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ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN WISCONSIN

One way to ensure that Wisconsin continues to build an increasingly strong entrepreneurial economy is by cultivating and catalyzing entrepreneurship on the UW-Madison campus and throughout the state. A host of resources on- and off-campus is available to help entrepreneurs, inventors and investors make the connections they need to form and grow successful new business enterprises.

Look to the left to browse a variety of tools that will assist you in becoming more involved in entrepreneurship, or look below for upcoming events on and around campus pertaining to entrepreneurship.

What's New!


This Graduate School Seminar introduces the Entrepreneur¹s Resource Clinic (ERC) space in the Town Center of the Wisconsin Institutes of Discovery. The talk will also describe the various resources available through the Clinic and its partners to assist those exploring the potential for starting a new business whether they be faculty, staff, students, alumni or members of the greater Madison community.

April 14, 2012, 10am - 11:30am
Biotechnology Center, Room 1111
Free, please register online.


On Saturday, March 24th Wiscontrepreneur partnered with Bellydancing UW and several local dance professionals to host the Wiscontrepreneur Arts Oasis--A fusion celebration of exotic rhythms, colorful costumes, and the culture of the Middle East.  In addition to a workshop and performances, local dance studio owners discussed the business elements of sustaining their art.







This showcase featured innovative projects made from repurposed materials by student inventors and entrepreneurs during the Wiscontrepreneur 100-Hour Challenge!
 
Students from 2- and 4-year Wisconsin institutions had only 100 hours from February 22-26, 2012 to create new inventions from used SWAP (Surplus With A Purpose) materials.  On March 3rd from 10am to noon the public had the opportunity to meet the inventors and see the amazing and entertaining results as part of the Saturday Science event at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery!
 
Want to know more about the 100-Hour Challenge?  Click here to see the list of 2012 winners and for information on rules, requirements, and FAQ's.
 
Click here to download a flyer about the 2012 Wiscontrepreneur 100-Hour Challenge.
The Start-Up Cinema took place at the 2011 Wisconsin Science Festival.  The event was centered around looking at entrepreneurship in a new light by linking it to the film The Social Network.  John Roach, along with a panel of entrepreneurs, gave first hand advice and inspiration that is beneficial to anyone with an innovative mind.  

Check out The Start-Up Cinema's recap video to get a quick look on the event.  You will gain a new outlook and respect for The Social Network film and entrepreneurship as a whole. ">


On February 1st, 2012 the Wisconrepreneur program hosted Paul Rice, President and CEO of Fair Trade USA, at a public reception in the Entrepreneurs' Resource Clinic for coffee and conversation with members of Wisconsin's fair trade community. 

Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 14-19, 2011, was celebrated by the Office of Corporate Relations and Wiscontrepreneur program by putting on events around campus.  The week is known world-wide as “the largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.” 
 
The Daily Cardinal caught this photo at Wisconsin's first ever Whiteboard Challenge!


Come by the Entrepreneurs' Resource Clinic in the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery building during OCR Office Hours!

Talk with a startup veteran. Get answers now on how to build a successful startup company. Learn about the Entrepreneurs Rescoure Clinic and how to access free and impartial advice on how to convert your idea into a going concern, brainstorm business strategies, investigate sources of financing and learn about the resources available to entrepreneurs right here in Madison.
View the Entrepreneurs' Resource Clinic schedule
 

Check out these fascinating lectures from UW-Madison's Entrepreneurship and Society course! Featuring guest lectures by the former president of Disney Animation, Emmy award- winning video producers, student entrepreneurs, and much more!


Madison is a center for start-up companies of all shapes, sizes, and types. Check out our new profiles of some of the most exciting start-ups coming out of UW-Madison! This selection includes biotech startups, student businesses, recent alumni ventures, and more!

 
 
 
Winslow Sargeant

Watch the video about the successful graduate student alumnus, Winslow Sargeant.

Want to get hands on experience in the world of entrepreneurship?  Whether you are interested in turning an idea into something more or you simply want to learn the "do's and don'ts" of writing a business proposal, there is a competition out there for you.  Browse the Entrepreneur Competition Spreadsheet to learn more about competitions both on the UW Campus and off.


The awards ceremony, which took place at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, is designed to recognize the great vision and leadership of UW–Madison alumni who have made a significant impact with their own entrepreneurial pursuits. View the full photo gallery here.

Mike Brennestuhl

When in comes to fueling the economy, there's nothing like having a university in the state. As a direct result of a longstanding relationship with the UW-Madison Center for Dairy Research, cheese maker Mike Brennestuhl was able to start and grow a new cheese manufacturing business.

UW-Madison Resources for Starting a New Business

This slide set introduces the resources available through UW-Madison to assist faculty, staff or students exploring the potential for starting a new business.


 

  
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