The Catalyst
Keeping Momentum in 2016  
New Year, new goals.  Sounds familiar right?

When it comes to creating New Year's resolutions, forming new habits or even setting aggressive targets for a business, this proverbial thinking does have some merit.  The beginning of the year is commonly used by individuals and organizations alike to set goals for the upcoming twelve months; however, entrepreneurs Julie Stephens and Louisa Marks are far from just setting goals in January.
Julie and Louisa are the founders of Play Milwaukee, a deck of cards full of family fun and huge savings.  Each card represents an activity in Milwaukee guaranteeing not only a great family experience, but also a great deal.  Now every family has a way to get out and explore their town.

Launched in August of 2015, this young company has already  seen much success.  A key to that success may be their fluid and continuous approach to setting goals.

"Every week we usually meet on Monday morning and map out what we need to do for the upcoming week.  We prioritize what absolutely needs to be done, note the lesser priorities, schedule it all out, and then decide when each item will have to get done, explains Louisa.


BizStarts Professional Program

There is still some spots open for our Professional Program later today at 4:30pm on Building a Winning Digital Marketing Strategy with   TopFloor .  

Join us at our next Professional Program on February 16 for a Crash Course in Human  Capit al Management featuring EmPower HR.

For more information on the professional programs or to register please contact: Martha Cannon at mcannon@bizstarts.com.
Mentor Program Recap

The BizStarts Mentor Program grew in 2015 to welcome new mentors and new events.  As part of Mayor Tom Barrett's Entrepreneur Week, BizStarts hosted a speed mentoring event for 12 entrepreneurs planning to launch their business.  Each entrepreneur got four minutes of face time with successful business mentors from a range of specialties.

According to Kwadwo Owusu-Ofori, a BizStarts entrepreneur, the event was a good way to get exposure to several professionals in a short period of time and to test out your selling skills.  "I got a chance to talk with sales specialists, attorneys, engineers, and entrepreneurs about everything from where to submit newpaper articles, to what the price of a new product should be," he said.

With many entrepreneurs working full-time jobs and starting their own business on the side, this condensed mentoring session was a welcomed opportunity.  Because of the amount of positive feedback from the event, BizStarts will be hosting mentor happy hours called BizTalks beginning in February.  These BizTalks will give mentors and entrepreneurs the chance to communicate with each other in a more relaxed atmosphere (without the timer and switching of chairs).

Also new to the program in 2016, Becky Klawikowski will be taking on the role of Mentor Program Coordinator.  Becky is our Executive Assistant and the first person you seen when you come to our office.  She is excited for the additional role and is looking forward to what lies ahead with the Mentor Program.  Going forward she will be your contact person for the Mentor Program.

For more information about the mentor program please visit the Mentor section on our website  http://www.bizstarts.com/mentor/ or contact Becky at bklawikowski@bizstarts.com.

BizStarts company Switch ID set to launch crowdfunding campaign in February, partners with MIAD graduate and Monomonee Falls manufacturer
 
Have you ever flipped the wrong switch in your home or workplace?  Multiple times?  BizStarts company Switch ID has a simple, durable and great looking solution.  Partners Matthias Bollmus and John Schlick formed Napkin Innovations, based in Waukesha, to bring Switch IDs to market through a Kickstarter campaign in early February.

We live in a labeled world, yet one of the most common places in our homes, wall switches, remain largely un-labeled, often leading to wonder, irritation, and frustration.  Switch IDs are domed lables that are attached directly to the switch wall plates indicating what the switch does with a graphical picture.  A recent MIAD graduate created the graphics which come in two design families - a 2D line drawing version that is easier for some to identify, and a 3D version with visual depth that look great in any home.  They are made of an automotive-grade polyurethane that is easy to clean, scratch resistant, and long lasting.  Switch IDs will be manufactured and Tailored Label Products in Menomonee Falls.


BizStarts helped Napkin Innovations with a referral to SCORE member Jack Hill for guidance and introductions as well as the business planning tools available through the BizStarts Entrepreneur area of the website.

Napkin Innovations plans to raise enough money through a Kickstarter campaign to set up business operations, pay for IP protection already underway, and get favorable pricing on the first run of the product.  For more information, pictures and Kickstarter updates go to Switch ID's website www.MySwitchID.com.

We would like to thank our new & renewing sponsors
George & Julie Mosher
Family Foundation

Thank you for supporting BizStarts

 
T ools for Entrepreneurs

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BizStarts Executive Team

President
Dan Steininger 
Executive Director
Jacquin Davidson

 
Recognition for BizStarts' Sponsors

 

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

Presenting Level Sponsors

HerzfeldFoundation

Diamond Level Sponsors


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                                                    Frederick E. Beals Fund

Platinum Level Sponsors

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Exclusive Media Sponsor

Harley-Davidson
Milwaukee7
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Gold Level Sponsorship

Godfrey&Kahn

US Bank
VJS

Silver Level Sponsorship

Anon Charitable
Trust Foundation

Daniel Hoan
Foundation
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George and Julie Mosher
Family Foundation

Siegel-Gallagher
Top Floor

Bronze Level Sponsors

DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C.
Graef


Manpower Right Management
Summit Credit Union
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