The SBDC Since March 2020...
Where Have We Been, and Where Can You Find Us?
In March 2020, our office quickly pivoted our operations to an online environment. We've been supporting clients remotely throughout this time in a variety of ways. Since that date, we have:
  • Seen 1,113 clients, both for traditional business support and COVID-response
  • Created a free COVID response guide and resource page (note: if you are working on making pivots for your business now that more is reopening, this guide is still a helpful tool for the process!)
  • Helped our clients secure $21.6 million in capital infusion
  • Supported over 3,671 jobs
  • Helped 35 new businesses start
  • Offered 44 no-cost or low-cost classes and webinars so far in 2020-21
Where is the SBDC Team This Summer?
We've Moved (but not too far)!
We're still located in the Wisconsin School of Business
Our office has also relocated to a new space in Grainger Hall! In the fall semester, you'll be able to find us in our new Suite #1290 (on the first floor). We're excited to share more details about how to find us as we get closer to fall - and to welcome you back!

During the summer, we will be settling into our new space and preparing to welcome you, our clients and partners, in person for consulting appointments and classes.

Like you, we also want to continue to take the lessons we've learned during the pandemic and continue the best elements in the future. We will continue to offer a variety of options to fit your needs. These include:
  • continuing online and phone meeting options with our clients
  • offering shorter online webinar options on niche topics
  • continuing to offer some of our courses in a live virtual format

This summer, UW-Madison's campus is in the process of returning to full in-person operations. Given this, please be patient with us as we adjust to changing guidelines for our first post-pandemic in-person event in August (see below!)
Let's Meet IRL; Join us at Forward Fest!
BookMarkIT: Free Tips & Resources from Your Local Libraries
Description of Our Session at Forward Fest
When taking your business from idea to reality, you’ll likely need a lot of answers to get your business off to a strong start. For example:
  • What do you need to know about patents for the product you’re trying to create?
  • What can local demographics tell you about potential customers?
  • How strong is the industry you’re looking to enter?
  • What should be included in your business plan?
  • Who are potential competitors?

Luckily, there are FREE databases, resources, and specialized experts available to help you answer these and many other questions – all found in your local libraries! Want to learn more? Put this session on your Holds List, and “check out” some great resources from your local libraries.

Did you know?
  • The Forward Festival (Forward Fest) is Wisconsin's largest technology and entrepreneurship festival, attracting more than 5,000 attendees and serving as host for more than 40 events over 8 days every August.
  • The UW-Madison Innovate Network is presenting a variety of different events at Forward Fest! Check out the full schedule on the Forward Fest website.
Upcoming SBDC Virtual Learning Opportunities
Biz Smart Sprint
Starts July 15
Biz Smart Sprint is your introduction into the world of entrepreneurship. In this live, virtual 6-week course, you will learn the building blocks you need to become a successful entrepreneur. Each week, you’ll discover the key components you need to start a business, including the Business Model Canvas business planning tool, understanding your customers and market, developing a marketing strategy, legal and operational considerations, and financial basics.
Leading with Emotional Intelligence
July 20, 2021
More than ever during the pandemic, being an emotionally intelligent leader has been a key factor in your organization's overall success.

Emotional Intelligence is all about people skills – how well you know yourself and your emotions and how well you read and interact with others and their emotions. Learn about how the brain, the body and emotions affect each other, and then how to better manage your own emotions and the emotions of others so you can have clearer, more accurate communications that create cooperation and collaboration in the workplace.
Communication & Delegation
Starts July 26, 2021
In this course, you will have the opportunity to take the DiSC assessment, which will help you better understand your own leadership style and gain insight into the priorities and abilities of other members of your team. By knowing how your team members process and prioritize information, you can better tap into their motivation, explain topics meaningfully, and delegate tasks in a way that enables both parties to be more confident and successful in the distribution of work.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the UW-Madison SBDC office at sbdc@bus.wisc.edu or 608-263-2221 to request accommodations.

The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in the University of Wisconsin System. It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.