Progress Lakeshore

06/18/2026

Last evening, we hosted our first Idea Spark 60-Second Pitch Night, bringing together individuals to share ideas, products, and services in a quick, accessible format.

The event highlighted a variety of creative and thoughtful concepts, and it was great to see participants step forward, share their ideas, and engage with others in the community.

We appreciate the partnership from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and FIRE Consortium for supporting entrepreneurship in the region, bringing this event to life, and providing participant awards.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
• Judge’s Award: Fit4Mom Manitowoc
• Most Unique: Agricultural Alchemy Agritourism (Sullivan Family Farm)
• Best Community Impact: Fit4Mom Manitowoc
• Most Market Ready: IrisKane&Co.
• People’s Choice Award: Color Wagon Campervan Rentals

Thank you to everyone who participated and attended. We look forward to building on the energy from this event and continuing to create opportunities to share and support ideas within our community.

06/16/2026

What is the Child Care Revolving Loan Fund?

It’s a funding opportunity designed to help people start or expand a child care business in Manitowoc County.

📧 Email [email protected] to learn more, or visit: https://www.progresslakeshore.org/start-a-child-care-business/

06/15/2026

New Training Opportunity for Small Businesses!

Ready to level up your business skills?

Our 3-session Marketing Essentials program helps you define your audience, strengthen your brand, and grow sales.

📅 Starts July 14
🔗 Register here: https://www.progresslakeshore.org/marketing-essentials-for-small-businesses/

06/10/2026

New Small Business Training Opportunities Are Here!

Whether you're just starting to explore a business idea or ready to scale an existing one, we’ve developed programs to meet you where you are.

✅ Marketing Essentials for Small Businesses (Starting July 14) — Build your brand, reach the right audience, and grow sales
✅ Financial Training for Small Businesses (Starting Aug 26) — Gain confidence in budgeting, bookkeeping, and financial planning
✅ Strategic Planning for Small Businesses (Starting Sept 15) — Build a roadmap for sustainable growth and long-term success
✅ Business Basics for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (Starting Dec 1) — Ideal for those in the idea stage exploring self-employment

No matter where you are in your journey, there’s a program designed for you.

🔗 Explore all programs and find your next step:
https://www.progresslakeshore.org/entrepreneur-small-business-training-programs/

06/08/2026

You don’t need to have everything figured out.

If you’re just thinking about starting a child care business, Lynn can help you understand the basics, explore your options, and connect you with available resources.

Need equipment or renovations? The Childcare Accelerator Loan offers low-interest loans of up to $3,000 to help support your child care business.

Email [email protected] to get started.

06/03/2026

Starting or expanding a child care business can feel overwhelming.

Meet Lynn, our Community Child Care Development Specialist. She will guide you through licensing, funding options, and the next steps. Email [email protected] to schedule a meeting or visit https://www.progresslakeshore.org/start-a-child-care-business/ to learn more.

06/01/2026

A little over a week ago, we celebrated the conclusion of our Spring 2026 Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) and all that this incredible group has accomplished! For eight weeks, these driven entrepreneurs participated in a hands-on learning experience designed to help them start, strengthen, or scale their businesses.

We are excited to see their businesses launch and grow, and look forward to the impact they will have on our community.

A special thank you to our ETP sponsor, U.S. Bank, along with our scholarship sponsor, UnitedOne Credit Union.

➡️To explore upcoming programming for entrepreneurs and small business owners, visit our website: https://www.progresslakeshore.org/entrepreneur-small-business-training-programs/

05/29/2026

Hear the ideas. Cast your vote.

Join us at Idea Spark to experience 60‑second pitches from people sharing their business ideas.

Connect with others, hear new ideas, and help vote for your favorites.

🍻 Drink + appetizers included for registered attendees
📅 June 17 | 5:30 PM
📍 The Wharf Manitowoc
👉 Register to attend: https://www.progresslakeshore.org/idea-spark/

✅ No purchase required to participate

05/28/2026

Got a business idea?
Come pitch it.

At Idea Spark, you get 60 seconds to take the mic, no slides, no formal presentation, no pressure to be perfect. Just your idea and the chance to earn a share of over $1,500 in awards.

🍻 All registered attendees receive a drink ticket + light appetizers
📅 Wednesday, June 17
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 The Wharf Manitowoc

👉 Register now to pitch or attend: https://www.progresslakeshore.org/idea-spark/

✅ No purchase required to participate

Idea Spark Idea Spark A 60‑Second Pitch Night for Big or Small Ideas Over $1,500 in cash prizes Idea Spark is a new event inviting entrepreneurs, creatives, and idea‑holders to step up, share an idea, and see what can happen. Whether you’re pitching a business, a product, or a service, Idea Sp...

05/26/2026

This low-interest loan is designed for:
• New child care providers
• Providers expanding their program
• Those working toward licensing

If you’re in Manitowoc County, let’s talk. 🧸📚🎨

Email [email protected] or visit https://www.progresslakeshore.org/start-a-child-care-business/ to learn more.