What happens at a Small Business Clinic?
Small business owners received guidance in many formats on many topics at the Small Business Clinic held November 7 at the Waukesha County Technical College. The event, hosted by the University of Wisconsin’s Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE), offered one-on-one consulting appointments, topic expert presentations, an LLC formation lab, and an expo featuring resource providers.
These recurring Small Business Clinics are happening strategically across Wisconsin. Keep an eye open for the upcoming Small Business Clinic to be announced in January in Fond du Lac.
Lora Bray describes all the opportunities for entrepreneurs at the clinic
Lora Bray (OBE) and Melanie Manuel (SBDC) welcome all to the Waukesha Small Business Clinic
What are attendees saying about their experience at the Small Business Clinic?
“I learned about available programs and initiatives and funding resources. I loved the Business Model Canvas! I can’t wait to attend the next Small Business Clinic. People are so approachable and helpful!”
“The clinic has been a great resource for us. I learned a lot already today! I’ve gotten good tips on marketing and investors. I hope others can take advantage of this program.”
“I’ve already benefitted from SBDC’s free coaching services. The support and resources to help me take calculated risks are really helpful.”
Free one-on-one consulting
Attendees pre-registered for time slots to talk with consultants. Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) representatives met with entrepreneurs one-on-one to discuss business strategy and services. OBE staff scheduled times with individuals to talk about accounting and finance.
Wendy Potratz, professional financial consultant at OBE said, “There’s something truly powerful about sitting down face-to-face and talking through questions with entrepreneurs on financial topics like budgeting, forecasting, and bookkeeping options.”
Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC) met with people to discuss federal funding and commercialization programs. Rob Baronowski, technology consultant with CTC said, “I love to introduce people to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. These grants help fund innovative ideas and broaden scientific frontiers.”
Other experts met with entrepreneurs on topics such as food and farm businesses, ecommerce, international trade, legal services, taxes, and artificial intelligence.
One-on-one consulting sessions
What else are attendees saying about their experience at the Small Business Clinic?
“I’m so happy I came. I had about 1,000 questions and I have been able to get answers to every single one.”
“The clinic is so worth my time. I needed help with financing. I can now use the free resources to work better and smarter.”
“I enjoyed the clinic so very much. I got help with how to run my business and who to go to for help.”
“I am a new business owner attending the clinic to learn how to build a sustainable business.”
Topic Expert Presentations
The November 7 Small Business Clinic sessions focused on topics such as connecting with lenders, creating a business plan, and understanding small business law. They also addressed international trade, workforce solutions, financial records, digital marketing, and more.
Focus on Finance Sessions
Most entrepreneurs struggle with the capital required to start, operate, and grow businesses. Some of the most popular panels at the clinic discussed finances, taxes, and capital access. Panelists from several Waukesha area banks discussed financing options available to small businesses and details about what lenders seek in applicants. Another session, hosted by Wisconsin Department of Revenue, talked about tax credits, compliance, and filing procedures.
Funding Resources Panel
Practical Use Sessions
Attendees loved the practical, actionable offerings such as how to use the business model canvas presented by Nora Roughen-Schmidt, SBDC consultant and State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Specialist. John Muraski, OBE’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) clinic manager, provided practical AI strategies for improving efficiency and automating tasks. The UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic helped attendees understand contracts, intellectual property, and other small business legalities.
John Muraski, OBE’s AI clinic manager, leads a session
Student consultants with the UW Digital Marketing Clinic (DMC) highlighted strategies to attract customers and stand out online. Kathy Fredrickson, director of the DMC said, “Our team was thrilled to present its Marketing Survival Toolkit to help entrepreneurs.”
Listen to the DMC students explain how they assist with marketing strategies
Digital Marketing Clinic Student Consultants
Growth Strategy Sessions
The Department of Workforce Development hosted a panel of experts who shared practical strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining talent. Participants seeking growth through importing and exporting gained valuable insights on international trade and risk management from Chris Wojtowicz, SBDC export trade consultant, and Sue Dragotta, global business and supply chain instructor at Waukesha County Technical College.
Hear Chris describe Wisconsin export details and how the Go Global Initiative can help
Navigating International Trade Panel
LLC FORMATION LAB and RESOURCE EXPO
Participants were even able to create and register their businesses in the LLC Formation Lab. Participants brought their laptops and were guided through the online application to form an LLC in the State of Wisconsin.
The power of collaboration in the Wisconsin entrepreneurial system was evident at the Small Business Clinic as so many resource providers pitched in at the event: Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE), Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, Food Finance Institute (FFI), Center for Technology Commercialization (CTC), Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), Town Bank, Waukesha State Bank, BMO, Job Center of Wisconsin (JCW), and Veteran Employment Services.
Visit the OBE website for more details on Small Business Clinics.
Resource expo representatives