIR/STTR proposal ahead of the Se...

Retool Your Marketing Strategy

SBDCAugust 12, 2020 | 11:00AM | Online

Part of the Verso is idling, how will my small business thrive? Zoom and Lunch three-part series.

• Learn how to dig deeper into your target market and how to target them more effectively.

Anyone is welcome to register and join us.

BES: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget (Merrill)

SBDCAugust 13, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget Utilize market analysis tools to narrow down on your target market and create customer avatars. Learn how to use the avatars and target market information to use your advertising dollars effective...

Leadership in the Time of COVID-19

SBDCAugust 17, 2020 | 1:30PM | Online

Topic: Managing Employees

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BES: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget (Wisconsin Rapids)

SBDCAugust 19, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget Utilize market analysis tools to narrow down on your target market and create customer avatars. Learn how to use the avatars and target market information to use your advertising dollars effective...

Complete a Cash Flow Analysis

SBDCAugust 19, 2020 | 11:00AM | Online

Part of the Verso is idling, how will my small business thrive? Zoom and Lunch three-part series.

• Learn how to sort through your numbers and look for areas you can improve and plan for the future.

Anyone is welcome to register and join us.

First Steps to Business Success

SBDCAugust 19, 2020 | 6:00PM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW - River Falls, River Falls

Topic: Business Basics

Have a business idea but don't know where to start or what to do next? In this class we will learn the building blocks and important steps to starting a successful business. Get answers to questions like: Will people buy my product/service? What type of business structure is best for me? How do I market my business? What is the process to get start up funds? Class will include discussion, worksheets and a panel of experts to make sure you have resources for your next steps.

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BES: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget (Marshfield)

SBDCAugust 25, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget Utilize market analysis tools to narrow down on your target market and create customer avatars. Learn how to use the avatars and target market information to use your advertising dollars effective...

It's Okay to Pivot and Diversify

SBDCAugust 26, 2020 | 11:00AM | Online

Part of the Verso is idling, how will my small business thrive? Zoom and Lunch three-part series.

• Learn how consumers have changed through the mill closing and the pandemic and how you can adjust.

Anyone is welcome to register and join us.

Lead with Integrity

SBDCAugust 27, 2020 | 8:30AM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW - La Crosse, Wimberly Hall, Room 124, La Crosse, WI

Topic: Managing Employees

Great leaders are people of integrity and live their lives in accordance with a value system. Great leaders also have a combination of traits that help inspire people to do and be their best. Learn why it is important to gain clarity (your Core Values) on who you are and the positive, affirming leader you strive to be. Specific tools will be taught enabling you to live by those values on a daily basis.

Speaker: Stacy Shapiro
Discounts are available. Payment is required with registration. Fee includes seminar, materials, and lunch. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel or transfer your registration up to seven business days before the start date for a full refund. If you do not show or canc...

Export Pro Series: Market Identification, Prioritization and Research Programs

SBDCSeptember 1, 2020 | 10:00AM | Online

Even the most sophisticated exporters often fail to take full advantage of the many of local, state and federal trade resources and programs available to them. When looking to enter new international markets, insufficient market research can result in faulty decisions regarding market selec...

BES: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget (Webinar)

SBDCSeptember 8, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget Utilize market analysis tools to narrow down on your target market and create customer avatars. Learn how to use the avatars and target market information to use your advertising dollars effective...

Entrepreneurial Training Program

SBDCSeptember 8, 2020 | 6:00PM | St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center, River Falls

Topic: Business Basics

Do it right with a solid, researched and tested plan for optimum success. Beneficial for pre-venture through mature businesses in any industry and any size. Learn from the experts and those who have 'been there done that'. Find out if customers want what you have to offer and what they are willing to pay for it. Don't make costly mistakes because you don't know the 'business' of doing business. At the end of this class you will have a comprehensive and executable business plan with 3 years of financial projections - plus the confidence and savvy to pull it off! Class takes place at the Hudson campus, 2501 Hanley, Hudson.

Class is held at our Hudson Center, 2501 Hanley, Hudson, WI 54016.

Supervisory Management One

SBDCSeptember 9, 2020 | 8:30AM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-La Crosse, Wittich Hall, La Crosse, WI

Topic: Managing Employees

Supervisory managers are uniquely positioned to influence and impact performance provided they have the right skills and knowledge. Learn how you can make the transition to your new role smoother and less stressful. Explore leadership styles, motivation techniques, and coaching strategies.

Speaker: Scott Dickmeyer
Discounts are available. Payment is required with registration. Fee includes seminar, materials, and lunch. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel or transfer your registration up to seven business days before the start date for a full refund. If you do not show or ca...

Leadership in the Time of COVID-19

SBDCSeptember 10, 2020 | 9:30AM | Online

Topic: Managing Employees

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BES: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget (Wausau)

SBDCSeptember 15, 2020 | 3:00PM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget Utilize market analysis tools to narrow down on your target market and create customer avatars. Learn how to use the avatars and target market information to use your advertising dollars effective...

BES: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget (Antigo)

SBDCSeptember 17, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget Utilize market analysis tools to narrow down on your target market and create customer avatars. Learn how to use the avatars and target market information to use your advertising dollars effective...

Cultivating Resilience During Times of Stress

SBDCSeptember 17, 2020 | 1:00PM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Superior, 108 Erlanson Hall, Superior

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented situation. It demanded an immediate response, a dramatic shift in life as we know it, and it has forced us to redefine how we interact, work, and live. The impact is still being felt, with employees across industries reporting higher levels of s...

Entrepreneurial Training Program Orientation

SBDCSeptember 17, 2020 | 5:30PM | Online

Find out if the Entrepreneurial Training Program is right for you!

Want to know what the Entrepreneurial Training Program is all about? You're in luck! We are hosting an orientation for those interested in the program and for those that have already registered.

Launch into Leadership

SBDCSeptember 21, 2020 | 9:30AM | Online

Topic: Managing Employees

Taking on new supervisory responsibilities is a great opportunity and challenge. Many in supervisory roles have learned either by trial and error or by following what was done by their predecessor. In most cases, this is not a very effective strategy. This online 5 day workshop will get you going in the right direction with some fundamental skills and ideas for how to continue your growth as a supervisor and leader.

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SHRM

SBDCSeptember 22, 2020 | 6:00PM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW - Madison, Room 3260 Grainger Hall, Madison

Topic: Managing Employees

Prepare with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Madison's SHRM Learning System for CP/SCP course.Establish yourself as a globally-recognized human resource expert by earning the new standard in HR certification: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP?) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP?). Ensure you're prepared with our course designed for SHRM credential candidates. Expand and test your knowledge and practical, real-life competencies in areas critical for HR career success

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BES: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget (Waupaca)

SBDCSeptember 24, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: How to Understand Your Market and Advertise to Them on a Budget Utilize market analysis tools to narrow down on your target market and create customer avatars. Learn how to use the avatars and target market information to use your advertising dollars effective...

Supervisory Management Two

SBDCSeptember 24, 2020 | 8:30AM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-La Crosse, Wittich Hall, La Crosse, WI

Topic: Managing Employees

Leadership development resumes in four key areas (1) orienting people to your work unit, (2) understanding communication behaviors, (3) managing time, and (4) delegation. We build on the skills learned in the first seminar and focus on maintaining a productive work group.

Speaker: Scott Dickmeyer
Discounts are available. Payment is required with registration. Fee includes seminar, materials, and lunch. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel or transfer your registration up to seven business days before the start date for a full refund. If you do not show or c...

Entrepreneurial Training Program - Fall 2020

SBDCSeptember 24, 2020 | 5:30PM | Online

We're going virtual for fall!

Orientation September 17, 2020 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Class Dates Thursdays, September 24 - November 19, 2020 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

The En...

BizSmart Sprint

SBDCSeptember 24, 2020 | 6:00PM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW - Madison, Room 3260 Grainger Hall, Madison

Topic: Start-up Assistance

Biz Smart Sprint is your introduction into the world of entrepreneurship. In this live, virtual 5-week course, you will learn the building blocks you need to become a successful entrepreneur. Each week, you'll discover the key components you need to start a business, including the Business Model Canvas business planning tool, understanding your customers and market, developing a marketing strategy, legal and operational considerations, and financial basics.

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OnBoarding Right from the Start

SBDCSeptember 29, 2020 | 9:00AM | Online

Topic: Managing Employees

As a Hiring Manager, you put a lot of time and energy into finding and hiring the right person. This class includes the reasons why you need to put as much effort into making sure they succeed. Onboarding is the process of integrating a new employee into your company and giving them the tools, information, and introductions they will need to succeed in their new job. You will learn the onboarding process and research that supports how a good onboarding program can boost employee retention and help avoid costs. You will leave the class with tips for onboarding remotely or in-person, and resources that you can fast adapt to help your employee succeed.

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Business Valuation: Building Value Beyond the Numbers

SBDCOctober 1, 2020 | 8:30AM | Online

Topic: Managing a Business

When a company is valued, it involves far more than looking at a financial statement and applying a multiple to a particular number on the income statement to arrive at a meaningful conclusion of value. Financial statements reflect the company's ability to utilize its assets historically, whereas value should reflect a company's capacity to generate future economic returns.

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BES: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business (Marshfield)

SBDCOctober 6, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business Most business plans are written to secure loans or attract investment capital and are never looked at again. Learn how to use your business plan as a roadmap to run your company with a more cohesive vision by impro...

October - First Steps to Starting a Business

SBDCOctober 7, 2020 | 7:00PM | Online

Thinking of starting a business but don't know where to begin?

Join us for our 3-part live-stream webinar: First Steps to Starting a Business. Taught by experienced business owners, the class covers the following topics:

• Coming up with your business idea
• ...

Small Business Exit Strategies: Fundamentals of Buy - Sell Agreements

SBDCOctober 8, 2020 | 12:00AM | Online

Topic: Managing a Business

Buy/Sell Agreements are drafted by attorneys who incorporate important legal provisions. But what about those paragraphs dealing with the valuation provisions? How will the business be valued? How much does each partner receive? These become the most critical paragraphs when a triggering event occurs. While many buy-sell agreements only account for death or disability of an owner, there are many more triggering events that can happen. Before the event occurs, partners will want to discuss if the value should be determined or allocated differently

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Stress Reduction, Balance & Healthy Living

SBDCOctober 8, 2020 | 8:30AM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-La Crosse, Wittich Hall, La Crosse, WI

Topic: Managing Employees

This session focuses on specific techniques to help you stay physically healthy and mentally balanced by controlling your daily thoughts from the time you get up in the morning to the time you go to bed at night. Medical research studies in the field of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) have clearly demonstrated that your mental attitude has a direct and immediate impact on your energy level, immune system and productivity. Some of this striking research from the Rochester Institute of Technology will be presented along with practical daily techniques. You will learn the dangers of: mental chatter, fake news, keeping up with the Joneses syndrome, how to use thought substitution, the power of "I Am," affirmations, goal setting and vision boards.

Speaker: Michael Kiefer
Discounts are available. Payment is required with registration. Fee includes seminar, materials, and lunch. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel or transfer your registration up to seven business days before the start date for a full refund. If you do not show or ca...

New Economy Supervision: Modern Methods for Today's Managers

SBDCOctober 9, 2020 | 8:30AM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-La Crosse, Wittich Hall, La Crosse, WI

Topic: Managing Employees

People today are rapidly being moved from task-oriented positions to supervisory positions with little or no training. This session provides basic supervisory "boot camp" training to build confidence by providing core leadership skills to become a successful modern day supervisor or lead. Participants will learn: leadership concepts, building respect, credibility and trust, motivating others, people reading, and delegation skills. They will also learn: coaching, discipline, meeting management, and the importance of being a good role model. This session gives solid content for both new and experienced supervisors.

Speaker: Michael Kiefer
Discounts are available. Payment is required with registration. Fee includes seminar, materials, and lunch. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel or transfer your registration up to seven business days before the start date for a full refund. If you do not show or can...

BES: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business (Webinar)

SBDCOctober 13, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business Most business plans are written to secure loans or attract investment capital and are never looked at again. Learn how to use your business plan as a roadmap to run your company with a more cohesive vision by impro...

BES: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business (Waupaca)

SBDCOctober 22, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business Most business plans are written to secure loans or attract investment capital and are never looked at again. Learn how to use your business plan as a roadmap to run your company with a more cohesive vision by impro...

Human Resources for the Non-HR Professional

SBDCOctober 22, 2020 | 8:30AM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW - Madison, Room 3260 Grainger Hall, Madison

Topic: Managing Employees

If you are a business owner or manager of a small business without a dedicated HR expert on your staff, this is the program for your organization. If you have administrative staff that are performing HR duties as part of their responsibilities that are not HR experts they too will benefit.

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Positive Power Plays:Skills for Conflict & Negotiation

SBDCOctober 27, 2020 | 8:30AM | Online

Topic: Managing Employees

All leaders deal with conflict in one form or another. In this class you will learn how to turn conflict into collaborations and reach win-win resolutions. You will see conflict to clarify roles, relationships, and heighten creativity. Learning how to reach beyond the impasse and find solutions that work is one of the best tools that leaders can use.

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First Steps to Business Success

SBDCOctober 28, 2020 | 6:00PM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW - River Falls, River Falls

Topic: Business Basics

Have a business idea but don't know where to start or what to do next? In this class we will learn the building blocks and important steps to starting a successful business. Get answers to questions like: Will people buy my product/service? What type of business structure is best for me? How do I market my business? What is the process to get start up funds? Class will include discussion, worksheets and a panel of experts to make sure you have resources for your next steps.

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BES: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business (Antigo)

SBDCOctober 29, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business Most business plans are written to secure loans or attract investment capital and are never looked at again. Learn how to use your business plan as a roadmap to run your company with a more cohesive vision by impro...

Supervisory Management Three

SBDCOctober 29, 2020 | 8:30AM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-La Crosse, Wittich Hall, La Crosse, WI

Topic: Managing Employees

Communicating clear, specific expectations to people is critical for operational effectiveness. Giving feedback during day-to-day coaching sessions and during formal performance reviews is an essential skill. We discuss why there is resistance to performance assessment, how to establish job expectations, and how to conduct productive coaching sessions.

Speaker: Scott Dickmeyer
Discounts are available. Payment is required with registration. Fee includes seminar, materials, and lunch. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel or transfer your registration up to seven business days before the start date for a full refund. If you do not show or ca...

Communication & Delegation

SBDCNovember 2, 2020 | 1:30PM | Online

Topic: Managing Employees

Whether you are communicating with your employees, customers, or suppliers your ability to express yourself well and understand others is a major factor of your success. You will take the DiSC Personal Profile and use the results to strengthen your business relationships. You will leave the session with a personal plan for improving your communication skills. The second half of the class will focus on developing delegation as a valuable skill that will allow you to enable your employees to willingly take more responsibility for performance and use their expanded authority well.

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BES: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business (Stevens Point)

SBDCNovember 3, 2020 | 7:30AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business Most business plans are written to secure loans or attract investment capital and are never looked at again. Learn how to use your business plan as a roadmap to run your company with a more cohesive vision by impro...

First Steps to Starting a Business - 11/5/20

SBDCNovember 5, 2020 | 6:00PM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Superior, 108 Erlanson Hall, Superior

Topic: Start-up Assistance

Thinking of starting a business but not sure where to begin? Join us for one of our First Steps to Starting a Business sessions. We will walk through the many steps involved in starting a new business, including: - Developing a lean or visual business plan to help clarify your business idea - Licensing and taxing - Market research - Branding Participants will also receive a variety of materials to help start their business in addition to being introduced to several resources that can help them along the way. Register at https://cvent.me/zRBldl

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Fearless Performance Management

SBDCNovember 9, 2020 | 9:30AM | Online

Topic: Managing Employees

Your company's success depends on the commitment of each and every member of your team. This one-day class presents a model for managing employee performance and provides you with specific tools you can use set performance goals, documenting performance, maintain ongoing communication, manage performance, conduct performance reviews, and develop performance improvement plans. Includes a copy of the book Fearless Performance Reviews by Jeff and Linda Russell.

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BES: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business (Merrill)

SBDCNovember 12, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business Most business plans are written to secure loans or attract investment capital and are never looked at again. Learn how to use your business plan as a roadmap to run your company with a more cohesive vision by impro...

The Art of Delegation

SBDCNovember 12, 2020 | 8:30AM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-La Crosse, Wittich Hall, La Crosse, WI

Topic: Managing Employees

Delegation is more than just getting work off of your desk and onto the desks of others. Delegation involves creating a clear, shared vision of the great results that you and your "partners" want to create and aligning other people's energy and actions toward achieving these outcomes. This seminar covers the basics of delegation - identifying the "starting" conditions that ensure success, detailing the role that leaders play throughout the delegation process, and exploring common obstacles to effective delegation. During this seminar, you will learn the foundations of what you need to do to enable your employees to willingly take on more responsibility for performance and use their expanded authority effectively to benefit the company, the customers, and their own professional development.

Speaker: Jeff Russell
Discounts are available. Payment is required with registration. Fee includes seminar, materials, and lunch. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel or transfer your registration up to seven business days before the start date for a full refund. If you do not show or cance...

First Steps to Starting a Business - 11/12/20

SBDCNovember 12, 2020 | 6:00PM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Superior, 108 Erlanson Hall, Superior

Topic: Start-up Assistance

Thinking of starting a business but not sure where to begin? Join us for one of our First Steps to Starting a Business sessions. We will walk through the many steps involved in starting a new business, including: - Developing a lean or visual business plan to help clarify your business idea - Licensing and taxing - Market research - Branding Participants will also receive a variety of materials to help start their business in addition to being introduced to several resources that can help them along the way. Register at https://cvent.me/zRBldl

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Understanding and Developing Your Emotional Intelligence

SBDCNovember 13, 2020 | 8:30AM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW-La Crosse, Wittich Hall, La Crosse, WI

Topic: Managing Employees

The research is in: it's not how smart you are that determines your success in life, it's how emotionally intelligent you are. This workshop introduces the concept of emotional intelligence, identifies the competencies of emotional intelligence, and guides you in developing a plan for growing your own emotional intelligence.

Speaker: Jeff Russell
Discounts are available. Payment is required with registration. Fee includes seminar, materials, and lunch. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel or transfer your registration up to seven business days before the start date for a full refund. If you do not show or cance...

Leading with Emotional Intelligence

SBDCNovember 17, 2020 | 8:30AM | Online

Topic: Managing Employees

Research by the Carnegie Institute concluded: "15% of success is technical skills - 85% is people skills." Emotional Intelligence is all about people skills - how well you know yourself and your emotions and how well you read and interact with others and their emotions. Learn about how the brain, the body and emotions affect each other, and then how to better manage your own emotions and the emotions of others so you can have clearer, more accurate communications that create cooperation and collaboration in the workplace. Each participant will complete an emotional intelligence assessment in class and will receive access to the online version of the assessment to complete in six months to measure their progress. This assessment reflects one's style or approach to emotions. Participants will also complete an assessment that will help them determine specific skills areas to develop for a higher EQ

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BES: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business (Wausau)

SBDCNovember 17, 2020 | 3:00PM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business Most business plans are written to secure loans or attract investment capital and are never looked at again. Learn how to use your business plan as a roadmap to run your company with a more cohesive vision by impro...

BES: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business (Wisconsin Rapids)

SBDCNovember 18, 2020 | 8:00AM | Online

2020 Business Education Series: Using Your Business Plan to Run Your Business Most business plans are written to secure loans or attract investment capital and are never looked at again. Learn how to use your business plan as a roadmap to run your company with a more cohesive vision by impro...

December - First Steps to Starting a Business

SBDCDecember 2, 2020 | 7:00PM | Online

Thinking of starting a business but don't know where to begin?

Join us for our 3-part live-stream webinar: First Steps to Starting a Business. Taught by experienced business owners, the class covers the following topics:

• Coming up with your business idea
• ...

Digital Marketing and Social Media Conference

SBDCDecember 8, 2020 | 8:30AM | Online

Topic: Marketing and Sales

In this one day conference, area experts will give you actionable items that you can take away and implement into your business immediately. Bring your laptop, tablet or mobile device to take full advantage of working along with the experts by reviewing your website and social media accounts. This one day conference includes four 90 minute sessions, a keynote marketing speaker, lunch and refreshments

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First Steps to Business Success

SBDCDecember 9, 2020 | 6:00PM | Wisconsin SBDC at UW - River Falls, River Falls

Topic: Business Basics

Have a business idea but don't know where to start or what to do next? In this class we will learn the building blocks and important steps to starting a successful business. Get answers to questions like: Will people buy my product/service? What type of business structure is best for me? How do I market my business? What is the process to get start up funds? Class will include discussion, worksheets and a panel of experts to make sure you have resources for your next steps.

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Home Based Business Resource Guide

SBDCDecember 30, 2020 | 12:00AM | Online

The SBDC provides business resource guides to assist small business owners or startups with information and resources on specific topics. The guides are available as a digital PDF. We do not have printed guides available.

The Home Based Business Resource Guide