The second in the statewide series of events designed to connect military veterans with entrepreneurial resources, experts and inspiration will be held Wednesday, May 24 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
“Muster Across Wisconsin” will be held from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., including a reception, and will feature two “how-to” discussion sessions featuring area leaders.
Tara Carr, director of the Small Business Development Center at the UW-Green Bay, will speak about resources to start and grow a small business in the state. Carr holds an MBA from Saginaw Valley State University and undergraduate degrees in human resource management and labor relations. She has worked for Fortune 500 companies and taught at the college level.
At 19, Carr owned two small food industry businesses. “I had a lot to learn, and much of that came later.” Carr said. “What I did learn is that your employees are the most important asset in your business, you need to work hard, and your business must be your passion … Yes, you need to work hard, but true leaders have to see the big picture and can’t get bogged down.”
The second session will be led by Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, and will focus on the investment capital landscape in Wisconsin.
“Angel and venture capital isn’t for every young company. In fact, it’s for a minority,” Still said. “However, it’s good to know what types of financing are available and the best fit for your business.”
Panel participants will include David Trotter, managing director of the Winnebago Seed Fund, based in Neenah. The fund was formed in 2016 as part of the Badger Fund of Funds and targets entrepreneurs in Brown, Outagamie and Winnebago counties, as well as throughout the state.
“Northeast Wisconsin has all the essential ingredients for a successful startup environment, including colleges and universities, high-growth industries and strong community support,” Trotter said.
Other business leaders from the Green Bay area will be featured, as well members of veterans’ and government agencies in the state. A professional networking happy hour and Innovator Academy “Demo Day” pitches will also be part of the program.
“Muster Across Wisconsin” aims to connect military veterans with an interest in starting or growing their own business with resources through Bunker Labs Wisconsin, the UW Small Business Development Center, the Wisconsin Technology Council and others. The effort is supported in large part by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. Click here to register.
More details on the panel discussions will be announced soon. Bunker Labs Wisconsin is part of the national Bunker Labs network, which works with veteran entrepreneurs in 15 cities. Its mission is to inspire, educate and connect military veterans who may need mentors, access to investment capital and professional development resources.
“Professional networks are essential for returning veterans, especially aspiring entrepreneurs and those transitioning back to communities where they not lived for years,” said Michael Ertmer, a U.S. Army veteran and founder of Bunker Labs Wisconsin. “Local events that feature business networking and professional development are vital to helping veterans succeed.”
A schedule for future “Muster Across Wisconsin” events will be published soon at https://bunkerlabs.org/madison/ and other partner sites.
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