BizStarts

06/02/2026

INSTRUCTOR REVEAL #6

Meet Dr. Kalin Kolev, an Associate Professor of Management. Before joining Marquette University in 2014, he was an Assistant Professor at California State University, Fullerton.

Kalin received his PhD in Strategic Management from Michigan State University, his MBA from The University of Tulsa, and his Bachelor’s degree from The University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria.

At Marquette University, Dr. Kolev teaches courses in Strategic Management at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Kolev’s research draws on behavioral perspectives and agency-based models to investigate managerial decision making across two broad research domains. First, he studies the processes that encompass strategic leadership and corporate governance with an emphasis on how CEOs, TMTs, and boards of directors impact firm strategic choices and organizational performance.

Second, Kalin examines the antecedents and outcomes of corporate restructuring activities, such as mergers and acquisitions, and divestitures.

On June 12th, Dr. Kolev will be teaching how to assess the strengths and weaknesses of firms.

Hometown Heroes is almost here! Grab your tickets now, you don't want to miss this!
https://events.humanitix.com/hometown-heroes

Presented by Fargo

05/27/2026

INSTRUCTOR REVEAL #5

Meet Alitura Group. Natasha Broxton is a Milwaukee‑based CEO, operator, and AI implementation strategist running three active businesses across automotive recycling, media, and AI consulting.

As the founder of Select Auto Parts and Sales, Milwaukee’s only indoor auto recycler, she has led a 125,000 square foot operation for over 14 years. When she could not afford to hire expertise in every role, she built it using AI and has not stopped since.

Natasha is the founder of Alitura Group, an AI modernization consulting firm built entirely on systems she first tested and scaled inside her own business.

She is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Scholar, a U.S. Chamber CO100 honoree, and was selected by Google for its Portraits of AI Across America series. She has also been featured by Verizon. She teaches operators how to stop being the only one who knows how their business runs.

On June 13, Natasha will teach how to implement AI systems into your business.

Only 2 more weeks! Grab your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/hometown-heroes

Presented by Wells Fargo

05/21/2026

Your summer just got a whole lot more exciting!

We've got a packed lineup of events you don't want to miss. Join us this summer as we bring together entrepreneurs, experts, and amazing ideas.

Save your spot at BizStarts.com/upcomingevents/

05/20/2026

Tomorrow!
If you’re raising capital or planning to, this is your opportunity. Don’t miss out!

🗓 May 21 | 10:00 AM

Last chance to register:

https://events.humanitix.com/fundraising-without-losing-control-how-deal-terms-shape-founder-outcomes

05/19/2026

INSTRUCTOR REVEAL #4

Meet, Tyler Carlson a Managing Director and Shareholder at Taureau Group, a boutique investment banking firm focused on mergers and acquisitions. With more than 13 years of M&A experience, Tyler specializes in executing sell-side and buy-side transactions. He has supported clients through more than 75 projects involving company sales, acquisitions, valuations, and strategic transactions across a range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, business services, and distribution.


A former mechanical engineer and project manager at Brady Corporation, Tyler combines strong operational insight with financial expertise to deliver optimal outcomes in complex M&A engagements. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

On June 12, Tyler will be teaching entrepreneurs how to build a business worth selling.

Stay tuned for more instructor reveals, and don't forget to purchase your ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/hometown-heroes

Presented by Wells Fargo

05/15/2026

World class instructors + Wisconsin roots = Two days that will vastly improve how you do business 💥

Balanced scorecards. Exit strategy. AI systems built for real operators. Media pitching. Failing smart. Commercial strategy that actually wins customers.

University faculty, Milwaukee media, Wisconsin practitioners — all in one room, June 12–13.
Seats are limited. Get your ticket today: https://events.humanitix.com/hometown-heroes

Register on Humanitix - Hometown Heroes. Location TBA. Friday June 12th 2026. Find event information.

05/14/2026

Not every investment deal benefits the founder.

The numbers may look exciting, but the fine print can affect:
✔ Your ownership
✔ Your decision-making power
✔ Your long-term payout

Join us on May 21 for a founder-focused session on fundraising, deal terms, and protecting your future as a business owner.

May 21 | 10:00–11:30 AM (Virtual)

REGISTER HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/fundraising-without-losing-control-how-deal-terms-shape-founder-outcomes

05/07/2026

Most founders focus on raising money.
But the real question is: what are you giving up in return?

Join us for a practical conversation designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners navigating fundraising, growth, and investor conversations.

Thursday, May 21
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Virtual via Zoom)

We’ll break down:
• How fundraising can quietly shrink your ownership stake
• What investor control rights actually mean for founders
• Why a high valuation doesn’t always equal a good deal
• The term-sheet risks many entrepreneurs never see coming

Registration Link: https://events.humanitix.com/fundraising-without-losing-control-how-deal-terms-shape-founder-outcomes

05/06/2026

INSTRUCTOR REVEAL #3

Another Hometown Hero joins the lineup.

Meet Kelly Nowicki, a faculty member in the Management Department at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where she has taught entrepreneurship, organizational behavior, and sustainable business since 2013.

Drawing on experience in industry and small business, Kelly brings real-world insight to her work, from running her consulting practice, Nowicki Network, to supporting businesses and nonprofits through roles with Western Technical College and the SBDC at University of Wisconsin–Madison.

At UWL, she teaches entrepreneurship courses focused on mindset and skill-building, and co-leads a study abroad program in Ireland centered on social enterprise and innovation.

Beyond the classroom, Kelly has spent over a decade supporting the Women's Fund of Greater La Crosse, helping advance women’s economic empowerment in the region.

On June 12–13, Kelly will bring practical tools and perspective to help entrepreneurs think differently and take action.

We'll keep the reveals coming, who do you we will be announcing next? 👀

Early bird pricing available until Friday May 8th, don’t wait!

Presented by Wells Fargo

05/04/2026

INSTRUCTOR REVEAL #2
The Hometown Heroes lineup keeps growing
Meet John Wright, a seasoned business leader with a track record of driving growth across sales, marketing, product management, and startups. From building new ventures to strengthening organizations, John is passionate about helping early-career talent thrive.
Now leading the Entrepreneurship program at Marquette University, he supports student founders, Milwaukee-area startups, and advises medtech companies. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, MBA graduate, and proud father of three, John brings both expertise and heart to the table.
On June 12–13, John will bring real-world insight and strategy to help entrepreneurs build and lead with confidence.
The reveals are just getting started. Who do you think is next?
Tickets are available now, what are you waiting for?

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