Aug 4, 2026
VIROQUA, Wis. — Entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners and established companies will have an opportunity to access free expert guidance, educational sessions and one-on-one consulting during a Small Business Clinic on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Western Technical College’s Viroqua campus.
Hosted by the Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) at the Universities of Wisconsin, along with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Western Technical College, Vernon County Community Development and the Viroqua Chamber of Commerce, the free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Designed as a “choose-your-own-adventure” experience, participants can attend for the entire day or select individual sessions. Attendees may schedule 30-minute consultations with experts to discuss starting a business, business growth, financial management, marketing, food and agricultural enterprises, international trade and legal matters. Lecture-style group sessions also will be offered throughout the day.
The clinic will feature two tracks. A general small business track will cover topics including financials, marketing, legal matters and artificial intelligence. A second track will focus on food, farm and agricultural businesses.
Food and farm sessions will include Farm or Food Business Financials 101; Cottage Food and Mobile Food Trucks: Emerging and Early-Stage Food and Farm Business Models; Cost of Goods Sold and Pricing; Digital Marketing for Food Businesses; Growing a Food or Farm Business; and Maximizing Point-of-Sale Systems and Selling at Farmers Markets.
Resource tables featuring local organizations and entrepreneurial support services will be available throughout the 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.”
Deb Hether, director of enrollment services at Western Technical College, said entrepreneurship plays an important role in local economic development.
“Entrepreneurship empowers individuals to transform their passion into opportunities, driving local innovation and strengthening the economic vitality of our communities,” Hether said.
The clinic returns to Viroqua following a successful event last year.
“The Viroqua Chamber is thrilled to support the Office of Business & Entrepreneurship,” said Niki Steele, board president of the Viroqua Chamber of Commerce. “Following last year’s overwhelming success, the new line-up of resources features a wide spectrum of learning, expert-led sessions, and vital connections for our business community. Whether someone is a new or returning attendee, there are many opportunities available to connect and grow!”
Vernon County Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator Larkin Breckel said the event provides valuable resources for local entrepreneurs at every stage of business development.
“We’re glad to support the Office of Business & Entrepreneurship bringing the Small Business Clinic back to Viroqua this summer,” Breckel said. “Supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening our local economy are top priorities for us. This clinic gives current and aspiring business owners an opportunity to connect with resources and expert guidance, whether they’re just getting started or looking to grow.”
In addition to individual consulting appointments, attendees can participate in presentations on General Business Law with UW-Madison’s Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, Business Planning 101, Financial Records, Statements and Strategy, Artificial Intelligence for Your Business, Food Finance Institute and Cottage Industry 101, Optimizing Your Business Marketing Strategy, Business Taxes with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, a local entrepreneur discussion panel and resource provider sessions.
Nora Roughen-Schmidt, a business consultant with the Small Business Development Center and State Small Business Credit Initiative, will be among the consultants available for free and confidential consultations.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy lunch, network with fellow entrepreneurs and connect with organizations that support small businesses throughout the region.
The clinic will be held at Western Technical College’s Viroqua campus, 220 S. Main St. Registration is available online at bit.ly/sbc-vernon. For additional information or to schedule a consultation, contact Nora Roughen-Schmidt at 608-262-2994 or nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu.
Add comment