SBDC Is Integral Part of New Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of the School of Business will play a key role when the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network (WEN) debuts on June 1. WEN is envisioned as a gateway to delivering statewide entrepreneurial services. It will integrate and link existing programs, services, opportunities and connections for small business.

WEN incorporates the services and resources of four leading partner organizations:

• University of Wisconsin-Extension
• WiSys Technology Foundation
• Wisconsin Technical College System
• Agricultural Innovation Center

Additional WEN partners include many community-based economic development and small business assistance organizations . A major goal is to use the pool of statewide talent and resources to provide the best services available to meet an entrepreneur’s needs, regardless of where the customer is located. Assistance is offered in: starting a business, finance and accounting, marketing, product development, business plans, intellectual property and competitive research.

SBDC Director Neil Lerner said, “With the formation of WEN, Wisconsin recognizes that entrepreneurial activity is the most important job growth engine of the economy. We want to help more companies start; more existing small firms grow and create more quality, higher paying jobs. The Madison SBDC looks forward to playing a key role in this initiative.”

The Madison SBDC will be the southwest regional service center for WEN. A WEN southwest regional director will work in collaboration with the Madison SBDC to provide technology transfer, SBIR and other specialized services to potential high-impact businesses in the region.

New services will include:

• WEN Resource Navigator www.wenportal.org - Wisconsin will be the first state to launch a newly developed resource navigator tool sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Through the WEN Resource Navigator and at local access points, entrepreneurs can get linked to an appropriate local resource partner.
• WEN Network - A dynamic network where members can search for clients, alliances, peers and new sales opportunities.
• Entrepreneur@work , an HTML newsletter of entrepreneurial-based content from select writers active in the entrepreneurial field.
• Wisconsin Success Stories searchable by region and industry.
• Events Calendar of training opportunities and conferences around the state searchable by city, industry sector and keyword.

For more information, contact SBDC Director Neil Lerner at 263-0221.