Entrepreneurial Training Program
Varies
Conferences and Training, Entrepreneurial Training

​Entrepreneurial Training Program Header Image

Fall 2024 Dates Annouced! See below. 
​

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.

Limited seating for each co-hort group. Each program co-hort has only 10-15 available seats for a more enriching group experience. 

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! To register, click on the corresponding co-hort for the orientation registration link. 


​​Registration Information

Program Fee

Registration Fee - $1000

ETP Grant Scholarship​

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is offering qualified applicants Entrepreneurial Training Program Grants that cover most of the $1,000 course fee. The ETP grant covers 75 percent of the tuition, reducing your cost to $250.

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 fall, 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 co-hort groups for details on orientation dates, class dates, instructor and more!

Antigo/Langlade County Entrepreneurs (In-Person Only)

Program Information


Orientation: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 | 5:30- 7 p.m. 
Class Dates: Tuesdays, September 24 - November 19, 2024 | 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. Register for the orientation​​​
  2. Attend the orientation ​
  3. During orientation, decide if the ETP is right for you
  4. Apply for the ETP scholarship grant​
    (grant application forms available at the orientation)
  5. Confirm your participation by paying the $250 partial program registration fee at the end of the orientation and pick up your textbook
    (If you are not eligible for the grant​, you will need to pay the full registration fee.)​​
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  for more info 715-623-2085.​​


Antigo/Langlade Instructor


Jeff Ebel profile photo
Jeff 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. 
​

Wisconsin Entrepreneurs (Virtual-Only)

Program Information


Orientation: Wednesday, September 11, 2024 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Class Dates: Wednesdays, September 25 - November 20, 2024 | 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 Grant​​
  2. Register for the orientation​​​
  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
    (If you are not eligible for the grant, you will need to pay the full registration​ fee.)asing your textbook online​)

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. ​




Women Entrepreneurs (Virtual Only)

Program Details


Orientation: Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 6-9 p.m.
Class Dates: Thursdays, September 26 - November 21, 2024 | 6-9 p.m.

Connect, support, and grow together with a co-hort of like minded women entrepreneurs! This virtual offering is open to women in the state of Wisconsin. We'll include business resources specific to women entrepreneurs. Limited seats, first come basis. ​

To Register: 
  1. ​Apply for​ the Grant​​
  2. Register for the orientation​​​
  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
    (If you are not eligible for the grant, you will need to pay the full registration​ fee.)​

Women Entrepreneurs Co-hort Instructor

Andi Gretzinger profile photo
Andi Gretzinger | Wood Florist, Business Owner

Andi Gretzinger is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, mom, and wife whose entrepreneurial fire was lit by the ETP class in 2019. She is the owner of North Wood Blooms LLC, a luxury wood flower florist, and a creative business mentor. 

Originally an elementary art teacher, Andi transitioned her artistic and teaching talents to wood flower floristry. Starting as a side hustle in 2018, her business became a full-time endeavor in 2021, thanks to the pivotal role of the ETP program. 

Since then, Andi has been an inspiring force in the industry, helping plan a national wood flower florists conference now entering its fourth year. She mentors fellow florists in artistry, business strategy, and marketing. Andi is also passionate about helping local entrepreneurs through the SBDC. She combines her experience and enthusiasm to empower and support fellow entrepreneurs, sharing her journey and insights to help others achieve their goals and thrive in their passions.

Hmong Entrepreneurs (Virtual Only)

Program Information


Orientation: Tuesday, August 27, 2024  |  6-7:30 p.m.
Class Dates: Tuesdays, September 17 - November 12, 2024  |  6-9 p.m.

This virtual offering is open to anyone in the state of Wisconsin who are Hmong. Instruction will be in English, however the instructor does speak/write in Hmong if further clarification in Hmong is needed. 

We'll include business resources specific to Hmong/BIPOC entrepreneurs.​​

To Register: 
  1. ​Apply for​ the Grant​​
  2. Register for the orientation​​​
  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.)
    ​​

Instructor​

To be announced! Please check back. ​

Waupaca Military Veterans (Virtual Only)

Program Information


Orientation: Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Class Dates: Thursdays, September 19 - November 21 | 6-9 p.m.
(There is normally one break week for the 9 week program. Due to a conflict in scheduling, the veterans program will be 10 weeks with 2 break weeks scheduled.)

Eligible participants must:
  • Be a current service member, honorably discharged veteran, or current/surviving spouse of service member/veteran and be a
  • Current resident of or owner/operator of a business located in Waupaca County and
  • Complete application on their webpage, supplying the required info/documentation regarding business
Additional scholarships available through the Waupaca ​​​Veteran Entrepreneurial Training Grant Program. For full grant program eligibility, ​requirements, and application process, please visit their program page. They have a application deadline each semester. If interested, please reach out to them as soon as you know you want to participate. 


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. 

​ ​​ ​
​

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 Info

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

Cancellation Policy


Full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee ​will be made if cancellation request is received in writing to uwspce-bus@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. ​​

​​​



 Program Coordinated By: 

sbdc logo     sba logo     uw logo    IBE 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-bus@uwsp.edu.

​
​​