Those of you who have asked me how things are going at Green County Development Corporation know my reply is usually, “Something good happens to me every day!”
I know that sounds unlikely, but it’s true. I don’t have space to write about every good thing for each day of 2018, but I’ll highlight some of the best.
First, the UniverCity program. GCDC is working with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and its UniverCity Year program. UniverCity matched UW-Madison courses, students and faculty with the needs and projects identified by communities throughout the county. Students completed 28 projects during the fall semester and will be embarking upon 22 additional projects starting in January. From identifying data sharing models for opioid addiction to planning for solar and geothermal systems at Juda school, UW-Madison students have contributed greatly to Green County.
Also, the Entrepreneurial Development Program aimed to help new and existing businesses and greatly enhance our entrepreneurial development program. We received funding from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the William S. Knight Foundation. Because of this funding, our partner in this endeavor, the Small Business Development Center, hired Business Consultant Kristi Smith. She joined Business Consultant Brock Waterman to work with new and existing businesses. Having this additional consultant has allowed us to dramatically increase our results with businesses from 2017 to 2018.
The total of small business clients increased from seven to 51; long-term clients, meaning those with five or more hours of consultation, increased from seven to 23 and new business beginnings grew from two to five. Under the program, capital infusion also increased from $281,500 to $666,249 and job creation increased from just one to 21.
In addition, we opened the Enterprise Center on the Monroe campus of Blackhawk Technical College. Not only did GCDC roll out a business development program, we also opened a new space dedicated to improving Green County businesses. The Enterprise Center is a business development center created in partnership between GCDC and BTC. GCDC now has a dedicated space on the north end of the campus for business owners to work one-on-one with our business consultants or their clients; host presentations for small groups and high-level meetings; attend business development seminars; and have the opportunity for peer networking and learning.
As we gained new clients through the Entrepreneurial Development Program, we found that most would benefit greatly from boot camp-style classes to jumpstart their business plans. And so, seven businesses graduated from our recently established eight-week Entrepreneurial Training Program class this fall. Nearly 60 people attended the Celebration of Entrepreneurship graduation ceremony at the Enterprise Center.
We also produced entrepreneurial videos to showcase and promote our Entrepreneurial Development Program and developed a series of four videos highlighting how GCDC and SBDC have helped businesses prosper in Green County. They are available to watch on the GCDC website and Facebook page.
While I celebrate what we have achieved, I also look forward to what is to come in the future.
Because of the great success we have had in helping businesses grow stronger in Green County, we were able to tap into Tera Johnson from the Food & Finance Institute to teach Food and Beverage Boot Camp classes scheduled for January and February. Johnson has taught these classes nationwide, but this is the first time this boot camp will be offered in Wisconsin. The number of businesses accepted into the class is capped at 10. We are excited to announce the class is full and there is currently a waiting list.
We expect our Entrepreneurial Development Program to grow in the coming year. We want to let every entrepreneur and business owner know that we have free, confidential help for them. I’m happy to speak about these resources at meetings of local organizations. Our number is 608-328-9452. Or email me at cara.gcdc@tds.net.
On a different note, if any individual or business wants to share in all things happening in Green County, we urge investment in our organization. Funding ensures GCDC can take advantage of great opportunities. Grant opportunities come and go, but continued support guarantees we can continue building a stronger Green County.
— Cara Carper is executive director at Green County Development Corporation.
