Entrepreneurial Training

Program Details

The Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) is a 9-week course that offers a comprehensive curriculum featuring professional ​guest speakers and expert instruction, designed to cultivate the skills necessary for developing a robust, profitable business. In this program, you’ll discover how to identify your customer base, size up your industry and competitors, and turn all that into a solid plan to launch or expand your business.

Program Highlights

  • Organize & Optimize: Streamline and manage your business more effectively.
  • Identify Opportunities: Find new market opportunities and ways to market your business.
  • Financial Skills: Gain an understanding of your business’s finances for better stability and growth.
  • Funding Preparation: Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to secure financing from lenders and investors.
  • Comprehensive Guidance: Craft your business strategy with the guidance of our comprehensive workbook
  • Expand Your Network: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and build valuable relationships.
  • Access Support Services: Tap into a network of business-related support services to aid your journey.

Who Should I Register?

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs who are considering launching a new business.
  • Current business owners who are grappling with the complexities of business management.Successful business owners looking to scale and expand their enterprises.

These individuals will benefit from the comprehensive training and personalized coaching offered in the program, aimed at developing essential skills for business success and growth journey.

Program Fee: $200-250

Sign Up Now for the Interest Form

If you are interested in attending a future ETP, please complete the form below. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu.​

Click here to Sign Up

Co-Hort Program Offerings

We offer a variety of co-hort groups with different dates to assist you with choosing the best one that fits your schedule. Each co-hort may have different support resources for that specific co-hort. 
Please click on the specific drop down menu for your co-hort that will take you to more details on how to get registered. ​

Antigo/Langlade County Entrepreneurs (In-Person Only)

Program Information

Class Dates: Tuesdays, September 15 – November 10, 2026​ | 5:30-8:30 p.m.​
Orientation: September 1, 2026, 5:30 p.m.​ at Antigo NTC 
Location: North​​central Technical College Antigo Campus
Address: 312 Forrest Ave, Antigo, WI 54409

This offering is open to anyone in Langlade County and surrounding counties. 
In addition to the ETP scholarship grant, the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation is offering a small scholarship grant upon successful completion of the course to help offset the registration fee. Must be a Langlade County resident or business owner in Langlade to qualify. For full eligibility, requirements, and application process, please visit the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation or call 715-623-2085​ for more information.​​

Antigo/Langlade Instructor

Jeff Ebel | Angel Investor, Business Owner

Jeff Ebel is a former business owner, having had his own business in the 70s and again in 1989 starting Ebel Woodworking in his garage. In between businesses he worked in manufacturing management at two local furniture companies. In 2007 he sold Ebel Woodworking after growing it to over $4MM insales and over 45 employees. 

He now spends his time mentoring business owners and assisting entrepreneurs as an adjunct instructor of entrepreneurship forthe Fox Valley Technical College, the SBDC at the UW Stevens Point, and presenting the “First Steps” free workshop for the Central Wisconsin SCORE Chapter, and CAP Services. In addition, Jeff has been teaching the Entrepreneurial Training Program for 10+ years!​

He most recently joined forces with co-owner Leon Ostrowski in Midwest Wealth Ventures, LLC as its President, mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs and assisting with funding their ventures through the Wisconsin River Business Angels. He volunteers annually to serve as a judge for the Wisconsin governor’s Business Plan Contest. 

Program Partner: Langlade County Economic Development Corporation

Virtual

Program Information

Class Dates: Thursdays, September 17 – November 12, 2026 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.​​​​
Orientation: September 3, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom​

This virtual offering is open to anyone in the state of Wisconsin. Limited seats, first come basis.

Virtual Co-hort Instructor

JefMike Walker | Public Speaker, Business Owner

Mike Walker, MBA, is a business consultant, financial educator, and owner of M.W. Business Consulting, LLC. He specializes in helping small business owners understand their numbers, improve cash flow, and make confident, profit-driven decisions. With over 15 years of experience in business consulting, financial analysis, and economic development—including work with the Wisconsin SBDC network—Mike combines practical frameworks with real-world expertise to make financial concepts simple, actionable, and empowering. Mike is known for his practical teaching style, high-value tools, and ability to help business owners move from overwhelm to clarity.

“The ETP class was a critical step in expanding my business! Not only was I able to surround myself with other community members needing similar support, I gained access to experts in the field to immerse me in the aspects of my business I was feeling less confident in. I would absolutely recommend this class to anyone looking to start their small business!​​”
“The class was an amazing opportunity to meet area business owners and learn to develop and maintain a business plan. It was well worth the hard work involved!”
“Whether you’re just starting with a dream or already running a thriving business, I can’t recommend this class enough. It challenges you to think bigger, fills in the gaps you didn’t know existed, and surrounds you with like-minded individuals who make the journey that much more inspiring. There’s space for every walk of business here—and that’s the true beauty of this program. When you’re in this environment, everything just clicks. It’s never too late to launch your dreams and this is the perfect place to start!”
“This information is priceless. I wish I would have taken the class before I started my business 3 years ago as the mistakes are plentiful and this class helps stop those from happening.”

Proven Impact

Since 2001, 733 students have completed the course. 
If you’re interested in future ETP offerings, please email uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu to be added to our interested list. 

Contact Information

Questions regarding this program or the ETP grant requirements, please email uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu.

All SBDC Conferences and Training Opportunities

Program Coordinated By

The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the Institute of Business and Entrepreneurship in the Universities of Wisconsin. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact the SBDC at 715-346-2270 ​or uwspce-sbdc@uwsp.edu

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