New program offered to entrepreneurs

The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center has announced a new opportunity for CEOs and presidents of second-stage, growth-oriented Wisconsin businesses.

Known as the Wisconsin PeerSpectives Network, the program brings together in small groups of 8-12 executives in a peer-to-peer, problem-solving process.

Working with the Edward Lowe Foundation, whose mission is to champion the entrepreneurial spirit, the Wisconsin SBDC is implementing the PeerSpectives Network in groups around the state. The Wisconsin Department of Commerce is providing partial scholarships for participation by eligible entrepreneurs.

The PeerSpectives Network model uses a structured method of group problem-solving and idea-generation to foster innovative thinking and creative solutions to real business problems that are challenging members of each group. The groups are led by a trained facilitator whose objective is to produce real-world results for the participants.

The annual cost for participation in a PeerSpectives Network group is $1,500. The Wisconsin Department of Commerce has a scholarship program that will reimburse 75 percent of the cost to eligible participants.