Entrepreneurial Training Program
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Conferences and Training, Entrepreneurial Training

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Program Details 


The Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) is a 9 week course that offers a comprehensive curriculum featuring professional ​guest speakers and expert instruction, designed to cultivate the skills necessary for developing a robust, profitable business. In this program, you’ll discover how to identify your customer base, size up your industry and competitors, and turn all that into a solid plan to launch or expand your business.

Program highlights

  • Organize & Optimize: Streamline and manage your business more effectively.
  • Identify Opportunities: Find new market opportunities and ways to market your business.
  • Financial Skills: Gain an understanding of your business's finances for better stability and growth.
  • Funding Preparation: Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to secure financing from lenders and investors.
  • Comprehensive Guidance: Craft your business strategy with the guidance of our comprehensive workbook
  • Expand Your Network: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and build valuable relationships.
  • Access Support Services: Tap into a network of business-related support services to aid your journey.

Who should register?
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs who are considering launching a new business.
  • Current business owners who are grappling with the complexities of business management.
  • Successful business owners looking to scale and expand their enterprises.
These individuals will benefit from the comprehensive training and personalized coaching offered in the program, aimed at developing essential skills for business success and growth journey.

ETP Grant Scholarship​

​To assist program participants with offsetting the $1000 registration fee, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) offers a $750 ETP grant to cover 75% of the registration fee, reducing your cost to $250.​ Depending on the cohort that you sign up for, the program cost may vary.

ETP Grant Criteria:

  • Planning to start a business in the next 24 months. ​

  • Businesses located in Wisconsin or for those planning on starting a business in Wisconsin. ​​

  • For "for"-profit businesses or those planning on starting a "for"-profit business. ​​

If you have any questions regarding the eligibility questions, please contact us at uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu. ​​​

The grant application has closed on Friday February 28, 2025. 

If you are interested in attending a future ETP, please contact us at uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu. ​​​

ETP grant applications that are accepted does not mean you're automatically approved for the $750 scholarship. You must fulfill requirements pre/post the program for the funds to be approved. ​​​​​ETP grant recipients must meet attendance requirements, complete a program survey, and complete a passing grade for the course workbook within 2 weeks of completion of the course, or will otherwise be responsible for the remaining $750. 

Please check the individual program offerings for information on any additional program scholarship opportunity that may be available from program partners. Not all program offerings will have a program partner. ​

Co-Hort Program Offerings


This Spring, we are offering a variety of co-hort groups with different dates to assist you with choosing the best one that fits your schedule. Each co-hort may have different support resources for that specific co-hort. 

Please click on the specific drop down menu for your co-hort that will take you to more details on how to get registered. 

Co-Hort Program Offerings


This Spring, we are offering a variety of co-hort groups with different dates to assist you with choosing the best one that fits your schedule. Each co-hort may have different support resources for that specific co-hort. 

Antigo (In-Person Only) – Jeff Ebel

Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 4 – April 29, 2025 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.​


Rhinelander (In-Person Only) – Jeff Ebel

Class Dates: Wednesdays, March 5 – April 30, 2025 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.


Hmong Entrepreneurs (Virtual Only) – Todd Kuckkahn​

Class Dates: Wednesdays, March 26 – May 21, 2025 | 6-9 p.m.​
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Wisconsin Entrepreneurs (Virtual Only) – Todd Kuckkahn

Class Dates:  Thursdays, March 6 – May 1, 2025 | 6-9 p.m.​​

Informational Orientation 


Curious about what the Entrepreneurial Training Program entails? Join us for our upcoming orientations, designed for both prospective participants and those already registered.

At these sessions, you'll have the opportunity to:
  • Meet our experienced instructors and the dedicated Small Business Development Center team.
  • Gain a comprehensive overview of the program structure, curriculum details, and scholarship opportunities.
  • Understand how this program can specifically support you in achieving your business objectives.
Don't miss out on this chance to explore how the Entrepreneurial Training Program can empower you on your entrepreneurial journey. Take the first step towards realizing your business dreams—reserve your spot today!

ETP Informational Orientation: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 6 – 7:30 pm via Zoom

Join us for an informational session to learn about the Entrepreneurial Training Program, what the course entails, and determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Register for Orientation Here​​

Antigo/Langlade County Entrepreneurs (In-Person Only)

Program Information


Class Dates: Tuesdays, March 4 – April 29, 2025 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.​
​Location: NTC Antigo | 312 Forrest Ave, Antigo, WI 54409​

This offering is open to anyone in Langlade County and surrounding counties. 

To Register:​
  1. Apply for the ETP​ Grant Application​. UWSP SBDC will reach out to you about the status of your grant application. Upon approval, you will receive registration details. 
  2. Confirm your participation by registering for Antigo ETP and paying the $250 fee. 
  3. Obtain your textbook. Further information for how to do so will be disclosed upon completion of your registration.​

The grant application has closed on Friday February 28, 2025. If you are interested in attending a future ETP, please contact us at uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu. ​​​


In addition to the ETP scholarship grant, the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation is offering a small scholarship grant upon successful completion of the course to help offset the registration fee. Must be a Langlade County resident or business owner in Langlade to qualify. For full eligibilty, requirements, and application process, please visit the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation or call 715-623-2085​ for more information.​​


Antigo/Langlade Instructor​


Jeff Ebel profile photoJeff Ebel | Angel Investor, Business Owner
 
Jeff Ebel is a former business owner, having had his own business in the 70s and again in 1989 starting Ebel Woodworking in his garage. In between businesses he worked in manufacturing management at two local furniture companies. In 2007 he sold Ebel Woodworking after growing it to over $4MM insales and over 45 employees. 

He now spends his time mentoring business owners and assisting entrepreneurs as an adjunct instructor of entrepreneurship forthe Fox Valley Technical College, the SBDC at the UW Stevens Point, and presenting the “First Steps” free workshop for the Central Wisconsin SCORE Chapter, and CAP Services. In addition, Jeff has been teaching the Entrepreneurial Training Program for 10+ years!​

He most recently joined forces with co-owner Leon Ostrowski in Midwest Wealth Ventures, LLC as its President, mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs and assisting with funding their ventures through the Wisconsin River Business Angels. He volunteers annually to serve as a judge for the Wisconsin governor’s Business Plan Contest. 

Program Partner 


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‭(Hidden)‬ Rhinelander (In-Person Only)

Program Information

Class Dates: Wednesdays, March 5 – April 30, 2025 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Nicolet College | 5364 College Drive, Rhinelander, WI 54501​


This offering is open to anyone who lives or operates their business within 1 of the 8 Northeastern Wisconsin Counties: Lincoln, Langlade, Oconto, Oneida, Vilas, Forest, Florence, or Marinette.​


To Register: ​
  1. Apply for the ETP Grant Application​. UWSP SBDC will reach out to you about the status of your grant application. Upon approval, you will receive registration details. 
  2. Confirm your participation by registering for the Rhinelander ETP and paying the $50 textbook fee.

  3. Obtain your textbook​​. Further information for how to do so will be disclosed upon completion of your registration.​

A​pplication deadline is Friday February 28, 2025. 

Rhinelander Instructor​

Jeff Ebel profile photoJeff Ebel | Angel Investor, Business Owner
 
Jeff Ebel is a former business owner, having had his own business in the 70s and again in 1989 starting Ebel Woodworking in his garage. In between businesses he worked in manufacturing management at two local furniture companies. In 2007 he sold Ebel Woodworking after growing it to over $4MM insales and over 45 employees. 
​
He now spends his time mentoring business owners and assisting entrepreneurs as an adjunct instructor of entrepreneurship forthe Fox Valley Technical College, the SBDC at the UW Stevens Point, and presenting the “First Steps” free workshop for the Central Wisconsin SCORE Chapter, and CAP Services. In addition, Jeff has been teaching the Entrepreneurial Training Program for 10+ years!​

He most recently joined forces with co-owner Leon Ostrowski in Midwest Wealth Ventures, LLC as its President, mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs and assisting with funding their ventures through the Wisconsin River Business Angels. He volunteers annually to serve as a judge for the Wisconsin governor’s Business Plan Contest. ​

Program Partner

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‭(Hidden)‬ Hmong Entrepreneurs (Virtual Only)

Program Information 

Orientation: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 |6 - 7:30 p.m.
Class Dates: Wednesdays, March 26- May 21, 2025 | 6-9 p.m.

This virtual offering is open to anyone in the state of Wisconsin who are Hmong. Instruction will be in English. We'll include business resources specific to Hmong/BIPOC entrepreneurs.​​

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To Register: 
  1. ​Apply for​ the Grant​​
  2. Register for the ori​entation​​​
  3. Attend the orientation
  4. After the orientation, decide if the ETP is right for you
  5. Confirm your participation by paying the $200 partial program registration fee​ online and purchasing your textbook online
  6. (If you are not eligible for the grant, you will need to pay the full registration​ fee.)
    ​​

Hmong Co-hort Instructor​

Todd Kuckkahn profile photo
Todd Kuckkahn | Public Speaker, Business Owner

Todd is a public speaker, executive coach, leadership development, and DISC consultant. His professional experience includes teaching, mentoring and coaching of all ages. 

Experiences include high school education, post-secondary education, health and human services, associations, non-profits and private industry. Worked with and served on boards from a variety of organizations, including being President of Kiwanis and Rotary. 

Todd was the Executive Director of the Portage County Business Council from 2015-2021, helping to grow the leadership opportunities and business support in Portage County for small business owners. ​
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Wisconsin Entrepreneurs (Virtual-Only)

​Program Inform​​​ation


Class Dates: Thursdays, March 6 – May 1, 2025 | 6-9 p.m.​​​

This virtual offering is open to anyone in the state of Wisconsin. Limited seats, first come basis. 

To Register:​
  1. Apply for the ETP ​Grant​​ Applicati​on​.​​ UWSP SBDC will reach out to you about the status of your grant application. Upon approval, you will receive registration details. ​
  2. Confirm your participation by registering for WI Entrepreneurs ETP and paying the $200 fee. 
  3. Obtain your textbook. Textbo​ok purchasing information will be disclosed upon completion of your registration.​​

The grant application has closed on Friday February 28, 2025. If you are interested in attending a future ETP, please contact us at uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu. ​​​​

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Co-hort Instructor

Todd Kuckkahn profile photo
Todd Kuckkahn | Public Speaker, Business Owner

Todd is a public speaker, executive coach, leadership development, and DISC consultant. His professional experience includes teaching, mentoring and coaching of all ages. 

Experiences include high school education, post-secondary education, health and human services, associations, non-profits and private industry. Worked with and served on boards from a variety of organizations, including being President of Kiwanis and Rotary. 

Todd was the Executive Director of the Portage County Business Council from 2015-2021, helping to grow the leadership opportunities and business support in Portage County for small business owners. ​


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Program Reviews​


"This information is priceless. I wish I would have taken the class before I started my business 3 years ago as the mistakes are plentiful and this class helps stop those from happening."


"The most valuable aspects of the program are the experience of the instructors and counselors in presenting the information that allowed me to look at my business with an objective, critical eye from a financial viability standpoint. Guest speakers were also highly valuable, particularly discussions about watching for pivot opportunities and how to scale."

Proven Impact 


Since 2013, 534 students have completed the course statewide, including 40 veterans and 73 minorities. 

If you're interested in future ETP offerings, please email uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu to be added to our interested list. 

Contact Information

Questions regarding this program or the ETP grant requirements, please email uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu. 

Cancellation Policy

Request must be received in writing to uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu before the start of the first day of class. No refunds for cancellations made after the first day of class. Participants cancelling after the first day of class and/or who do not complete their grant requirements will be billed the remainder of the tuition fee of $750. ​​

Please refer to your confirmation email for your specific cancellation policy. Each policy varies per cohort.


 Program Coordinated By: 

    sba logo     uw logo    Small Business Development Center Accreditation Logo  

The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the Institute of Business and Entrepreneurship in the Universities of Wisconsin. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact the SBDC at 715-346-3838 or uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu​.

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