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Professional Development and Entrepreneurship Workshops
Check out all upcoming professional development opportunities and support to start your own business using the button below or scroll down for additional events.
Start Your Own Business: Entrepreneurship Essentials
Transform your big idea into a thriving business. In this hands-on, in-person course at Nicolet College, you'll build a complete business plan, craft a compelling pitch, and gain a mentor to guide you every step of the way.
Every Tuesday starting September 16 - Tuesday, November 4, 2025
5:30 - 8:30 pm
Nicolet College, Tamarack Center - 210
COST: $249
VILAS COUNTY RESIDENTS: Six scholarships are available to cover the full cost of this course.
Who Should Attend?
- Aspiring entrepreneurs ready to move from idea to launch
- Early-stage business owners seeking structure and growth strategies
- Side hustlers looking to formalize and scale their value
What You'll Receive & Create
- One-on-one mentorship
- Launch-ready business pan
- Pitch presentation to potential funders
- Clear Action Plan and start-up roadmap
- Weekly business journal
- SWOT and market analysis
What You'll Need
- A laptop with Microsoft Office
- Commitment to learn, explore, and act
- Willingness to work beyond class sessions
For More Information Contact:
Ellen Mathein
715.365.4915
What You'll Learn in the Weekly Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- What is entrepreneurship? myths vs. reality
- Entrepreneurial traits & mindset
- Knowing your strengths and skills
- Evaluating your level of readiness & preparing for the journey
- Defining your entrepreneurial desires
Module 2: Foundations of Your Business
- Business types
- Business name and logo
- Legal and tax considerations
- Federal ID & other requirements
- Business vs. personal funds
- Reporting and documentation
- Legal documents and agreements
Module 3: Market & Competitive Research
- Problem identification and solution to solve it
- Defining target market for your business
- Evaluating the size of the market and competitors
- Defining human resources needed and how you will secure them
- Creating a strong value proposition and key differentiators
- Establishing pricing and determining margins
- Drafting your mission, vision and values
Module 4: Business Plan Review and Development
- Elements of a successful business plan
- Review of example business plans
- Making your plan compelling
- High-level goals and aspirations
- Overview of financial elements of business plan
- The executive summary
Module 5: Continuation of Business Plan Development
- Continuation of business plan development
- Strategic positioning and risk analysis
- Marketing plan and sales strategy
- Detailed discussion on financials for the business
- Action plan and timeline for your business
Module 6: Pitching and Fundraising
- Crafting a compelling pitch
- Defining what you need to start, expand and grow your business
- Understanding the sources of funds and how to obtain them
Module 7: Refinement and Review
- Further market, competition and industry analysis
- Filling in the gaps of your business plan
- Developing your launch or expansion approach
Module 8: Launch and Management of Your Business
- Managing your business
- Analyzing business success
- Leveraging mentors, coaches and advisors
- Pitch your business vision and associated plans and needs
- Dealing with setbacks