All Small Business Academy Sessions are held in the hotel.
Welcome Session begins in the Serenity Room.
Wednesday Dec. 12 7:30AM - 1PM
We know that a small business owner's time is precious and investing time to attend a conference has to deliver real value to justify being away from your business.
Over the years, the education and training at the Small Business Academy have been refined based on feedback from small business owners just like yourself.
The Small Business Academy is now designed for both startups and existing businesses.
After an opening session, two educational workshop tracks are now offered. One for startups and newer companies. The other track for established companies trying to overcome barriers to growth.
Following the workshops, small round table groups (8-10 people) are offered to discuss specific topics related to starting or growing a business. Each table has an expert to provide insights and facilitate peer-to-peer sharing between round table participants.
In just a half day you can:
- learn about funding and business resources,
- meet lenders and technical assistance providers,
- sit down with other business owners and experts to discuss key topics.
Best of all, the event is FREE to attend plus free parking at the Potawatomi Hotel and Conference Center in Milwaukee.
Event Agenda 7:30 AM Registration, Breakfast, Networking - Serenity Room
Come early and enjoy a complementary continental breakfast while networking with other attendees.
8:00 AM Welcome Session - Serenity Room
The Small Business Academy kicks-off with a welcome, overview of the day's agenda and introductions. Details on the day's sessions and roundtables will be covered.
8:45 AM Loan and Funding Workshop Panel - Serenity Room
This workshop covers the range of funding options available to help you start and grow your business.
The panel includes community microlenders, crowd-funding, and small business bankers.
Learn all the funding options available and what it takes to obtain funding for your business.
9:10 AM Small Business Market Research Tools - Finding Your Market - Serenity Room
Public libraries have a wealth of free market research tools available for small businesses developing
their marketing and business plans. A Milwaukee Public Library Business Librarian will introduce
the online and hardcopy resources available to find data on customers, market trends and much more. They will also have a table in the Small Business Resource Fair area with several laptops for
hands-on exploring.
9:30 AM Choice of Breakout Workshops
Two breakout tracks are offered:
Track A - Workshop for Startups and Newer Businesses - Serenity Room
Track B - Workshop for Existing and Growing Businesses - Harmony Room
10:30 AM Small Business Resource Fair Opens Until 1:00 PM
Lending and assistance resource tables will line the hallways giving you an opportunity to connect with
potential lenders and free business assistance resources.
10:30 AM Roundtable Discussions - 1st Session (Prosperity and Inspire Rooms)
Key business topics will be discussed in small round-table groups of 8 to 10 people including an
experienced business owner or expert on the topic. Sign-up for the topics during registration below.
Roundtable registration is on first come first serve basis - so register early to save a seat!
Seminars on the most popular topics will be held in the Serenity and Harmony Rooms.
11:00 AM Roundtable Discussions - 2nd Session (Prosperity and Inspire Rooms)
The round table topics will be repeated again giving attendees the opportunity to cover two topics
in this highly engaging and informative format.
11:30 AM Industry Roundtables (Inspire Room)
Registration data will be used to select the industry roundtables based on the number of attendees
representing each industry. Past roundtables included construction, retail operations, real estate and
professional services. Other industries might be transportation/logistics, childcare/senior care,
manufacturing, housing, IT, medical, education and training.
Noon - 1 PM Small Business Resource Fair Remains Open
The Academy continues until 1 PM with time to visit the resource booths and continue making
connections with other attendees.**
1:00 PM Adjourn
** Important Note: Lunch is NOT included with the Small Business Academy registration. Attendees may purchase food at the food court located in the Potawatomi Conference Center. Ask a volunteer for directions.
