School of Business > LEAP > About 

WHO IS LEAP: This is a collaborative effort between:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business' Weinert Center for Entrepreneurship,
• Women in Business Council,
• Small Business Development Center,
• Community organizations, individuals, and entrepreneurs

LEAP OVERVIEW: The program identifies suitable women-owned businesses, recruits advisory panel members, trains entrepreneurs and advisory panel members, provides on-going support and consultation, coordinates in-person and on-line forums for networking. LEAP will also collect qualitative and quantitative information and data, and compile and disseminate the results and "case stories" of LEAP participants.

LEAP GOAL:

• To provide women entrepreneurs with the type of business advice and quality mentorship that is often more readily available to their male counterparts or to larger corporations

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

• Businesses primarily owned and operated by a woman (women)
• 3-5 years in current business
• At least 5 employees*
• Under $2 million in gross revenues*
• Potential for growth, improved profits and/or positive change
• Business owners and key staff are committed to participation in LEAP
• *Possible exceptions can be made

EXPECTED RESULTS:

• Increased growth and profitability of participating women-owned businesses;
• Development of a specialized curriculum and support system to facilitate the creation and utilization of advisory panels by women business owners;
• Dissemination of useful information to other entrepreneurs, educators, and business professionals.