Empowering Northeast Wisconsin Entrepreneurs: SBDC at UW-Green Bay Fuels Small Business Success From Startup to Succession

Written By: Tara Carr, Small Business Development Center Director at UWGB

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UWGreen Bay serves as the go-to resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners, providing expert, confidential consulting for startups, scaling or expanding companies, and succession planning. By offering tailored support and a wealth of resources, SBDC’s empower businesses to navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial landscape. The Green Bay SBDC just celebrated 44 years of serving these 12 counties in Northeast Wisconsin: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Shawano and Sheboygan.

Startup Stage

The SBDC offers aspiring entrepreneurs comprehensive consulting to transform ideas into viable businesses. Consultants turn visions into actionable steps by assisting with business plans, guiding clients through target market identification, market research, competitive analysis, and financial forecasting. Additionally, workshops such as the Entrepreneurial Training Program cover essential topics like entity creation, marketing strategies, and financial projections. By equipping new business owners with knowledge and resources, the SBDC establishes a foundation for sustainable growth. Consultant, Ray York, is instrumental in supporting startups during this critical phase.

Growth Stage

As businesses mature, the SBDC continues to play a crucial role in their development identifying opportunities for growth and expansion. Consultants assist owners in financial performance analysis and funding exploration. SBDC Senior Consultant, David Stauffacher, specializes in guiding businesses in the growth phase, offering tailored support and industry-specific resources to enable effective scaling and risk management. The Green Bay Center excels in helping clients secure capital, especially through business valuations for mergers and acquisitions, making it a state leader in client success.

Succession Planning

Succession planning is another critical area where the SBDC excels. Due to the aging demographic in Wisconsin, many small business owners face the challenge of transitioning their business. SBDC consultants provide expert advice on developing a succession plan that ensures business continuity and value retention. Consultants help owners assess the business’s current state, identify potential successors, and create a roadmap for a smooth transition. This might involve financial preparation, business valuation, and handling the emotional aspects of transitioning ownership.

Resources

The SBDC provides business consulting at no-cost, which is provided by Small Business Administration federal grant funding. The Wisconsin SBDC has an abundance of free resources, such as an international trade expert, intellectual property expert, How-to videos, First Steps course, Beginner’s Guide to Financial Projections course, business plan template, and marketing and industry reports.

The Green Bay Small Business Development Center’s expert consulting services are integral to the success of small businesses at every stage of their lifecycle. From launching startups to fostering growth and ensuring smooth transitions during succession, SBDC consultants offer invaluable expertise and support. By leveraging their extensive knowledge and resources, small businesses can navigate challenges confidentially, confidently and achieve their long-term goals. The SBDC’s dedication to promoting entrepreneurship not only enhances individual businesses but also boosts the local economy, making it a vital ally and extensive resource for small business owners.