‘FREE’ SMALL BUSINESS CLINIC AUGUST 27 | VIROQUA, WI
- Nikki Dudley
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
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), Western Technical College, Vernon County Community Development, and the Viroqua Chamber of Commerce will host a Small Business Clinic – free to all participants – on Thursday, August 27 2026, at Western Technical College in Viroqua, WI.
This FREE event will take place from 9:00 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, food and agricultural businesses, international trade, or legal matters, and/or participate in lecture-style sessions in a group setting.
The event will feature two tracks: a general small business track covering topics such as financials, marketing, legal matters, and A.I., with the second track dedicated to food, farm, and agricultural businesses. Food and farm track sessions include:
Farm or Food Business Financials 101
Cottage Food / Mobile Food Trucks: Emerging / Early-Stage Food and Farm Business Models
Cost of Goods Sold / Pricing
Digital Marketing for Food Businesses: Basics of Digital Marketing
Growing a Food or Farm Business
Maximizing Your Point-of-Sale Systems / How to Vend at a Farmers Market
Resources from local entities and entrepreneurial support at resource tables will be available all day in the lobby.
"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."
“Entrepreneurship empowers individuals to transform their passion into opportunities, driving local innovation and strengthening the economic vitality of our communities,” added event site sponsor Deb Hether, Director Enrollment Services, Western Technical College.
“The Viroqua Chamber is thrilled to support the Office of Business & Entrepreneurship,” reported Niki Steele, board president, 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!”
“We're glad to support the Office of Business & Entrepreneurship bringing the Small Business Clinic back to Viroqua this summer,” said Larkin Breckel, Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator for Vernon County. “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 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, Food Finance Institute and Cottage Industry 101, Optimizing Your Business Marketing Strategy, Business Taxes with the Department of Revenue, Local Entrepreneur Discussion Panel and Resource Providers.
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.
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.
MEDIA ARE WELCOME TO COVER THIS EVENT
WHAT: FREE Small Business Clinic
WHERE: Western Technical College – Viroqua Campus: 220 South Main Street, Viroqua
WHO: 1. Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) – Universities of Wisconsin
2. Western Technical College
3. Food Finance Institute (FFI) – Universities of Wisconsin
4. Viroqua Chamber of Commerce
6. Vernon County Community Development
WHEN: Thursday, August 27, 2026 8am-4pm
Register for the clinic online: bit.ly/sbc-vernon
or email: nora.roughen-schmidt@business.wisconsin.edu call/text: 608-262-2994.
The Office of Business & Entrepreneurship (OBE) provides specialized resources and helps clients craft personalized plans to grow their businesses. For more information about OBE visit us as https://business.wisconsin.edu
OBE is part of the world-class Universities of Wisconsin.
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