Jumpstart South Central Wisconsin

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Jumpstart South Central Wisconsin Community-focused economic development. Building strong and resilient small businesses that contribute to the local economy.

Entrepreneurial resources and training.

Our Founder & CEO, Genia Stevens, started her entrepreneurship journey in 1999 with her very first client: a $25 eBay cl...
10/07/2026

Our Founder & CEO, Genia Stevens, started her entrepreneurship journey in 1999 with her very first client: a $25 eBay client who needed help marketing their products on Craigslist. From there she built a thriving marketing and strategic planning business. Today she leads an incubator and accelerator for Black and minority business owners. Come hear her story about how women, especially Black women, have to find the right people, places, and spaces where their business can grow and thrive - and how her lived experiences have shaped the mission and vision of Jumpstart South Central Wisconsin.

Want to learn more about starting an adult family home or sober living facility? Join Nicole Pecku, a recipient of In B...
10/05/2026

Want to learn more about starting an adult family home or sober living facility? Join Nicole Pecku, a recipient of In Business Madison's 40 under 40 award, for this 3-part series.

09/18/2026

I want to recognize our latest cohort for completing our business program and stepping up to pitch their businesses. Finishing the coursework is a real accomplishment. Delivering a pitch in front of others is a greater one.

I want to address the results of the pitch competition directly. When the scores were tallied, two pitches were tied for third place. I chose to break the tie with a coin flip, which placed Nikki Bennett and John Bennett in third. The pitch that tied with theirs belonged to Renette Hereford.

That decision was mine, and it was the wrong call. The tie should have been announced, and both pitches should have been recognized as third place from the start. Nikki and John earned their placement, and so did Renette. All three are rightfully third place winners. I offer my sincere apology to Renette, and to the full cohort, for how this was handled.

Our organization holds itself to a standard of fairness and accountability. When we fall short of that standard, we correct it. Recognizing all three winners is the right outcome, and it is the one we are moving forward with.

Congratulations again to every winner and to each of you who saw this program through to the finish.

Genia Stevens
Founder and CEO
Jumpstart South Central Wisconsin

Nikita Ford is hosting the Jumpstart TechX Accelerator Pitch, and she knows this program from the inside. Nikita is a gr...
08/27/2026

Nikita Ford is hosting the Jumpstart TechX Accelerator Pitch, and she knows this program from the inside. Nikita is a graduate of both the Jumpstart Accelerator and the Jumpstart STEM program. Today she's the founder of Rubies with a Purpose and Rock County Board Supervisor for District 13.

Come cheer on our cohort of entrepreneurs as they pitch what they've built, hosted by someone who once stood where they're standing.

Eight people from our community have an idea and the courage to share it with everyone. On Thursday, September 3rd, they...
08/26/2026

Eight people from our community have an idea and the courage to share it with everyone. On Thursday, September 3rd, they’ll pitch those ideas live. Event is free and open to the public.

Come join us from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Beloit Rotary River Center. You’ll also hear from keynote speaker Camille Carter, President and CEO of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce. The event will be hosted by Nikita Ford, Rock County Board Supervisor and Jumpstart graduate. Show your support by attending. Please remember to register.

Free and open to the public!

Join us for the Jumpstart Accelerator Pitch on Wednesday, September 3rd from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Beloit Rotary Riv...
08/26/2026

Join us for the Jumpstart Accelerator Pitch on Wednesday, September 3rd from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Beloit Rotary River Center. Eight entrepreneurs are stepping up to present their business ideas to a panel of community leaders: Lorenzo Henderson, Florence Haley, Michelle Bullock, Renette Hereford, Nikki Bennett, John Bennett, Jason Neal, and Dana Mangruen.

We're also welcoming keynote speaker Camille Carter, President and CEO of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce. Nikita Ford, Rock County Board Supervisor and Jumpstart Accelerator graduate, will emcee and host.

Bring a friend, support small businesses, and see what our community is building. Registration is required. Free and open to the public!

You still have time. See you at the Beloit Rotary River Center at 5:30pm!
08/20/2026

You still have time. See you at the Beloit Rotary River Center at 5:30pm!

We look forward to seeing you!
08/11/2026

We look forward to seeing you!

Keynote speaker announced! Camille Carter, President and CEO of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, is headlining th...
08/06/2026

Keynote speaker announced! Camille Carter, President and CEO of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, is headlining the Jumpstart TechX Accelerator Pitch.

Come cheer on our cohort of entrepreneurs as they pitch what they've built, and hear from a leader who knows what it takes to grow.

- Thursday, September 3, 2026
- 5:30 to 8:30 PM
- Beloit Rotary River Center, Beloit, WI

Free and open to the community. Registration info👇

Local entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of community leadersFor 10 weeks, a group of 8 local entrepreneurs...
08/01/2026

Local entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of community leaders

For 10 weeks, a group of 8 local entrepreneurs worked to build and grow their businesses. They learned how to price their work, tell their story, manage their money, and use tech tools to grow. Now they're ready to show you what they made.

Each one pitches their business to a panel of community leaders. Come cheer them on, discover local products and services, and support the next wave of small business owners in our community. Whether you're a business owner, a supporter, or just curious, there's a seat for you.

Free to attend.

When: Thursday, September 3, 2026, 5:30 to 8:30 PM
Where: Beloit River Center, Beloit, WI

Address

2080 Sutler Avenue
Beloit, WI
53511

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16084737877

Website

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