Manitowoc County Entrepreneurs

05/26/2026

Join SCORE to learn the basics of BUSINESS CONTRACTS on May 28th at 1 p.m. Cost is only $10! For more information on this and many other online training opportunities, go to the SCORE website: https://www.score.org/il/north-cook-and-lake-counties/business-education/05-28-26-basics-contracts-protect-your-business-confidence/

05/04/2026

This week, we’re celebrating National Small Business Week and the entrepreneurs and small business owners who make our Lakeshore community thrive. 🌟

Happy 🎉

This week, we celebrate the more than 36 million small businesses across America that power the nation’s economy. Share to spread word!

Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/nsbw

04/08/2026

🚨 Small business owners & aspiring entrepreneurs — this is for YOU! 🚨

📅 April is packed with opportunities!

WWBIC is hosting a full lineup of workshops and training sessions designed to help you start, grow, and strengthen your business.

✨ In-person + online options

👉 Don’t miss out — explore all the April events and find the perfect fit: https://www.wwbic.com/trainings/

04/02/2026

Ever thought about starting your own food business?

🔑 This workshop is the perfect starting point.

Learn the basics. Understand the rules. Take the first step.

Entrepreneur Essentials Your first step toward starting a business Entrepreneur Essentials is the starting point for anyone curious about entrepreneurship. These beginner-level workshops introduce the core fundamentals of launching a business and help you explore whether turning your idea into a rea...

03/19/2026

The 2026 Wisconsin Small Business Survey is now open, and it only takes 5–10 minutes to complete!

What support do you wish was available for your business? Now’s your chance to share.

The Universities of Wisconsin’s Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) is gathering feedback to better understand the real needs of small businesses across the state—and your input will help shape future programs, resources, and support.

Your voice matters. Your insight helps ensure entrepreneurs like you stay on track and set up for success.

👉 Take a few minutes to make an impact today:

Help us better support your growth and success by taking a few minutes to share your insights. Your responses will help shape this and other programs to better serve Wisconsin’s small business community.

03/17/2026

🚨 Before you file your taxes… take a second look.

Join this FREE webinar: Check Your Taxes Before You File – A Business Perspective and learn how to review your return with confidence before you sign ✍️

🗓 March 18, 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM (CT)

In this session, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to spot common red flags that can trigger IRS scrutiny
✔️ The difference between preparer mistakes vs. potential fraud
✔️ What to do if you’ve already filed and something doesn’t feel right
✔️ Steps to protect yourself moving forward

This webinar is perfect for:
• Small business owners
• Self-employed individuals
• Anyone using a paid tax preparer
• Anyone concerned about receiving an IRS notice

Presented by SCORE Chicago

Register for free here:

In this webinar, you will learn how to review your tax return with confidence before you sign - and exactly what to do if you've already filed and now have concerns. Specifically, we'll cover how to identify the red flags that most commonly trigger IRS scrutiny, how to distinguish between an honest....

03/17/2026

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🚨 Entrepreneurs—this is your LAST chance to register!

Have you ever thought about starting a business? Have an idea you’ve been sitting on? This is the perfect place to start.

The Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) will help you turn that idea into a real plan, connect with others, and learn what it takes to run a business.

⏰ Registration closes tomorrow at 11:59 PM—don’t miss it!

Last chance to register!

Registration for the Spring Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) closes tomorrow, March 18, at 11:59 PM.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a business, this is your opportunity to take the first step. Build a business plan, make connections, and gain the knowledge to move forward with confidence.

👉 Don’t wait—secure your spot today: https://www.progresslakeshore.org/events/entrepreneurial-training-program/

ETP is organized by Progress Lakeshore in collaboration with the UW-Green Bay Small Business Development Center, sponsored by U.S. Bank, with UnitedOne Credit Union serving as the scholarship sponsor.

03/12/2026

Thinking about starting your own business? This program is a great first step.

The Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) helps aspiring entrepreneurs build a business plan, make valuable connections, and learn what it really takes to run a business.

Apply before March 18: https://www.progresslakeshore.org/events/entrepreneurial-training-program/

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 successful business. In this program, you will acquire the skills to identify your target market, assess their requirements, and ...

03/03/2026

Looking to strengthen your financial knowledge, explore AI tools, or better understand small business lending? Check out these upcoming training opportunities designed to help you take the next step in your business journey.

➡️Cashflow and Understanding Financial Statements Part 1&2
March 5, from 6:15-8:00pm (ONLINE)
In this two part training, we will review the importance of organized record keeping and terminology used in profit and loss statements, cashflow statements, and balance sheets.
Part 1 (6:15 pm to 7 pm): Introduction Understand the basics of cashflow and financial statements—what they are, why they matter, and how to read them.
Part 2 (7:15 pm to 8 pm): Deeper Dive Learn how to analyze cashflow trends, interpret financial ratios, and use statements to make strategic decisions.

➡️AI for Entrepreneurs
March 9, from 12:00-1:30pm
Are you confused about Artificial Intelligence, how entrepreneurs are using it, and how it can accelerate your business growth? In this training, you will gain an understanding of AI, be introduced to AI software such as ChatGPT, and learn how to create a practical and actionable plan for implementing AI in your small business.

➡️WWBIC Loan Process A-Z
March 11, from 6:00-7:00pm
Learn the ins-and-outs of the WWBIC loan program. Join our interactive round table discussion with a WWBIC loan officer to learn more about what to expect when applying for a WWBIC business loan, what distinguishes WWBIC from a traditional bank, our application process and the information you will need to prepare. This class assumes you are ready to apply for a loan, have applied, are stuck in the process or don’t understand the Required Document List (RDL). Bring your questions!

Register and Learn More Here:

WWBIC offers classes statewide in Wisconsin for entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners & anyone looking to improve their financial health.

11/25/2025

Last week, we celebrated our Fall 2025 Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) graduates and all they’ve accomplished! Over the past eight weeks, these driven entrepreneurs immersed themselves in a hands-on learning experience designed to help them start, strengthen, or scale their businesses.

We are excited to see their ideas develop and the impact they will have on our community.

Stay tuned, spring session registration details are coming soon!

A special thank you to our ETP title sponsors: Kohler Credit Union and U.S. Bank, along with our scholarship sponsor, UnitedOne Credit Union.