Wisconsin Announces Free Statewide Small Business Academy to be Held May 5-8

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) recently announced it will host the 13th annual Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy from May 5-8. The free, four-day event is designed to provide critical resources and guidance to entrepreneurs and will be delivered in a hybrid format, with virtual sessions followed by in-person events across the state. The program targets a wide range of participants, from individuals considering starting a new venture to owners of early-stage companies and established entrepreneurs looking for funding and growth strategies. The academy aims to address the practical challenges of running a company beyond the core product or service, covering the financial, legal, marketing, and logistical work required for success. The first three days of the conference, from May 5-7, will consist of online workshops held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to an announcement from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which is participating in the event, the number of virtual sessions has been doubled for this year's academy. This expansion is intended to offer attendees more flexible scheduling, allowing them to choose the sessions most relevant to their specific business needs. Workshop topics are set to cover a comprehensive range of small business fundamentals. Scheduled sessions will delve into financing options, navigating legal and regulatory issues, developing marketing and sales opportunities, leveraging information technology, and understanding small business certifications. The virtual format allows entrepreneurs from any part of the state to access expert advice without the need for travel. The academy will culminate on May 8 with in-person sessions from 8 a.m. to noon, hosted by partner organizations in ten cities: Beloit, Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Lac Du Flambeau, Madison, Marshfield, Racine, and two separate locations in Milwaukee (Downtown and South). Each of these local events will feature a finance panel, a resource panel, a presentation from a local small business owner sharing their story, and multiple roundtable discussions for interactive learning and networking. As an example of the local programming, the event in Green Bay, hosted by the Greater Green Bay Chamber at the Urban Hub, has a detailed agenda. It includes a panel titled “My Journey” with Celeste Parins, co-owner of Voyageurs Bakehouse, and a financial panel with representatives from Associated Bank, WBD, and the SBA. Roundtable discussions will focus on technology, cybersecurity, legal matters, and marketing, with experts from firms like Lightspeed Tech, CMIT Solutions, Michael Best, and O’Connor Connective. A “Meet the Media” panel will also feature journalists from The Business News, The Press Times, and local television station WBAY. The Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy is a cornerstone of WEDC’s broader mission to support the state's small business community, which it describes as the “heart and soul of Wisconsin’s economy.” The initiative provides a platform for business owners to gain practical advice from peers who have successfully navigated the initial stages of growth and to connect with financial and technical resource providers. This event fits within a larger ecosystem of support that WEDC offers. Other resources highlighted by the corporation include the Start In Wisconsin directory of business resources and events, the SSBCI Technical Assistance program for very small or disadvantaged businesses seeking capital, and SizeUpWI, a market research and business intelligence tool. Together, these programs aim to provide comprehensive support for businesses at every stage of their development. For Wisconsin's entrepreneurs, particularly those in early or pre-launch stages, free access to this level of expertise is a significant opportunity. Startups and small businesses often operate with limited capital, making it difficult to afford specialized legal, financial, or marketing consultations. The academy’s format provides a structured environment to learn foundational concepts and make connections that can prove vital for long-term stability and growth. While state-sponsored programs like the Small Business Academy are an excellent starting point for entrepreneurs, we find that the real challenge begins after the conference ends. A 45-minute panel on financing or legal structures provides a valuable overview, but it cannot replace the detailed, tailored work required to build a resilient company. The crucial next step is translating that high-level knowledge into a concrete, compliant, and strategic operational framework. In our experience, many founders leave these events energized but struggle to implement the concepts into a sound corporate structure, a viable financial plan, or a compliant set of internal processes. This is where professional guidance becomes indispensable. For entrepreneurs ready to move from idea to execution, focusing on proper business formation is the single most important step in protecting personal assets and setting the stage for future investment. To ensure this foundation is built correctly, founders can work with advisors at C&S Finance Group LLC at csfinancegroup.com. With registration now open, Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial community is preparing to engage with the expanded program. The performance of this year's hybrid model, particularly the success of the doubled virtual sessions and the engagement at the ten in-person locations, will likely be a key factor in shaping how WEDC structures its small business support in the future.