360 ̊ Perspective on How to Start and Grow Your Business
Learn how GrowthWheel® can help you start and grow your business. It is a simple, visual and practical tool to make decisions and take action. You can use the framework to map out challenges, prioritize opportunities, or highlight competencies. Join Mark Johnson Thursday 5/14 at 2:00 pm online to learn more.
Client News & Success Stories
Welcome IEM Green Solutions
Industrial Environmental Management (IEM), founded by Gregory Wilker, recently joined the Innovation Center! IEM Green provides a new and completely green cleaning solution that works better than any other cleaning product on the market. Their cornerstone products, Mineral Armor and Split! create a facility that is healthier, cleaner and less expensive to maintain.
SafePro Technologies is Patent Approved
SafePro Technologies is officially patent approved in the United States! Safepro Technologies was founded with the goal of developing new innovative products to bring public safety into the 21st century. They are dedicated to finding and developing technical solutions which protect the lives of people in our community as well as those in the public sector workforce who serve to protect us.
Scanalytics Helps Grocers Maintain Social Distancing
Scanalytics is helping Madison-based Metcalfe’s Market enforce social distancing in its grocery stores during the pandemic. Scanalytics will provide real-time data to Metcalfe’s employees, which can be reviewed via an app on phones.
Geneva Supply’s e-commerce investments pay off with business surge during coronavirus
Geneva Supply anticipated more than $150 million in revenues, but those projections could almost be thrown out the window at this point. The company’s 2020 revenues could actually end up being much higher than anticipated thanks to the huge increase in e-commerce as consumers are required to shelter in place during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Independent Restaurants Devastated by Pandemic
Chef Tyler Sailsbery, owner of The Black Sheep restaurant in Whitewater, is worried about how many chefs will want to continue after the coronavirus pandemic ends. Things were tough in the industry before the outbreak happened, and when the outbreak began to hit Wisconsin, he watched his sales tumble 70 percent.
Restart - The Small Business Owner's Guide to Thriving During Chaos (Coming Soon)
You are dealing with the fallout from the Coronavirus pandemic. How could you have planned for this? Small business owners are now forced to choose to dive, survive, or thrive! David Gee's soon to be released Restart book will help small business owners thrive during chaos.
Are you a client with news to share? Please notify us of your recent accomplishment or news by replying to this newsletter directly or by completing a form on our website .
COVID-19 Business Resources
Funding Resources & Local Assistance
During these difficult times, there are various funding resources available. The University of Wisconsin - Whitewater SBDC, Thrive Economic Development (ThriveED), and the Whitewater University Innovation Center are here to help you navigate and choose the right funding for your business. Please reach out to the organizations listed above for assistance.

For additional COVID-19 Business Resources including the following:
  • Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Support
  • Employer Guidance
  • Online Courses & Educational Programs
  • Information Sources

Please visit our website for quick links to additional information.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan & Grant Advance
Through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, small business owners are eligible to apply for a low-interest loan. To learn more, you can attend an upcoming webinar. The UW-Whitewater SBDC and SCORE can also assist with the loan process.
Paycheck Protection Program
Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
20/20 Small Business Program
The WEDC’s Small Business 20/20 Program aims to support small businesses adversely economically impacted by the COVID-19 virus. The program provides funds to Wisconsin-based Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to make grants to loan clients to mitigate short-term cash flow issues and protect jobs. Visit the WEDC’s Business Resources page for the latest information.
Kiva Loans
Kiva has expanded small business lending to include a larger list of eligible businesses, the possibility for larger loans, and a grace period for repayment.
Startup Success Q&A
Tools to Help You Work Virtually
When it comes to working virtually, there are both pros and cons of virtual work environments. Many of the challenges of working from home can be overcome with the right tools.
Where Can I Get Free Business Coaching?
A business coach can make all the difference in the growth of your startup. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to pay an expensive consulting fee for expert advice.
GrowthWheel Business Advice
How to Build a Valuable Customer Portfolio
Choosing the right customer segments is one of the most important decisions an entrepreneur will make. Simply relying on the customers who find you is not enough. It is best to proactively identify and seek out your best customers.
Start-Up in the Blue Ocean
A good business idea does not necessarily have to be unique or brand new, rather the business idea needs to be distinctive and better than competitive offerings.
Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference
The Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference is scheduled for June 4th, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. It will take place virtually, not live in Milwaukee at Northwestern Mutual's headquarters.

The Wisconsin Technology Council will use a highly interactive platform and attendees will be able to setup private 1:1 video conferences during the networking time. The conference will feature: a keynote by Brian Pinkerton, Chief Architect of Siri at Apple, six informative panel sessions, & the annual Diligent Dozen showcase where the Governor's Business Plan finalists give their 7-minute pitch. Register by June 4, 2020 at 8:00 am.
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