The Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has hired Kristi Smith as a part-time business consultant serving Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette and Richland counties.
Smith, who will work in the region with Senior Business Consultant Brock Waterman, fills a new position made possible through collaboration between the SBDC and the Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), thanks to a 2018 entrepreneurship grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
“I am eager to help small businesses,” Smith said. “Being an entrepreneur can feel lonely at times. I hear many people say, ‘I thought I was the only one who struggled with this problem or question.’ Often, not only have I heard that issue before, I heard it from someone else this week!”
The SBDC’s no-cost, confidential consulting is intended to help boost small business startups and growth as part of the Green County Entrepreneurial Development Program, with a goal of creating 15 to 20 jobs and securing investments of more than $1 million. GCDC is also championing a new countywide mentorship program and using new space called The Enterprise Center at Blackhawk Technical College in Monroe.
“GCDC is thrilled to have Kristi Smith on staff as we gear up our efforts to strengthen all businesses in Green County,” GCDC Executive Director Cara Carper said. “If something about your business is keeping you up at night, contact Kristi. She has a wealth of knowledge and can help all businesses, from startups to established companies. If you want to start, manage or grow your business, GCDC and SBDC can help!”
Smith holds a master’s degree in government from New Mexico State University and undergraduate degree in Latin American studies and political science from the University of Arizona.
She is now accepting clients. Sign up online at http://tinyurl.com/SWWISBDC or learn more at http://www.wwwtest.wisconsinsbdc.org/swwi.
The SBDC works with new and existing companies on business planning, access to loans/other funding, financial management, growth strategies, sales/marketing and operational improvement. Businesses are referred to the SBDC by economic development professionals, lenders, chambers, business service providers, business owners and others.
About Wisconsin SBDC Network
The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and targeted education. Regional SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies and help launch successful new enterprises. The Wisconsin SBDC, hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, features 14 local centers mostly located in four-year UW institutions, with outreach and virtual services covering the entire state. www.wwwtest.wisconsinsbdc.org
About Green County Development Corporation
The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), a multi-jurisdictional economic development corporation, was formed to bring professional economic development expertise to its member communities to create a competitive advantage to spur job creation and new investments. The organization is building the economic future of Green County communities and businesses through public-private partnerships. www.greencountyedc.com