Superior Entrepreneurship Center Expands Services with WiSys VentureHome Program

October 27, 2022

Superior, Wisconsin

The Superior Entrepreneurship Center has taken a giant leap forward in its mission to support local businesses by joining forces with WiSys VentureHome, a statewide initiative that connects entrepreneurs with a vast array of resources and opportunities. As one of five VentureHome hubs in Wisconsin, Superior now offers a comprehensive toolkit to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.

WiSys VentureHome: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Success

WiSys VentureHome is a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the University of Wisconsin System (UWS). It serves as a gateway to a vast network of resources, including:

• Entrepreneur toolkits: These toolkits provide entrepreneurs with essential information and guidance on topics such as business planning, financing, marketing, and legal issues.
• Access to research and technologies: VentureHome connects entrepreneurs with UWS researchers and technologies that can help them develop innovative products and services.
• Legal strategy assistance: Entrepreneurs can receive legal advice and support from experienced attorneys who specialize in business law.
• Seed funding: VentureHome provides access to seed funding to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses.

Superior Hub Offers Coworking Space and More

In addition to the resources available through VentureHome, the Superior hub also offers coworking space, providing entrepreneurs with a professional and collaborative environment to work and network. This space is located in the old post office building at 1430 Tower Ave., which has been transformed into a one-stop shop for economic development assistance.

A Comprehensive Ecosystem for Business Growth

The Superior Entrepreneurship Center is part of a larger ecosystem of organizations dedicated to supporting businesses in Superior and Douglas County. These organizations include:

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The SBDC provides no-cost, confidential consulting and education to entrepreneurs. Services include business plan development, financing assistance, and marketing support.
• The Development Association: This organization works to champion business growth and development in Superior and Douglas County. Services include counseling, education, professional assistance, and a loan fund.
• Superior Business Center: The Superior Business Center provides business incubator facilities, including cubicles, warehouse space, a meeting room, private offices, and a commercial kitchen.
• Entrepreneur Fund (EFund): The EFund helps entrepreneurs in Minnesota and Wisconsin access funds through fair and affordable financing. Services include loans, business planning assistance, and mentoring.
• Superior Business Improvement District (BID): The BID advocates for stakeholders to sustain, promote, and enhance the 89-block BID area. Services include marketing, events, and advocacy.

Upcoming Programs and Events

The VentureHome program’s first cohort of entrepreneurs will embark on their Level Up! journey on January 29, 2023. This intensive five-month program helps founders take their business or idea to the next level. The pre-seed accelerator offers educational workshops, personalized goal setting, and milestones to complete each month, culminating in a six-minute pitch to community stakeholders.

A total of 12 entrepreneurs applied for the program, more than any other hub, according to Jim Caesar, executive director of The Development Association. Six entrepreneurs were chosen to participate.

The Superior/Douglas County Business Resource Open House will take place again in the spring of 2023. The inaugural event in October 2022, which brought together 14 local, regional, and state entities in a single event aimed at supporting business owners across the spectrum, was a huge success. Caesar plans to hold a resource open house twice a year at the Superior Entrepreneurship Center.

Conclusion

The Superior Entrepreneurship Center, with the addition of WiSys VentureHome, is poised to make a significant impact on the local economy. By providing entrepreneurs with access to a wide range of resources and support, the center is helping to create a vibrant and thriving business community in Superior and Douglas County.

For more information on the Superior Entrepreneurship Center and the WiSys VentureHome program, please visit the center’s website at www.superiorenw.com.