Since its inception in 2008, the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant program has generated more than $8.4 million in new local food sales. Farmers and others in Wisconsin’s food industry who want to grow their local markets are encouraged to apply in the 2017 round of grants.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the grants can help farms and business more efficiently process, market and distribute food in local markets including stores, schools and institutions.

Qualified applicants include individuals, groups or businesses involved in Wisconsin production agriculture, food processing, food distribution, food warehousing, retail food establishments or agricultural tourism operations. Proposals could include collaborations or partnerships.

Learn more. If you have questions about the application process, contact DATCP’s Buy Local Buy Wisconsin program manager Kietra Olson at 608-224-5112 or Kietra.Olson@Wisconsin.gov.

WHO: 20 Entrepreneurs + 20 Mentors

WHAT: The Doyenne Mentor Match — an evening of introductions and networking between
mentors and entrepreneurs.

WHY: It can be difficult and time consuming for entrepreneurs to connect with mentors who have
the knowledge, skill and commitment to become a valuable advisor. Doyenne’s Mentor Match
expedites this process by matching ready, willing and able mentors with entrepreneurs in need.
Entrepreneurs represent early stage companies and mentors are business professionals in varying
areas of expertise with more than five years of experience in their field. The goal is to facilitate
connections that matter by matching mentors with entrepreneurs to support their goals, expand
networks and tap into new resources.

At the event, entrepreneurs meet and have 15-minute conversations with their matched mentors
with the goal to learn more about each other and determine if it is a good fit for future
collaboration. In addition, there is open networking for less structured discussions among the
group as a whole. By the end of the evening entrepreneurs will have made real connections for
professional development, business strategy or paving a new path for their business. Mentors will
have the chance to get a sense if the entrepreneur is someone who they could successfully
support and work with.

HOW: Prior to the event, entrepreneurs and mentors, not exclusive to Doyenne members, apply to
find a match. The Doyenne team reviews applications, focusing on specific areas of need and
expertise, and makes professional matches. Each entrepreneur can be matched with up to three
prospective mentors. Based on the needs of the entrepreneurs, it is possible that a mentor will not
find an appropriate match at this time. There are limited spaces available. The cost to participate if
you are selected is $30 per person. In addition to meeting new connections and networking, the
attendance fee includes one drink and hearty appetizers.

Learn more.

The webinar will provide an overview of the federal programs that provide funding for broadband planning, infrastructure deployment, research, public computer access and digital literacy. Whether you are in the beginning stages of your planning process or starting to build your broadband network infrastructure, BroadbandUSA will help guide you to the appropriate federal programs for your needs and identify the necessary processes to apply for funding.

Click here to register.

UW-Madison has been recognized as a top research university for decades and spent $1.1 billion for research across all fields in 2016 alone. UW-Madison continues to be a crucial partner in the economic health of the state and the world class researchers at UW contribute innovations in life sciences and technologies that improve the quality of life in Wisconsin and the world.

Hear Ben Miller, UW-Madison Assistant Vice Chancellor for Government & Corporate Affairs, and Crystal Potts, UW-Madison Director of State Relations, discuss Governor Walker’s recent budget proposal and its impact on both the university and Wisconsin’s biohealth community. Learn how your organization can collaborate with the university and serve as an advocate for the industry and the University of Wisconsin System.

Learn more.

 

The Doyenne Spring Showcase increases the visibility of women’s entrepreneurship in Madison. Five Doyenne Entrepreneur Member businesses have an opportunity to present their story, products, services and future business goals to attendees.

WHO: You and five women-run local businesses who are Doyenne members.

• Taralinda Willis, Curate Solutions
• Natalie Hinckley, Hinckley Productions
• Mary Romolino, Acme Nerd Games
• Emily Kuhn, 1myvote
• Corrina Crade, mogamind

WHAT: Five minute snapshot presentations to connect to the Madison-area community with women entrepreneurs.

As an attendee, Showcase events provide you with insight into what is new and a chance to expand your own network. Whether you are an existing Doyenne member, business professional who wants to become part of the entrepreneurial scene or potential community partner, this is your chance to see Doyenne in action. You will get a direct view into how women entrepreneurs are launching and running innovative companies in our region and how you can get involved.

Learn more and register for the event here.