by GCDC | Jan 21, 2026 | Events
The Small Business Development Center will be hosting a series of virtual consulting sessions. Registration is required
The registration link : https://www.cognitoforms.com/UniversitiesOfWisconsinOfficeOfBusinessAndEntrepreneurshipOBE/AskMeAboutAI
Join the SW Wisconsin SBDC for free individualized 1:1 consulting sessions focused on using artificial intelligence in your business. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions, explore practical applications of AI, and learn how to incorporate AI tools into your day-to-day work.
Sessions will be offered on February 5, 12, and 19. Each session is 20 minutes and will be held virtually via Zoom. Entrepreneurs at all skill and experience levels are welcome.
Available time windows:
- 8:00 AM–10:00 AM
- 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
- 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
To participate, individuals must submit a consulting request in advance using the form linked below:
https://forms.zohopublic.com/businessentrepreneurship/form/ElectronicRequestforConsultingeRFC/formperma/HBo_B2S1YMxgB3EnQ1C_PR_VtfN1R3rJMMJoA1DSJkprimary_center=SW%20Outreach
by GCDC | Nov 24, 2025 | Events
CONNECT GREEN COUNTY ANNOUNCES 3RD ANNUAL UGLY SWEATER HOLIDAY PARTY
MONROE, WI — Connect Green County will host its 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on Thursday, December 18, at the Monroe Golf Club, 2205 21st Street in Monroe, Wisconsin. The event runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is free for all attendees. Guests will also receive a complimentary raffle entry and one drink ticket.
Connect Green County is a networking group created to bring together local professionals, community members, and newcomers who want to build relationships and get more connected in Green County. The group hosts casual events throughout the year to help people meet one another, share ideas, and engage in the community.
“The Ugly Sweater Party has become one of our favorite traditions,” said Michelle Prien, Connect Green County Board President. “It’s a simple, fun way for folks to unwind, make new connections, and enjoy the holiday season together.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear their most festive or outrageous holiday sweaters and join in for an evening of relaxed conversation, light activities, and seasonal cheer.
For more information, contact Olivia Otte at 608-328-9452 or gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com, or check out theConnect Green County Facebook page for updates.
by GCDC | Mar 27, 2025 | Events
GCDC’s Elevate Entrepreneurs – Pitch Series to be held in May
Elevate Entrepreneurs Pitch Flyer and registration link:
Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), the Bank of New Glarus, Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Center (SBDC), and the New Glarus Chamber are partnering up to host a 3-part coaching series and pitch contest beginning May 1, 2025. This series will prepare entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to local lenders and leaders for a chance at cash prizes.
The series kicks off Thursday, May 1 with focused attention on building your business plan. Nora Roughen-Schmidt with Southwest Wisconsin SBDC will help participants get focused on the core elements of their business plan. On Thursday, May 8 participants will work on their pitch plans and have one-to-one opportunities to work with Roughen-Schmidt and GCDC’s Executive Director Olivia Otte to polish their pitches. On Thursday, May 15 participants will get a chance to pitch their business to local judges. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three best pitches based on a scoring system that will be presented prior to that evening.
Previous pitch contestants have indicated the pitch contest experience was a great opportunity to pull the details of their business together in a comprehensive way for use in any situation, but especially with potential investors and customers. Previous winners have used their cash prize for marketing purposes, equipment purchases, and hiring a consultant to explore ways to grow their business. All have commented on the valuable information and feedback received by simply taking part in the program.
All sessions are held on Thursdays from 6:00-7:30PM at Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery in New Glarus. The program is free to attend. Registration is required, and attendance at all sessions is required to participate in the pitch contest. Participation in the pitch contest is optional.
Registration is required and can be completed at bit.ly/4hP5w3v
Elevate Entrepreneurs is an umbrella for business support offered by GCDC. GCDC is focused on assisting entrepreneurs and business owners through educational programs, loan programs, consultation, and referrals.
Questions can be sent to gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com or by calling 608-328-9452.
GCDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization working for economic growth in Green County, while maintaining the quality of life that makes our community a great place to live and work.
by GCDC | Oct 22, 2024 | Events
Green County has a tremendous amount of small to large companies that began with an idea and hard work. When an entrepreneur is ready to move on to the next thing there are many items to consider. As a strong supporter of entrepreneurs and business owners, Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) is here to help.
November 12th, GCDC is bringing Nikki Austin, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, to talk about the top items to consider when planning for the sale or hand-off of a business. A checklist will be reviewed, with time for questions and discussion. The event will be held at the 18th & 8th Event Center at 1802 8th Street in Monroe. Doors open at 8AM, with presentation beginning at 8:15AM.
“Exit, or succession planning for business owners is often an emotional and complex task. Our goal with adding this to Community Conversation this month is to layout ideas for planning and make connections that are often set aside. It is never too early to start planning for future changes and we want people to know GCDC is here to assist where we can.” GCDC’s Executive Director, Olivia Otte stated.
A continental breakfast and coffee service will be available for this free event. Registration is not required, but it is encouraged. Please register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/44mqnur/lp/d4b9cc46-8670-4abb-a200-af12bea3d9a8
CDC is a 501c3 corporation committed to building public and private partnerships that promote and encourage economic growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County a great place to live and work.. Email at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com or call 608-328-9452 for more information.
by GCDC | Sep 16, 2024 | Events
FREE SMALL BUSINESS CLINIC OCTOBER 11
Expert help with starting a business, financials, marketing, taxes & more
(MADISON, WI) –The Office for Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE), Green County Development Corporation, Prosperity Southwest and Blackhawk Technical College will host a Small Business Clinic – free to all participants – on October 11 at Blackhawk Technical College’s Monroe campus.
This FREE event begins at 9am and is a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ for entrepreneurs. Come for the day or for a specific session. Participants can schedule 30-minute individual sessions with consultants to discuss starting a business, financials, marketing, taxes, revolving loan funds, international trade, or legal matters.
The confidential, free, one-on-one appointments can be scheduled between 9am and 4pm.
Consulting services will be available in Spanish from 11am-4pm.
“Whether you’re not sure where to start or you’re ready to make a leap, our experts are here to offer trusted insights and industry-specific advice, free of charge”, said Nora Roughen-Schmidt, business consultant and event organizer. “Please join us on October 11 and we will help get you started!”
“On behalf of Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) and Prosperity Southwest, I’m thrilled to see this Small Business Clinic offer such a valuable resource to our local entrepreneurs,” added Olivia Otte, Green County Development Corporation Executive Director & President, Prosperity Southwest. “This event brings together expertise, guidance, and support to help businesses at any stage thrive. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we are committed to fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in our community.”
In addition to the 30-minute appointments, participants may choose to attend lecture-style group sessions featuring General Business Law with UW Madison’s Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, Business Taxes with the Department of Revenue, Marketing 101, Funding your Business with Revolving Loan Funds, and International Trade and Opportunities for Women in Entrepreneurship.
Stay for lunch and mingle with local organizations that support entrepreneurship in the region, meet fellow entrepreneurs, and learn about programs in the region that support Small Businesses.
Local Southwest Wisconsin SBDC Business Consultant and State Small Business Credit Initiative
Specialist Nora Roughen-Schmidt will be available for free and confidential small business consulting: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu
WHAT: FREE Small Business Clinic
WHERE: Blackhawk Technical College Campus, 210 4th Avenue, Monroe, WI
WHO: Four groups hosting this event:
1. Office of Business & Entrepreneurship – Universities of Wisconsin
2. Green County Development Corporation
3. Prosperity Southwest
4. Blackhawk Technical College
WHEN: Friday, October 11 – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Register for the clinic online: https://centerex.wisconsinsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=9440065
or email: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu call/text: 608-716-9441.
Click this link to learn more: Small Business Clinic Monroe
The Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) provides specialized resources and helps clients craft personalized plans to grow their businesses. The Institute is part of the world-class University of Wisconsin System.
The Prosperity Southwest region covers six Southwest Wisconsin counties: Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland. Together we are committed to our communities and economic development efforts in knowing Prosperity begins with opportunity, and opportunity can come in some of the most unusual of places. We invite you to join us as we continue unearthing the legacy and heritage of our scenic Southwest Wisconsin.
