A Note From the President

BizStarts has expanded its reach dramatically through the BizForge Resource Hub, including its portfolio of services and expert resources.

BizStarts Milwaukee was founded to help high-growth companies known as gazelles to succeed in the marketplace and our track record in helping high-growth companies has been impressive.

But we learned along this journey there are multiple startup companies that will create 10 20, 50 or 100 family supporting jobs. They are not gazelles but they are critical to the success and vibrancy of the Wisconsin economy. Consequently, we decided to expand our reach to help them; and our deal flow has exploded.

This should not be surprising.

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) tracks the fact that over the last 20 years, 90% of new firms with fewer than 50 employees have been responsible for 41% of all jobs created since January 2005.

In fact nearly 2/3 of all employers have fewer than 20 people on the payroll.

How are we handling this? By putting in place a staff of seasoned business leaders who have been involved in the world of startups and running successful businesses themselves. They are pictured above.

We deliver hands-on personalized help to each and every entrepreneur coming to us to start and grow their companies. Our partners in BizForge have stepped up to the plate to help us with this expanded deal flow!

Dan Steininger

President & Co-founder

BizStarts Featured Company: Milwaukee Pizza Company

Three years ago, Eric Burgos and Nick Smith decided it was time for Milwaukee to have its own distinct style of pizza. The result: a flaky, all-natural thin crust pizza. From there, The Milwaukee Pizza Company was born.

The hand made, "freshly frozen" pizzas are being served in bars all over the Milwaukee area, and can now be found in stores such as Outpost, Woodman's, Beans & Barley, and Nehring's Sendik's. Their continued popularity has lead them to plans of opening a caf�, at which the pizzas will be available for carry-out. By combining handmade quality with fresh, all-natural and nitrate free ingredients, Eric and Nick have succeeded in making a true "Milwaukee-style" pizza.

BizStarts Featured Sponsor: MRA

As one of the largest not-for-profit employer associations in the nation, today MRA serves 4,400 employers covering 800,000 employees in the U.S. and abroad.

Organizations join MRA as corporate members and receive access to expert guidance, best practices, professionally facilitated roundtables, essential tools, and dozens of business services in the areas of human resources and training. To fit their unique business needs, members gain access to dozens of member services that run the gamut from affirmative action to reference checking to training in HR topics, business skills, and management and leadership effectiveness.

BizForge Resource Hub's ReadyReference: Market Analysis

What is a "Market Analysis" as it relates to starting a business?

It is essential that an entrepreneur learns all there is to know about the target market for their product or service. The more an entrepreneur understands his or her market, the greater their chances of success will be. Though a market analysis can vary in both complexity and approach, there are several indicators to consider.

Broadly speaking, an effective market analysis should include:

A deep knowledge of the key competitors.
Knowledge of all other "players" in the market such as smaller competitors, suppliers, distributors, dealers and service providers.
Accurate knowledge of the market's size and profitability.
Revenue currently generated, as well as market projections 3-5-7 years out
Familiarity with major trends that affect the market, including legal and regulatory issues.
A clear understanding of your buyer.
A strong value proposition that speaks specifically to that buyer
Clear vision for distribution, pricing, packaging, fulfillment, maintenance and support.

There are several ways to segment a market: by geography, by demographics, and by psychographics. You need to determine which technique will best serve your business.

News and Announcements

Friends of BizStarts in the News!

WWBIC moving Milwaukee offices to Schlitz Park

What's Happening? Event Announcements for Entrepreneurs

1 Million Cups (click to learn more)

Every Wednesday 9:00AM, Pritzlaff Building, 325 N. Plankinton Ave.
The next pitch at 1 Million Cups will be, Find My Spot on September 3rd.

If you would like to attend or request to pitch click here!

WWBIC Annual Luncheon

November 11th at 11:00AM, Potawatomi - Expo Center RSVP Here

Tools for Entrepreneurs

The DE Toolbox

Used by BizStarts, created by Bill Aulet, Managing Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship

10 Best Digital Tools for Entrepreneurs

Here are 10 of the best digital tools to help you launch and grow your startup

goBIGnetwork

A networking site for entrepreneurs, designed to help connect startups

In Recognition of BizForge Resource Hub Sponsors and Partners

As the region's premier resource for entrepreneurs and emerging companies, BizStarts Milwaukee draws expertise from a wide range of service and professional specialties that collectively foster Wisconsin's entrepreneurial spirit.

BizStarts'BizForge Resource Hub enlists these experts to provide unique opportunities for training and development, market and/or product assessments, leadership planning, and other consultations or services...available only to BizStarts-engaged entrepreneurs and their businesses. Why is this model important? More innovation, more successful launches, and more jobs sustained in community! Please join us in thanking our newest sponsors:

Thank you to all of our sponsors and partners, including...