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.
by GCDC | Sep 4, 2024 | Events
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2rjjpt8
Join GCDC October 17th from 7:30-9:00AM at Monroe Golf Course for a hot breakfast and learn about entrepreneurship in Green County! Three local business leaders will talk about the entrepreneurial spirit in Green County, how it has shaped our community, and how to keep the momentum going! Registration is REQUIRED and space is limited – early registration is highly encouraged.
by GCDC | Aug 14, 2024 | Events
Green County Development Corporation, the City of Brodhead, and Brodhead Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Community Conversation session with UW Community Economic Development Division of Extension to reveal the results of Community Economic Analysis (CEA).
The CEA is a program that helps communities get a better understanding of a community’s economic structure and how a community is prepared for economic development. Information obtained from the assessment often helps with decision making for workforce needs, housing and other economic growth determinants.
The event takes place on Wednesday, October 18th from 5:00-7:00PM at Brodhead’s Memorial Library. Community members are encouraged to attend, to learn the results of the study and provide input on next steps towards economic development in Brodhead.
by GCDC | Jun 20, 2024 | Events
Embracing Innovation: The Creative Economy as a Catalyst for Growth
[Monroe, June 19, 2024] – Creativity plays a significant role in economic transformation. Rural communities have unique challenges that benefit from shared ideas, networking, and learning from one another. The recent Creative Economy Summit held in Monroe connected a diverse group from southwest Wisconsin to address economic development from a different perspective.
Hosted at the Monroe Arts Center, Create Wisconsin, Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), Lafayette County Economic Development Corporation, and Prosperity Southwest teamed up to sponsor a the summit aimed at generating ideas and conversation for economic development strategies in our communities.
Anne Katz, Executive Director of Create Wisconsin shared that Wisconsin’s creative sector, comprised of over 35 key arts and culture industries, contributed $11.9 billion to the Wisconsin economy, and employed over 89,000 workers. She pointed out the social impact that innovation and creativity have on our economy and how it builds a climate for businesses to succeed.
“A creative economy is not just about art and culture; it encompasses a wide array of sectors from technology and design to entertainment and beyond,” said Olivia Otte, GCDC Executive Director. “Partnering with others to share and create new ideas and solutions can be transformative for rural economies.”
Local leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, elected officials, community groups, educators and others interested in discussing creative solutions and opportunities to help our region thrive came together for a morning of creative discussion and action planning. The consensus of the group was that collaboration and sharing of ideas to support one another in growing southwest Wisconsin in unique and diverse ways makes all our communities better.
“The summit aimed to establish a platform fostering bold ideas, experimentation, and empowerment for entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators. By cultivating an environment where creativity flourishes, we ultimately cultivate thriving communities.” Lafayette County Economic Development and Tourism Director, Allison Taylor said.
Understanding the expansive nature of the Creative Economy helps us all recognize that the impact of the creative economy extends far beyond economic metrics; it enriches societies, empowers individuals, and inspires progress.
by GCDC | Jun 3, 2024 | Events
Monroe to host Southwest Wisconsin Creative Economy Summit
Bringing creativity together with economics fosters innovation and prosperity that are vital to sustainable economic growth. A creative economy includes arts and culture, and extends beyond to entertainment, architecture, advertising, technology and more.
On June 19th, Create Wisconsin will team-up with Prosperity Southwest, Lafayette County Economic Development Corporation and Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) to host the Southwest Wisconsin Creative Economy Summit.
The event will be held at the Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th Street in Monroe from 9:00AM-12:30PM. Local leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, elected officials, non-profit and community groups, service clubs, educators and others interested in discussing creative solutions and opportunities to help our region thrive are invited to attend.
The purpose of the event is to bring together people in southwest Wisconsin who are involved in placemaking, community engagement, and economic and workforce development, to discuss the role of arts and creativity in economic vitality. By identifying current assets our communities can create economic action steps to grow opportunities for all in our communities.
To take part in this free event, please register at https://rb.gy/y2vn2i
Questions? Please call GCDC at 608-328-9452, or email gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com
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by GCDC | Mar 28, 2024 | Events
GCDC Announces Annual Award Recipients
With record breaking attendance, Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) held their Annual Dinner & Awards on Thursday, March 21st at Turner Hall in Monroe. Attendees celebrated outstanding community and business leaders and included a presentation from Keynote speaker Missy Hughes from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte welcomed over 200 people, revisited accomplishments of 2023, and recognized the 18 nominees from the three award categories. Otte also shared her vision for 2024, noting that Green County is what opportunity looks like!
Awards presentations followed for Outstanding Large and Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, and the Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award. The Outstanding Business of the Year, recognizes existing businesses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the county’s economic growth through innovation, job creation, new investment, and/or extraordinary long-time interest in supporting other business.
The Outstanding Large Business of the Year was presented to Precision Drive & Control (PDC). PDC, a 100% employee-owned company based in Monroe was recognized for its commitment to Green County through business reach, employee growth and participation in local events. PDC has also recently been recognized by trade groups earning varied distinguished awards and recognition, representing the pride of the PDC employee-owners.
The Outstanding Small Business of the Year was presented to Dirty Dog Taphaus owners Leah Hansen-Kube and Keith Kube. The New Glarus business was recognized for making significant contributions to the economic growth and vibrancy of Green County through their innovative approach, dedication to the community, and commitment to excellence.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award honors an entrepreneur who leads the way for the business, demonstrating a growth mindset, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and find solutions to challenges, and a hunger for opportunity. This year’s award was presented to Joey and Jordyn VanMatre. The VanMatre’s were identified as exemplifying the true definition of entrepreneur by taking risks and giving back to their community. Together they own TruHome/Bath Planet, Sweet Serendipity, Smokin’ Joes’s, Iron Haus, Cheese Country Rentals, and Safe & Sound Securities. Joe is also an agent with Advantage Real Estate Group. They were major donors for the Monroe Splash Pad and give donations monthly to non-profit organizations.
The Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award commemorates Richard B. Schmied, a former New Glarus resident and business owner, remembered for the characteristics of selfless leadership he exhibited, and exemplifies the character of a true leader. This year’s recipient was presented to Chad Kundert of Kundert Construction. Chad was nominated for his commitment to the success and well-being of his customers, employees, and company. His leadership style is characterized by empathy, mentorship, and a genuine interest in the professional and personal growth of each team member. In addition, Chad actively engages in initiatives that benefit the community, demonstrating a sense of responsibility beyond the bottom line.
GCDC is proud to recognize all nominees (see below) and honor the commitment and dedication it takes to run a successful business and give back to their communities. The mission of GCDC is to promote and encourage economic growth while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County, Wisconsin a great place to live and work. As a non-profit organization they are building the economic future of Green County communities and businesses through public-private partnerships.
For more images of the event, visit GCDC’s Facebook or LinkedIN pages. You can find more information on GCDC online at www.greencountydevelopment.com or by contacting the office directly at (608) 328-9452 or email gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com.
This year’s Green County Award Nominees:
The Outstanding Business of the Year Award – honors an existing business that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the county’s economic growth through innovation, job creation, new investment, and/or extraordinary long-time interest in supporting others in business.
- Brookly Barn
- Ludlow Mansion & Events
- Main Street Music & Events, Brooklyn
- Pink Heifer Saloon & Smokehouse
- SSM Health
- Dirty Dog Taphaus
- Decatur Cheese Plant
- Precision Drive & Control
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award – honors an entrepreneur who leads the way for their business, demonstrating a growth mindset, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn and find solutions to challenges, and a hunger for opportunity.
- Tess Palmer, Trouvaille Coffee Co.
- Angie Schumacher, Full Moon Brew Bar
- Scott Mosher and Kyle Keehn, M&K Properties
- Andy and Lisa Beach, Son of a Beach Beef, LLC
- Joey and Jordyn VanMatre, TruHome and several other businesses
- Chelsea Andrews, Nuturing Tree Learning Academy
The Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award – commemorates Richard B. Schmied, remembered for the characteristics of leadership he exhibited. The winner of the award exemplifies the character of a true leader.
- Trent Henning
- Kasey Bruehlman
- Dan Wegmueller
- Chad Kundert
