Marketplace Today Blog

The New North Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council will host a panel discussion on free or low-cost services available to entrepreneurs in Northeast Wisconsin as part of its quarterly Best Practices Panel Series at the Bordini Center at Fox Valley Technical College, 5 Systems Dr., Appleton, Tuesday, March 23 from 9 to 11 a.m.

During the moderated panel discussion, audience members will hear examples of how New North businesses have used these services to successfully launch their ventures, overcome obstacles, and take their businesses to the next level of competitiveness. This discussion is geared toward both startup and existing businesses looking ways to secure professional assistance in finding financing, drafting a business plan, managing cash flow and operations, and looking for new markets and growth opportunities.

The event will be moderated by Bob O’Donnell of the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh College of Business, and include representatives of several organizations supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. They include Phil Florek, senior business counselor with the UW–Oshkosh office of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Centers Network; Randy Melzer, president of the SCORE Fox Cities Chapter; and Kathy Doyle, business development director for ADVOCAP, along with a representative of the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network.

Several recent winners of the 2010 Northeast Wisconsin Business Plan Contest who have successfully used many of these services have also been invited to participate in the panel discussion.

There is no cost to attend, but registration will be capped at 50 participants. To register, contact Alex Kowalski, akowalski@infoprofessionals.com. For more information, visit www.thenewnorth.com at www.thenewnorth.com or contact Bob O’Donnell at UW–Oshkosh, (920) 450-3979.