Workshops To Assist High-Growth Companies With Financing

High-growth companies that expect they will need financing in the near future can receive expert assistance at one-day workshops being presented throughout the state in August by The Enterprise Center of the School of Business.

The four workshops will help rapidly growing businesses assess their financial needs and focus on successfully identifying and obtaining the appropriate type of financing. The seminars are also designed to help entrepreneurs prepare for the Wisconsin Venture Fair in Milwaukee on Nov. 4.

“Even though rapid growth seems like an entrepreneur’s dream come true, companies in the high-growth mode are in a precarious state,” warns Professor Alan Filley. “These companies need to carefully assess and manage growth or their financial needs will overtake them.”

Filley will teach at the workshop along with Professor Bob Pricer, who was recently recognized by Business Week as one of the nation’s top 10 entrepreneurial teachers. Filley and Pricer, along with Professor Jon Udell, are co-directors of The Enterprise Center, which has been cited as one of the nation’s top business school entrepreneurial teaching centers by Success magazine. Madison Attorney Joe Boucher, who teaches business law at the UW Madison business school, will also work with participants. A panel of business professionals will also participate.

The all-day workshops are scheduled for August 12 in Eau Claire the Midway Hotel, August 14 in Green Bay at the Radisson Inn, August 26 in Milwaukee at the Midway Hotel and August 28 in Madison at UW–Madison’s Grainger Hall.

Topics include organization survival strategies, preparing a winning business plan, financing the firm, valuing the firm, and financing. The cost to attend is $250 or $200 each for more than one person attending from one organization. Anyone wishing more information may call Chris Bye at The Enterprise Center, (608) 263-2882.

The seminars are co-sponsored by Wisconsin Innovation Network “WIN” Foundation. Corporate sponsors are Ernst & Young, LLP, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, M&I Bank, Michael Best & Friedrich, Madison Gas & Electric, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, Wisconsin Venture Network.