Progress Lakeshore

10/14/2026

Have a business idea you've been thinking about launching?

The LEVEL UP Pitch Contest is your opportunity to take the stage, share your vision, and compete for cash prizes.

✅ 4-minute business pitch
✅ 2 minutes of questions from judges
✅ $1,000 Grand Prize
✅ Opportunity to advance to regional competition

Whether you're launching a startup, a side hustle, a product, or a service, we want to hear your idea.

Apply by November 6: 🔗 https://www.progresslakeshore.org/level-up-pitch-contest/

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners
UnitedOne Credit Union | U.S. Bank | WOMT Radio | New North, Inc. | New Launch Alliance | WBD Inc.

This year's LEVEL UP Pitch Contest is being held in conjunction with Founders Connection, creating an opportunity for entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, investors, and community leaders to connect before and after the competition.

LEVEL UP Pitch Contest LEVEL UP Pitch Contest Turn Your Business Idea Into Your Next Big Opportunity What Is LEVEL Up? The LEVEL UP Pitch Contest is Manitowoc County’s entrepreneur pitch competition, giving aspiring and early-stage business owners the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel ...

10/01/2026

Did you know some of the world's most impressive products are made right here in Manitowoc County?

October is Manufacturing Month. We're proud to support Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA)'s video campaign featuring five Progress Lakeshore Member Investors: Burger Boat Company, Eck Industries, Inc, Parker Hannifin, Redline Plastics, and Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry.

These companies are helping drive innovation, create careers, and strengthen our local economy every day. Check out the video and discover what's made in Manitowoc County.

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OuorNGmQaM

Check out what is made in Manitowoc County featuring Burger Boat, E...

09/29/2026

🎙️ Missed This Week's Episode of Lakeshore Business Compass?

This week, Jamie and Abbey welcomed Dr. Paul Carlsen from Lakeshore College to discuss the work Lakeshore College is doing to support students, strengthen the workforce, and help meet the evolving needs of employers across our region.

Tune in to learn more about the partnerships, programs, and initiatives helping prepare the next generation of talent and drive economic growth in our community.

🎧 Listen here: https://seehaferpodcastslakeshorebusinesscompass.podbean.com/

📻 Presented weekly by The Chamber of Manitowoc County and Progress Lakeshore, Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. on WOMT 1240 AM / 98.9 FM.

Presented weekly by Chamber of Manitowoc County and Progress Lakeshore, Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am on WOMT 1240 AM / 98.9 FM.

09/28/2026

Looking for funding opportunities but not sure where to start?

Strengthen your grant writing skills with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension's Grant Writing Basics virtual workshop. Participants will learn the outline of a common grant proposal, where to find funding opportunities, common grant writing mistakes to avoid, and more.

📅 Choose from:
• Monday, October 12, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Whether you're a nonprofit, business, or government leader, this hands-on training can help you build the skills needed to pursue grant funding more effectively.

🔗 Learn more and register:

Organizational and Leadership Development Program Grant Writing Basics Are you a nonprofit, business, or government leader in Wisconsin in need of grant writing skills? Sign up for this informative and hands-on virtual training on grant writing.  About Our Grant Writing Class During this informativ...

09/22/2026

What a great morning at the 2026 Acceleration Breakfast!

Thank you to our member investors, community leaders, sponsors, and partners for joining us for an engaging conversation with Mark Murphy, former President & CEO of the Green Bay Packers. From insightful leadership lessons to thoughtful audience questions, the discussion around building a championship organization provided valuable takeaways for businesses and organizations of all sizes.

A special thank you to our sponsors: Nicolet Bank - Manitowoc, Comcast, Kohler Credit Union, Burger Boat Company, Bank First, Merit Financial Advisors, BDS Fastener & Supply LLC, and Seehafer News.

We would also like to thank Broken Plate Catering & Diner for catering the breakfast and the Franciscan Center for Music Education and Performance for serving as an outstanding venue for this year's event.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success. We appreciate your continued investment in Progress Lakeshore and your commitment to strengthening Manitowoc County.

09/14/2026

🚨 Final Opportunity to Apply! 🚨

Have a business idea you've been thinking about pursuing?

The deadline is here. Progress Lakeshore's Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) begins this week and is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step from idea to action.

Through this hands-on program, you'll learn how to:
✅Identify opportunities and determine your target market
✅Understand what goes into your financials
✅Learn the process to obtain funding for your business
✅Complete a workbook that can become the foundation for a full business plan
✅Connect with other entrepreneurs
✅Receive confidential one-on-one consulting

📅 Classes begin this week
📍 In-person and virtual options available

👉 Register now: https://www.progresslakeshore.org/entrepreneur-small-business-training-programs/entrepreneurial-training-program/



Thanks to our sponsors, U.S. Bank and UnitedOne Credit Union

Entrepreneurial Training Program Entrepreneurial Training Program Develop a Practical Plan to Start and Grow Your Business Progress Lakeshore has teamed up with UW Green Bay’s SBDC Entrepreneurial Training Program to offer you invaluable assistance in crafting a comprehensive strategy for a succes...

09/09/2026

Small business owners, how would you describe your past year?

Respond to the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey today and contribute to data that directly informs the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others. We are a proud partner in this nationwide effort because we believe that the more small businesses are heard, the better they can be served.

➡️ https://fedreserveboard.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38k9xZy8ayEERue?orgID=20241076

09/09/2026

⏰ Registration deadlines are approaching!

Whether you're starting a business, growing an existing one, or looking to sharpen your leadership skills, we've got something for you this fall.

✅ Strategic Planning for Small Businesses | Sept. 15
✅ Entrepreneurial Training Program | Sept. 17
✅ Acceleration Breakfast with Mark Murphy | Sept. 22
✅ Level Up Pitch Contest | Nov. 12

Several of these events are happening in the next two weeks, and registration is closing soon. Secure your spot today and invest in your business, leadership, and future success.

🔗 Learn more and register: www.progresslakeshore.org

09/08/2026

🎙️ Missed This Week's Episode of Lakeshore Business Compass?

This week, Jamie and Abbey continued the conversation in Part 2 of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem series, exploring how entrepreneurs' needs evolve throughout their business journey and the importance of mentorship, education, networking, and resources that support long-term success.

🎧 Listen here: https://seehaferpodcastslakeshorebusinesscompass.podbean.com/

📻 Presented weekly by The Chamber of Manitowoc County and Progress Lakeshore, Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. on WOMT 1240 AM / 98.9 FM.

Presented weekly by Chamber of Manitowoc County and Progress Lakeshore, Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am on WOMT 1240 AM / 98.9 FM.

09/02/2026

You've got the idea. Now build the plan.

If you've been thinking about starting a business but aren't sure where to begin, Progress Lakeshore's Entrepreneurial Training Program can help.

Over 8 weeks, you'll learn how to identify customers, understand financials, prepare for funding, and develop a roadmap for success. Plus, you'll receive confidential one-on-one consulting and connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

📅 Classes begin September 17

💲 Eligible participants may attend for as little as $50 in person

Seats are limited.

👉 Register today: https://www.progresslakeshore.org/entrepreneur-small-business-training-programs/entrepreneurial-training-program/

Thanks to our sponsors, U.S. Bank and UnitedOne Credit Union

Entrepreneurial Training Program Entrepreneurial Training Program Develop a Practical Plan to Start and Grow Your Business Progress Lakeshore has teamed up with UW Green Bay’s SBDC Entrepreneurial Training Program to offer you invaluable assistance in crafting a comprehensive strategy for a succes...