Armed services veterans who want to learn about trends that could affect how they finance and grow their businesses may register at a major discount to attend the virtual Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium, Nov. 10-11.

Veterans from the post-9/11 era may attend the full conference for $40. That rate compares to the full conference fee of $109 and is made possible by our sponsors and the Wisconsin Technology Council’s support for the work of the state Department of Veterans Affairs. An identical student rate is available.

“Post 9/11 veterans can bring a host of skills to business, from technical expertise to teamwork to a personal work ethic,” said Tom Still, president of the Tech Council, which produces the conference. “This conference offers tips on how to launch and grow a business, while featuring chances to network with some of Wisconsin’s best entrepreneurs and investors.”

Visit wisearlystage.com and click “Register Now,” then choose “Returning Veterans” or “Student” under the registration drop-downs.

Crossing the Coronavirus Chasm” is the 2020 theme for the event, which will feature company presentations, panel discussions, keynote speakers and more. Detailed information is available on the conference website: wisearlystage.com.

Highlights of the Early Stage Symposium will include:

  • Nearly 40 company presentations in two different platforms and the “Investor Intros” virtual speed-dating segment between early stage companies and investors on Nov. 9.
  • Keynote speaker Jon Jacques, entrepreneur and viral social media expert will kick off the conference with ideas for all companies to get more online exposure.
  • Remarks by the 2020 winner of the “Excellence in Entrepreneurial Education” award, Lorrie Keating Heinemann, founder of Madison Development Corporation.
  • Panel discussions involving major Midwest investors and educational seminars featuring leading entrepreneurs and others tied to the tech sector.
  • An interactive virtual platform that will offer multiple chances to meet others and to visit “booths” created by sponsors and organizations.

The Tech Council produces the conference. Sponsors so far include: 100state, Aberdean, Advanced Materials Industrial Consortium, Alliant Energy, American Family Insurance, American Transmission Co., AT&T, Aurora Health Care, Baird Capital, Baker Tilly, BDO, C.D. Smith Construction, City of Fitchburg, Concordia University Wisconsin, CUNA Mutual, Dane County Regional Airport, Dedicated Computing, DeWitt, Exact Sciences, Findorff, First Business Bank, Fluno Center, Godfrey & Kahn, Google, HealthX Ventures, Husch Blackwell, Idea Fund of La Crosse, Insperity, Kimberly-Clark, KW2, M3 Insurance, Madison Gas & Electric, Makin’ Hey Communications, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Michael Best, Mobile 22, Morgridge Institute, N29 Capital Partners, Neider & Boucher, Northwestern Mutual, One City Schools, Oshkosh Corp., Quarles & Brady, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, RSM US, Signature Bank, Skyward, State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Summit Credit Union, board member Susan Healy, TASC, University Research Park, UWM Research Foundation, UW-Madison Computer Sciences, UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement, Venture Investors, Versiti, WEA Trust, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing Productivity, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Whitewater University Technology Park, WIPFLi and Ziegler.