(MADISON, WI) –The Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE), the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, Western Technical College, and the Viroqua Chamber will host a Small Business Clinic – free to all participants – on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Western Technical College.
This FREE event will take place from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM and is a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ for entrepreneurs. Come for the day or for a specific session. Participants can schedule 30-minute individual sessions with consultants to discuss starting a business, financials, marketing, home baking businesses, international trade, or legal matters, and/or participate in lecture-style sessions in a group setting. Peruse resources from local entities and entrepreneurial support at resource tables in the lobby.
“Your entrepreneurial journey doesn’t have to be a solo adventure,” said Dan Brosman, Office of Business & Entrepreneurship Strategic Projects Associate Director and event organizer “Our clinic provides the roadmap, resources, and community support you need to succeed.”
“Entrepreneurship empowers individuals to transform their passion into opportunities, driving local innovation and strengthening the economic vitality of our communities,” said event site sponsor Deb Hether, director, Enrollment Services at Western Technical College.
“We’re proud to support the Office of Business & Entrepreneurship in bringing the Small Business Clinic to Viroqua,” reported Allyson Servais, executive director, Viroqua Chamber. “Providing local entrepreneurs with accessible tools, expert guidance, and ral-time resources is essential to building a strong and resilient local economy. This clinic is about meeting where where they are on their small business journey – whether they’re just starting out, growing, or reimagining their business – and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and empowered to take their next step.
“It aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s mission to enhance the quality of life in Viroqua through leadership, facilitation, and collaboration,” added Servais. “It’s just one more way we’re working to uplift the people and businesses that make this community so special.”
“Whether you’re curious about where to start, or you’re ready to make a leap, our experts are here to offer trusted insights and industry-specific advice, free of charge,” reported Nora Roughen-Schmidt, business consultant and event organizer. “Small Business Clinics give participants the opportunity to check off everything on their to-do lists through education, inspiration, and resources. Please join us on August 14 in Viroqua and we will help get you started.”
In addition to the 30-minute appointments, participants may choose to attend lecture-style group sessions featuring General Business Law with UW Madison’s Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, Business Planning 101, Financial Records, Statements and Strategy, A.I. for Your Business, LLC Formation Lab, Food Finance Institute and Cottage Industry 101, Optimizing Your Business Marketing Strategy, Business Taxes with the Department of Revenue, and Entrepreneurial Resources in your Local Library.
Roughen-Schmidt (ROWAN-Schmidt) serves as the event organizer and Business Consultant with the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). She will be available for free and confidential small business consulting that day. Contact her via email: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu to schedule time with her.
Enjoy lunch and mingle with local organizations that support entrepreneurship in the region, meet fellow entrepreneurs, and learn about programs in the region that support small businesses.
Plus, you’re invited to continue the conversation during a Networking Happy Hour hosted by the Viroqua Chamber after the clinic closes at 5:00 pm. Additional details will be available on the Viroqua Chamber Facebook page.
WHAT: FREE Small Business Clinic
WHERE: Western Technical College – Viroqua campus
220 South Main Street, Viroqua, WI 54665
WHO: 1. Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) – Universities of Wisconsin
2. Western Technical College – Viroqua Campus
3. Viroqua Chamber of Commerce
4. Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SW Outreach & UW La Crosse
WHEN: Thursday, August 14, 2025 9am-4:30pm
Register for the clinic online: http://bit.ly/sbc-viroqua
or email: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu call/text: 608-716-9441.
