UW-Whitewater: National business organization moving to UW-Whitewater

In a new collaboration that will strengthen business education and regional economic development, the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) announced it is moving its headquarters to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

This spring, USASBE, one of the most respected entrepreneurial support organizations in the world, will move to Timothy J. Hyland Hall, home of UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics.

“Our campus, our community and USASBE share a commitment to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Richard Telfer, UW-Whitewater chancellor. “This is a unique opportunity for us to share our talents, expertise and resources to enhance the student experience and grow the regional economy.”

“Everything we do is about enhancing innovation and fostering ideas into effective business propositions,” said Christine Clements, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “We are extremely excited to partner with USASBE to make a real difference in entrepreneurship for today’s and tomorrow’s business world.”

The association’s executive director and an administrative assistant will be housed at UW-Whitewater in a three-year agreement.

“USASBE is thrilled to be moving the organization’s central office to UW-Whitewater,” said Rebecca White, president of the association. “As an entrepreneurial, four-year state university with an applied research and teaching focus, UW-Whitewater represents our membership well and complements our strategic priorities.”

White said USASBE is looking forward to working with UW-Whitewater to create the next generation of entrepreneurs through teaching and research.

This new collaboration opens the doors for UW-Whitewater to work with USASBE’s more than 1,000 members from universities and colleges, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector.

“Not only will this relationship increase regional economic development initiatives, it will further nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem, encourage new research, and foster business development,” said Denise Ehlen, director of Research and Sponsored Programs at UW-Whitewater.

“This will have immediate economic impact and long term generational impact on our economy,” said Jeff Vanevenhoven, assistant professor of management. “The region has identified entrepreneurship as one of the ways to develop and grow the economy. We have invested in a long-term commitment toward ecosystem development through our strong infrastructure.”

UW-Whitewater has a strong reputation for excellence in entrepreneurship. Facilities like Hyland Hall and the Whitewater Innovation Center serve as robust environments for learning and business incubation. The university’s business outreach centers partner with local and regional companies to diversify and strengthen their operations. Faculty and staff members have secured millions of dollars in federal and state grants to support entrepreneurship. Student entrepreneurs have garnered prestigious awards at national competitions.

“USASBE will benefit from the strong culture that we have built here at UW-Whitewater, particularly with our student body,” Vanevenhoven said. “UW-Whitewater faculty will benefit by learning the most recent developments that we can bring to our own classrooms and make our regional entrepreneurs stronger.”