Going into business or need help with your existing small business? Just looking for some answers? Progress Lakeshore staff and partners are committed to providing the best economic development assistance to you. Let us know what you need and we can point you in the right direction or guide you through a solution that works for your business.
Have a request for service from Progress Lakeshore? Click HERE to download the form. Please click HERE or email the form to info@progresslakeshore.org when completed and a member of our staff will contact you to arrange a meeting.
10 Steps to Start your Business
Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. Scroll down to learn about each step. Check out “10 Steps to Start your Business” from Small Business Administration (SBA).
Business Plan Template
The business plan consists several planning and financial worksheets. It contains more than 150 questions divided into several sections. You can download the template HERE.
Existing Business Plan Template
Download the template HERE.
3-Year Financial Projections
These 3-year financial projection worksheets will help you (and your business) better understand where your company may be headed. Download the forms by clicking HERE.
How to Create Your Personal Brand in 7 Steps
Wondering what a personal brand is or how to create one? With the rise of social media, a personal brand is a must! This short article breaks down how to formulate the perfect personal brand to help you improve your professional life. Read the article by clicking HERE.
SBA Small Business Resource Guide
Download the SBA Resource Guide HERE,
SBDC (Small Business Development Center) at UW-Green Bay
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Green Bay is part of a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and targeted educational programs.
For more information about SBDC at UW-Green Bay visit the website HERE.
SBDC meets at the Progress Lakeshore office in Manitowoc once monthly (typically on the 4th Thursday of the month). If you would like to inquire about a meeting with SBDC please email us by clicking HERE or send an email to info@progresslakeshore.org
The SBDC asks you to fill out some paperwork prior to your meeting with them, these documents can be filled out online, by clicking HERE. Alternatively, these documents can be downloaded and filled out (and brought with you) by clicking HERE.
SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business
SCORE was founded in 1964, it is a non-profit organization dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth, and success of small businesses.
In addition to many other things, SCORE provides local workshops and events throughout the country to connect small business owners with the people and information they need to start, grow, and maintain their businesses, as well as online workshops available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SCORE provides resources, templates and tools to assist entrepreneurs in developing tools and plans they need to navigate their way to small business success.
For business plans and templates provided by SCORE, click HERE
For more information about SCORE visit the website HERE.
Northeast Wisconsin International Business Development Program
Progress Lakeshore is proud announce a partnership with the Northeast Wisconsin Regional Economic Partnership (NEWREP) to offer free export counseling for businesses to assist businesses in all the steps to export products. The International Business Consultant will thoroughly prepare and assist businesses with all the steps necessary, from exporting basics to getting businesses in front of foreign buyers who want to purchase products or services from NE WI businesses. To set up a meeting, please call Progress Lakeshore at 920-482-0540 or email us at info@progresslakeshore.org.
Unlocking the Power of AI: Transforming Your Business for Success
Are you tired of spending all your time on tedious business tasks? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Fortunately, there’s a solution that doesn’t involve hiring an army of assistants: artificial intelligence (AI).
View this recorded SCORE webinar for an informative workshop and discover how AI can help you work smarter, not harder. In this video, you’ll learn: What AI is and how it can be used in your business The different types of AI and how they work The many benefits of using AI in your business, including increased efficiency and productivity Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI to succeed (it’s not just for tech giants anymore)
You’ll also get a hands-on demonstration of ChatGPT, a cutting-edge AI language model that can help you write blog posts, manage your social media, and more.
Click HERE and enter the passcode: $8tE^yu5 to view the recorded session.