Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point

T-6 days until National SBDC Day! Did you know in 2024 the SBDC team -?Worked directly with 660 consulting clients and 120 single-question requests -?Helped clients obtain over $13.2 million in capital -?Helped 29 new businesses start -?Hosted 53 training events We want to help YOU grow this year! Join our Newsletter to explore more SBDC resources, upcoming courses, and so much more:?https://lnkd.in/gUkMEbiD

SBDCs are revolutionizing the entrepreneurial landscape with innovative training and strategic guidance, empowering America’s entrepreneurs to launch, sustain, and grow their dream businesses with confidence and support! We are happy to help celebrate SBDC Day on March 19! #SDBCDay?@Wisconsinsbdc?

Two standout business ideas are heading to The Pitch finals at Fox Cities Stadium, where they’ll compete for a $10,000 grand prize! UW-Stevens Point students Riley O’Connor (business administration) and Evan Casper (College of Natural Resources) secured their spots after impressing judges in the campus qualifying round on Feb. 25. Seven student teams had just four minutes to sell their vision, but it was O’Connor’s Wausau Seal Coat—an expansion of his Wausau Wash company—and Casper’s Finn and Feather Decoys, handcrafted basswood duck decoys painted with acrylics, that emerged victorious. Both entrepreneurs walked away with a $1,000 scholarship and a ticket to The Pitch finals. Judges Christopher Klesmith, Ben McDougal and Cat Johnson provided invaluable insights to all participants, shaping the next generation of innovators. The Pitch at Fox Cities Stadium on Monday, April 28 will feature 10 entries from five colleges in Northeast Wisconsin with the opportunity to win cash and in-kind services to further their entrepreneurial pursuits. This marks UWSP’s second year in the competition—last year, Sentry School marketing student Haley Densow took home the grand prize.

Last week, our SBDC team sent Andi, Cartoon and Kate (not pictured) to the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce Wausau Chamber of Commerce Women's Leadership Conference. It was a day full of inspiration from leaders in our area, and networking with other local professionals and entrepreneurs. Also pictured, our University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Continuing Education teammate Mara, who also was able to attend and introduce us to some of her connections in the room. We are always grateful to learn from and beside amazing local leaders. Thank you for connecting with us at this event!

??2024 Workforce Wrapped: The SBDC Impact?? This year, the Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point have been hard at work creating opportunities, fostering growth, and making a difference in the workforce. Check out the incredible impact we made together in 2024—from workshops to consultations and everything in between!??? ??Check out how we supported business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and professionals across the board. #2024WorkforceWrapped #SBDCImpact #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship