A new half-day program is aimed at helping entrepreneurs and start-up businesses in the region.
The La Crosse Small-Business Academy will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce–Lyle & Norma Anderson Education Center, 601 N. Seventh St., La Crosse. Admission is free, but advance registration is required by Monday, Oct. 3, at www.eventbrite.com/e/first-annual-la-crosse-small-business-academy-tickets-27258936212.
The program is a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Wisconsin Small-Business Development Center. The two hope to hold the event each year.
“You don’t have to own a small business to attend,” said Anne Hlavacka, director of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-L. “If you’re wondering whether small business is right for you or whether your business idea is a good one, this event is a great place to learn more and to meet others who are going through the same discovery process.”
After the program introduction, which will cover considerations and financial resources for business start-ups, participants will have the opportunity to explore small-business management topics by choosing from various roundtables. Each will be led by an expert in a specific area of business, including start-up financing, how and when to hire help, marketing basics, and social media, among others.
In addition to presentations and roundtable sessions, local resource and economic development organizations will be available to provide information about the small-business support services they provide.
