Ignite Small Business and Startup Support

01/05/2026

☕✨ Ignite 2026 Preview: Sip & Chat ✨☕

Kick off a new year of Ignite programming on Monday, January 12, 2026 | 8:00–9:00 a.m. Join us to preview upcoming workshops, enjoy fresh coffee, and connect with fellow attendees while sharing ideas on business topics you want to see in 2026.

Sip, chat, and get inspired for the year ahead! 🚀
Register now: https://bit.ly/4apAwHh

01/05/2026

$20,000 grant opportunity available for small businesses!

Sign up for a FREE Lunch n' Learn webinar by 5:00 p.m. tonight.
Applications are due January 16.

$20,000 grant opportunity available for small businesses!

Learn more about the Amex Shop Small Grants Program, including receiving grant application assistance, during our Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, January 7th.

We will answer your questions and help you complete a strong grant application.

Grant funds can be used to help your business grow, innovate and support local communities!

For more information about the grant, visit: https://mainstreet.org/about/partner-collaborations/amex-shop-small-grant-program

To register for the Lunch and Learn, visit: https://livedoorcounty.org/events/

12/30/2025

📣 Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs!

Join us for a Small Business Clinic on Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. — a free, one-stop event where you choose your own adventure.

✔️ No-cost, confidential consulting
✔️ 60-minute sessions on marketing, finance, legal, AI & more
✔️ Drop in as your schedule allows
✔️ Breakfast, lunch & refreshments included

Hosted by the Universities of Wisconsin OBE, Wisconsin SBDC Network, and Envision Greater Fond du Lac. Connect, learn, and grow your business—all in one day! 🚀
Register now: https://business.envisiongreaterfdl.com/events/Details/small-business-clinic-1595566?sourceTypeId=Website

12/29/2025

☕💬 Sip, Chat & Ignite 2026 💬☕

Join us Monday, January 12, 2026 | 8:00–9:00 a.m. for Ignite 2026 Preview: Sip & Chat. Get a sneak peek at new workshops and programs, enjoy catered coffee, and connect with others while sharing ideas for future business topics.

A relaxed way to start the year—and spark what’s next! ✨
Register now: https://business.envisiongreaterfdl.com/events/Details/ignite-2026-preview-sip-chat-1595528?sourceTypeId=Website

12/26/2025

☕✨ Ignite 2026 Preview: Sip & Chat ✨☕

Kick off a new year of Ignite programming on Monday, January 12, 2026 | 8–9 AM. Join us to preview upcoming workshops, enjoy fresh coffee, and connect with fellow attendees while sharing ideas on business topics you want to see in 2026.

Sip, chat, and get inspired for the year ahead! 🚀
Register now: https://business.envisiongreaterfdl.com/events/Details/ignite-2026-preview-sip-chat-1595528?sourceTypeId=Website

12/05/2025

🌟 Nominations Now Open!
The U.S. Small Business Administration is accepting nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards, honoring the incredible impact of America’s small businesses.
Know a standout small business in our community? Nominate them by Dec. 22, 2025 at sba.gov/nsbw.
🏆 Winners will be recognized during National Small Business Week, May 3–9, 2026. Let’s celebrate the entrepreneurs who make our communities stronger!

12/05/2025

Take a deep dive into U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster assistance program through their upcoming "No Business Left Behind" webinar. Learn how you can access year-round support for your small business from SBA and other resource partners. As communities continue to face the increasing challenges posed by natural disasters, it is essential that businesses have access to accurate and actionable information. This webinar will provide critical updates, guidance and opportunities for collaboration.

Participants can ask questions and share insights about the unique needs and experiences of the communities they serve; helping to shape a more responsive and informed approach to outreach and engagement.

Join the webinar on Thursday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m.

11/26/2025

☕️ Rise & Shine and join us at our next Coffee Connection ☕️

Join us on Wednesday, December 3 from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at our NEW LOCATION,
Avina on Division 517 E. Division St., Fond du Lac

Start your day with coffee, connections, and conversations that count. Share your one-minute business intro, swap ideas, and network with local professionals. Don’t forget your business cards!

👉 Register today: https://bit.ly/4ptMR1u

11/24/2025

🔥 IGNITE 90 x 90 Workshop 🔥

Ready to spark your next big move? In just 90 minutes, connect with fellow small business owners to plan your next 90 days of growth. Reflect, collaborate, and gain fresh ideas from others who know your challenges and share your drive.

📅 Thursday, Dec. 11 | 8:30–10:00 a.m.
💡 Plan. Share. Grow.

Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/3JZjcxW

11/14/2025

⚡ IGNITE 90 x 90 Workshop ⚡

Take 90 minutes to ignite your business strategy for the next 90 days! Join fellow small business owners to reflect, share ideas, and collaborate in a supportive, team-focused environment.

📅 Thursday, Dec. 11 | 8:30–10:00 a.m.
💡 Plan, connect, and take your next steps with confidence!

Register now: https://business.envisiongreaterfdl.com/events/Details/ignite-90-x-90-workshop-1367177?sourceTypeId=Website

11/12/2025

🎉 Congratulations to our Ignite Rural Business Accelerator winners!
👏 First place and $30,000 was awarded to GRiTedu by Rewired Dynamics, led by Kurt Wismer, for their innovative Relational Intelligence Curriculum helping students build resilience and leadership skills.
👏 Second place and $20,000 went to Kaitlyn Kenealy of Into the Woods Wellness for WOODIE: Wellness That Moves, a mobile food truck promoting healthy eating in rural communities.

We’re proud to support local entrepreneurs driving meaningful impact through innovation and heart! 💡💪
https://www.envisiongreaterfdl.com/50000-of-cumulative-funds-awarded-to-local-entrepreneurs-through-envision-greater-fond-du-lacs-ignite-rural-business-accelerator-program/

11/05/2025

The Ignite Rural Final Pitch Event is tomorrow night at Waupun City Hall. Please join us to watch 10 phenomenal local entrepreneurs pitch their latest and greatest business idea. A total of $50,000 is on the line between 1st and 2nd place.