At Green County Development Corporation, we work to create an environment that fosters strong business foundations, confidence within business owners and a focus on growth. We aren’t chasing the next Amazon headquarters. Instead, we’re focused on growing our own strong businesses.
What’s the return on investment for making Green County businesses stronger? Our business development program is part of that measurement.
In 2017, seven businesses in Green County were strengthened by free business consultation. With a grant and in-kind investment in 2018, 61 businesses took advantage of our free business coaching.
Investing $60,000 in small business counseling for Green County businesses resulted in a 771 percent increase in the number of businesses assisted. The number of jobs created by businesses we assisted increased from one in 2017 to 15 in 2018. The amount of capital raised by those businesses increased from $280,000 to nearly $700,000.
We have this opportunity again in 2019, with increased grant and in-kind funding, to provide free business coaching in Green County. We’re in the process of hiring another Small Business Development Center counselor to strengthen Green County businesses.
Our “dream team” consists of:
Brock Waterman, our senior business consultant, is an expert in financial projections, business plan development and process improvement. Kristi Smith is skilled at sales and marketing, employee management and helping businesses be more profitable. In addition to her work helping businesses with SBDC, Smith owns Rainbow Confections and Fudgeraiser in Monroe. Our newest hire, Jason Schliep, is knowledgeable about social media strategy, employee management and business crisis management. He has a background in restaurant development and franchising.
All three of our business consultants provide free, confidential counseling for any business in Green County. They are backed up by a broad network of SBDC specialists throughout the state who can assist with any issue confronting entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Can we help your business?
If you own a business or know someone who may benefit from confidential, one-on-one business assistance, let us know. We want to help businesses put together the pieces they need for faster, better growth. We can help companies evolve with consulting, education, referrals and sophisticated tools and resources. We can also help identify market opportunities so business owners make informed decisions.
Green County has a vibrant economy, and we know there are many businesses that could be assisted with the additional staffing this partnership will provide. We would also love to speak to all of the service and business groups in the county to let everyone know more about what we can provide. Give us a call at 608-328-9452 or email gcdc@tds.net.
Nominate Business and Individuals For Our Annual Awards
Know a business that’s really gone above and beyond this past year? How about an individual who is a true leader? GCDC is now accepting nominations for our annual awards to be presented during our Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner, scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at Turner Hall in Monroe. These awards are:
n The Outstanding Business of the Year, which honors a business that has demonstrated exemplary commitment to Green County’s economic growth. This business will have made a significant improvement to strengthen its market position or have overcome an obstacle affecting the company’s ability to grow.
n The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, which honors an entrepreneur with a hunger for opportunity, a growth mindset, a willingness to learn, a willingness to find solutions to challenges and problems, and a strong work ethic.
n The Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award, which honors an individual who exemplifies the character of a true leader.
To nominate a business or individual, visit greencountyedc.com and look for the link for a fillable form online under the News & Events tab. More information and assistance is available by emailing gcdc@tds.net or calling 608-328-9452. Nominations are due Friday, March 15. Don’t forget to order to order your tickets for the Annual Dinner. Tickets can be ordered online by visiting greencountyedc.com, emailing gcdc@tds.net or phoning 608-328-9452. Please indicate the name of each guest in your party, as well as if any vegetarian entrees are needed. We look forward to seeing you there!
— Cara Carper is executive director at Green County Development Corporation. She can be reached at cara.gcdc@tds.net.
