Progress Lakeshore Inc

Striving to support the success of our early-stage businesses, progress lakeshore offers a business mentoring program called circles of 7, or c7. Based on the idea that businesses learn best from each other, a seasoned local business owner is assigned to a group of six early-stage businesses to form a mentor-protege support circle. Each circle meets monthly for nine months to cover a specific curriculum and other topics based on participants' needs. This program ran from september 2024 - may 2025. We had one circle.

Shorter than our etp course, our entrepreneurial boot camps are designed to be a starting point for exploring the mindset, resources and regulatory environment entrepreneurs need to consider when starting a business. In 2024, we had 29 participants between our four boot camps. We had a general business boot camp and three focused boot camps on non-profit, childcare and food.

Perfect your pitch is a series of videos designed to help budding entrepreneurs nail down their elevator pitch, perfect speaking in public, and learn the basics of pitching a business idea, in preparation for participating in our annual level up pitch contest. The level up pitch contest is presented by progress lakeshore and regional partners. The event includes a pitch by each entrepreneur and a question-and-answer period with local judges. Winner(s) receive prize money and services. This event offers in person and live-stream viewing options.the level up pitch contest had 8 participants. Winners (first and second) went on to compete at the regional pitch event.

Our entrepreneur training program is an immersive course offered in conjunction with the wisconsin small business development center. The eight-week sessions equip aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow successful businesses. Participants are provided with information, tips, exercises, and tools to help evaluate their business ideas and develop their business plans. There were 17 individuals who participanted in this program. Three of the businesses competed in our pitch contest as well.

Founders connection brings together small business owners to connect, expand networks and gain valuable insights that can propel businesses forward. The evening highlights lessons learned from a local entrepreneur's journey or a resource for addressing the challenges small businesses may face. Conversations take place over coffee, and the event creates opportunity for networking with a purpose. Networking events are held quarterly. There was a grand total of 37 attendees between all 4 of the events.