Expert help in one place with starting a business, growing a business, financials, marketing & artificial intelligence (A.I.)
(MADISON, WI) –The Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) at the Universities of Wisconsin, along with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Gateway Technical College and the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance will host a Small Business Clinic – free to all participants – on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn, WI.
This FREE event will take place from 8:30 AM – 4:00 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, or legal matters, and/or participate in lecture-style sessions in a group setting.
The event will feature lecture style and 1:1 sessions covering topics such as financials, marketing, legal matters, and A.I. as well as taxes, business planning, funding sources and general business consulting. Resources from local entities and entrepreneurial support at resource tables will be available all day as well as a lunch panel of local experts and businesses who will discuss their experiences.
“We’re excited to bring this level of hands-on business support directly to Walworth County,” said Jason Schleip, Director of the SBDC Whitewater. “Whether someone is exploring an idea, tackling their financials, or ready to grow, our consultants meet entrepreneurs exactly where they are — and this clinic makes that expertise easy to access in one place, in one day.”
“Your entrepreneurial journey doesn’t have to be a solo adventure,” said Dan Brosman, OBE Strategic Projects Associate Director and event organizer “Our clinic provides the roadmap, resources, and community support you need to succeed.”
“Walworth County entrepreneurs shouldn’t have to figure it all out on their own,” said Nora Roughen-Schmidt, event organizer and Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center and State Small Business Credit Initiative. “This clinic brings free, one-on-one expert guidance right into their community, so they can leave with real answers and a clear next step for their business.”
“What a great opportunity across Walworth County and neighboring counties for businesses of all sizes, but particularly the smaller ones. It gives attendees the opportunity to meet and listen to experts on critical subjects that can help them advance their respective organizations. It also provides an opportunity for one-on-one advice, networking, and a connection to potential mentors. We are grateful to all the partners listed above and also our chambers of commerce for making this a reality.” Derek D’Auria, Executive Director, Walworth County Economic Development Alliance
In addition to 30-minute consulting appointments, participants may attend breakout sessions focused on business planning, financial records and strategy, digital marketing, small business law, business taxes and practical uses of AI. A local entrepreneur discussion panel and resource tables will provide additional opportunities to learn, ask questions and make connections throughout the day.
One-on-one consulting is free and confidential. Attendees can register online and customize their schedule by selecting the sessions and appointments that are most relevant to their business needs. Advance registration is encouraged.
Light refreshments and lunch will be provided. Attendees will also have opportunities to meet local, regional and statewide organizations that support entrepreneurship, connect with fellow business owners and learn about programs and resources available to small businesses.
Nora Roughen-Schmidt (ROWAN-Schmidt) serves as one of the event organizers, Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center and State Small Business Credit Initiative. 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 your time with her.
WHAT: FREE Small Business Clinic
WHERE: Gateway Technical College – Elkhorn Campus: 400 County Road H, Elkhorn, WI 53121
WHO:
- Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) – Universities of Wisconsin
- Gateway Technical College
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Whitewater
- Walworth County Economic Development Alliance
WHEN: Monday, September 21, 2026, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Register for the clinic online: bit.ly/sbc-walworth or email: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu call/text: 608-262-2994.
