BizStarts Connect's mission is connect all entrepreneurs with the best possible resources through an online website, face-to-face networking events, and BizStarts' service providers.
Online Connections
Early in 2008, work began to establish a comprehensive Web site with quick access to in-depth information for all entrepreneurs. Numerous focus groups with private and public sector service providers, entrepreneurs, and supportive individuals and community groups were held. The website was launched in conjunction with a BizStarts celebratory event at Discovery World. It was an instant success and continues to receive outstanding reviews.
The website, www.bizstartsmilwaukee.com, contains a comprehensive Resource Center with documents, articles, templates, and helpful links in all aspect of business creation. It links entrepreneurs to Service Providers by topic and provides a Calendar of BizStarts service provider events and classes in all seven counties.
Today, an entrepreneur in southeast Wisconsin has a one-stop website to find the right information and connections to move the entrepreneur's idea forward and create a successful business.
Networking Connections
In 2009, BizStarts held several major networking events. Th events were attended by well over 200 people. Attending were entrepreneurs, service providers, sponsors and investors – all interested in helping connect entrepreneurs with the best possible resources.
In addition to BizStarts created events, BizStarts works with other group to help the entrepreneur create and grow their business, including:
Startup Accelerator
This full-day event brought together 100 passionate people who wanted to build and create new projects, programs and companies. Subject experts were on hand to help facilitate and accelerate
Innovation to Venture
In conjunction with the NCIIA and participating sponsors such as UWM, CATI and BizStarts, a full-day event took place in April at Discovery World to expose and educate over 60 interested entrepreneurs, students and faculty about the process of starting a company.