ENTREPRENEURS' CONFERENCE

May 31-June 1, 2023 - Italian Community Center, Milwaukee

The 2023 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference was held May 31 and June 1 at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. About 340 people attended the annual conference with conference co-chairs Jessica Silvaggi of the UWM Research Foundation and Kalpa Vithalani of Marquette University. The #WiTreps conference featured Charles Ross, president and chief executive officer of the International Business Innovation Association, who spoke about best practices in entrepreneurship.

The 2023 Ken Hendricks Memorial “Seize the Day” Award went to Deb Carey, who leads New Glarus Brewing Co. Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., spoke at the outset of the awards ceremony for the #GovsBizPlan contest June 1.

Seven insightful panel discussions June 1 highlighted important entrepreneurial topics, with many successful entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts lending their wisdom.

Congratulations to the team at SixLine Semiconductor for their grand prize win in the 2023 Governor’s Business Plan Contest. Chocolate Rescue for Dogs won the “2023 Bright New Idea” award. Hats off to all of the Diligent (Baker’s) Dozen competitors who presented for their companies!

Full agenda is linked here for reference, including all of the panelists and moderators.

Click here to view news articles related to the Entrepreneurs’ Conference.

 

2022 Entrepreneurs' Conference

The 2022 Entrepreneurs’ Conference – It’s a wrap!

The 2022 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference was held June 1-2 at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. More than 340 people attended the annual conference with conference co-chairs Aaron Davis of MKE Tech Hub Coalition and Kalpa Vithalani of Marquette University. The #WiTreps conference featured homegrown Wisconsin speaker Greg Piefer, founder and chief executive officer of SHINE Technologies, who spoke about the future of the company and fusion energy.

The 2022 Ken Hendricks Memorial “Seize the Day” Award went to Cory Nettles, who leads Generation Growth Capital. We had a guest appearance by Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes, who was on hand to help present the #GovsBizPlan awards on June 2.

Nine thought-provoking and insightful  panels highlighted important entrepreneurial topics on June 2, with many successful entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts lending their wisdom. We also heard from Matt Kures of the UW-Extension on metrics tied to diversity, equity and inclusion in Wisconsin.

Congratulations to Rapid Radicals Technology for their grand prize win in the 2022 Governor’s Business Plan Contest. Reinventauctions won the “2022 Bright New Idea” award. Hats off to all of the Diligent (Baker’s) Dozen who presented their companies!

A team from Whitman Middle School in Wauwatosa: Emily Scott and William Moertl of “Signfluent” won the Wisconsin YES! youth competition, impressing the audience with their presentation

Full agenda is linked here for reference, including all of the panelists and moderators.

Click here to view news articles related to the Entrepreneurs’ Conference.

2021 Entrepreneurs' Conference

2019 Entrepreneurs' Conference

BPC Grand Prize winners GrowthChart

Online gallery of 2019 WiTreps images by Ben Brewer Photography located here. 

The 2019 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference was held June 4-5 at the Venue42 at Milwaukee Brewing Co. in Milwaukee. Over 400 people attended the annual conference with conference co-chairs Tina Chang of SysLogic and Elmer Moore of Scale Up Milwaukee. The #WiTreps conference featured homegrown Wisconsin keynote speakers: “super-angel” investor Jeff Rusinow and tech designer John Zeratsky.

The 2019 Ken Hendricks Memorial Seize the Day Award went to Sue Marks, Cielo. We had a guest appearance by Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld, who was on hand to help present the #GovsBizPlan awards on June 5. Twelve thought-provoking, insightful and educational panels highlighted important entrepreneurial topics over both days with many successful entrepreneurs, investors and industry experts lending their wisdom. We featured a Diversity + Inclusion plenary panel moderated by Gretchen Jameson featuring Gina Pagan, Northwestern Mutual; Dana Guthrie, Alchemy Angel Investors; Elmer Moore, Scale Up Milwaukee; Ben Juarez, Cream City Coders; Amanda Daering, Newance and Tim Keane, Golden Angels Investors. Opening June 6 was a keynote by tech designer and author John Zeratsky discussing his Design Sprint method.

Congratulations to GrowthChart Records team of Patricia Wooldridge and Brent Brenner, for their grand prize win in the 2019 Governor’s Business Plan Contest. Seedlinked founder Dylan Bruce won the “2019 Bright New Idea” award. Congratulations to all of the Diligent Baker’s Dozen who presented their companies!

A team from Brookfield Academy: Pablo DaleChristian Hong and Andy Liu of “unRaveled” won the Wisconsin YES! youth competition.

Full agenda is linked here for reference, including all of the panelists and moderators.
Images by Ben Brewer Photographyonline gallery here: free to view – multiple formats available for print purchase.

We can’t wait to see you for #ESSWI 2019 this fall: Mark your calendars now for November 6-7, 2019 at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

2019 News on the Entrepreneurs’ Conference:
Catch up on all things #WiTreps on Twitter! Click here
Read feature articles on 2019 Governor’s Business Plan Contest companies here


Tech Council Press Releases (newest on top):

Brookfield Academy students win annual ‘Wisconsin YES!’ youth business plan contest
Tech platform that cuts record-keeping time in childcare wins 2019 Business Plan Contest
Need excuse to attend Entrepreneurs’ Conference? Here are top 10 reasons to be there June 4-5
‘Diligent (Baker’s) Dozen’ will present live June 4 at Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference
Milwaukee tech leaders Chang, Moore co-chair June 4-5 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference
Finalists to share wide range of prizes, cash in 2019 Governor’s Business Plan Contest
‘Succeed’ panels focus on resources June 4-5 at Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference
Grow’ panels focus on startups June 4-5 at Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference
‘Launch’ panels focus on startups June 4-5 at Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference
‘Diversity’ panel to focus on what works June 4 at Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference
Cielo’s Sue Marks to receive ‘Seize the Day’ award June 4 at Entrepreneurs’ Conference
2019 Entrepreneurs’ Conference to Milwaukee; Speakers Rusinow, Zeratsky to lead line-up
Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Mayor, welcomes the June 4-5 Entrepreneurs’ Conference to Milwaukee in 2019

Press Coverage (newest on top): 

Wisconsin School of Business: Companies with WSB Ties Take Top Prizes in 2019 Governor’s Business Plan Contest
PRNewswire: Madison Startup Otologic Technologies wins Life Sciences category in the 2019 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest
WUWM: Raising big money is a common problem for Midwest entrepreneurs
Milwaukee Business Journal: Business community packs 2019 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in Milwaukee: Slideshow
Madison.com: Stoughton startup GrowthChart wins top prize in Governor’s Business Plan Contest
WisBusiness: Entrepreneurs approaching similar challenges from varying perspectives
WisBusiness: Landing a deal with a corporate venture capital fund can be a game-changer for startups, but these early-stage companies are getting more than just a big check.
WisBusiness: Skip & Co. Maritime navigates online training for mariners
BizTimes Milwaukee: TitletownTech opening this week
Milwaukee Business Journal: Investors can see higher returns in I-94 corridor, tech conference panelists say
BizTimes Milwaukee: Milwaukee angel investor Jeff Rusinow details his returns
WisBusiness: Startup scene in Milwaukee gaining diversity
InsideWis: Milwaukee entrepreneurship not like Madison scene, nor should it be
BizTimes MilwaukeeWisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference returns to Milwaukee
WisBusiness: This week’s episode of “WisBusiness: The Podcast” features Elmer Moore Jr., the executive director of Scale Up Milwaukee.
WisBusiness: Blexx Technology seeking to improve hypodermic needle sterilization and disposal
InsideWis: Business plan contest finalists reflect a more diverse entrepreneurial Wisconsin
BizTimes Milwakee: Finalists selected for Governor’s Business Plan Contest
Milwaukee Business Journal: Shorewood startup among companies selected to pitch at 2019 Governor’s Business Plan Contest

2018 Entrepreneurs' Conference

The two-day 16th annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference is one of the Midwest’s premiere “how-to,” hands-on events for entrepreneurs of all ages and experience levels. Attendees range from ‘treps who are still developing their ideas to emerging company leaders who have already attracted angel and/or venture funding. These businesses cover a broad span of categories, from information technology to cleantech, from advanced manufacturing to the life sciences, and from business services to consulting.

Conference highlights included (see agenda page):

  • 2 keynote speakers + 2 Plenary panels to shape and guide the scope of the two day conference
  • The 15th annual “Seize the Day” award winner TBA!
  • Presentations by the “Diligent Dozen” in the Governor’s Business Plan Contest
  • 12 panel discussions (seminars) for emerging companies:
    – focused on the themes of “Launch, Grow and Succeed
  • Wisconsin Innovation Showcase featured companies from around the state
  • Awards ceremony for Governor’s Business Plan Contest, featuring the 2018 Wisconsin YES! winner
  • Plenty of chances to connect with seasoned entrepreneurs and investors over food and refreshments, including a reception to celebrate Wisconsin entrepreneurs!
 
Coverage from WisconsinEYE on 2018 Ken Hendricks Memorial “Seize the Day” award as well as “Community connections” and “Rust belt renaissance” panels can be found here.
 
2017 Entrepreneurs' Conference

Tech Council staff at Union South (L-R): Bram Daelemans, Cassidy Wartenweiler, Tammy Ehrmann, Tom Still, Laura Kaiser and Angela Schlobohm

#WiTreps

 

Our 15th annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference was June 6-7, 2017. UW-Madison’s Union South in Madison, Wisconsin

 

The two-day conference is one of the Midwest’s premiere “how-to,” hands-on events for entrepreneurs of all ages and experience levels. Attendees range from ‘treps who are still developing their ideas to emerging company leaders who have already attracted angel and/or venture funding. These businesses cover a broad span of categories, from information technology to cleantech, from advanced manufacturing to the life sciences, and from business services to consulting.

          Conference highlights included:

  • A plenary panel focused on new Wisconsin early stage investors on June 6
  • 2 keynote speakers on June 7 – Arvind Subramanian, CEO of HealthMyne + Alan Webber, founder of Fast Company
  • Presentations by the “Diligent Dozen” in the Governor’s Business Plan Contest with invited guest Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch
  • 15 panel discussions (seminars) for emerging companies: – focused on the themes of “Launch, Grow and Succeed
  • Wisconsin Innovation Showcase featured companies from around the state
  • Awards ceremony for Governor’s Business Plan Contest, featuring the 2017 Wisconsin YES! winner and invited guest Governor Scott Walker
  • Plenty of chances to connect with seasoned entrepreneurs and investors over food and refreshments, including a reception to celebrate entrepreneurs!

Special shout-outs to Jack Mayers, volunteer extraordinaire and Nate Mach, amazing photographer for their two days of dedicated assistance to the Tech Council staff on-site!       Plenty of great content, speakers and seminars to be announced early in 2018 for 2018 Entrepreneurs’ Conference! Stay tuned…

2016 Entrepreneurs' Conference

2016EC Cvent Header

The 14th annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference was held June 7-8, 2016 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.  The two-day conference is one of the Midwest’s premiere “how-to,” hands-on events for entrepreneurs of all ages and experience levels. Attendees range from ‘treps who are still developing their ideas to emerging company leaders who have already attracted angel and/or venture funding. These businesses cover a broad span of categories, from information technology to cleantech, from advanced manufacturing to the life sciences, and from business services to consulting. View news coverage of the event HERE. View event photos HERE. View the full attendee list HERE. View Evan Absher’s presentation HERE (Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation). Patrick Quirk, a UW-Madison graduate and software expert whose companies have been involved in more than $10 billion in exits over time, kicked off the conference on June 7 as he looked back at “36 years and 10 companies: The good, the bad and the ugly.” Mark GehringMark Gehring, a serial entrepreneur who has founded and grown a series of medical imaging and digital health companies, received the 13th annual Ken Hendricks Memorial “Seize the Day” award at noon Tuesday, June 7. The award, which celebrates entrepreneurial leaders who have been crucial to Wisconsin’s economic growth, is named in honor of the late Ken Hendricks, a Beloit businessman and 2006 “Seize the Day” award winner who died in an accident in late 2007. Additional conference highlights included: Speaker image

  • Presentations by the “Diligent Dozen” in the Governor’s Business Plan Contest
  • 15 Panel discussions and seminars for emerging companies on how to “Launch, Grow and Succeed”
  • Innovation Showcase featuring more than 40 companies from around the state
  • Awards ceremony for the Governor’s Business Plan Contest, featuring the 2016 Wisconsin YES winner
  • Plenty of chances to connect with seasoned entrepreneurs and investors over food and refreshments!