SBDC at UW-River Falls | August 2023
Client Spotlight:
Brianne Rehak- That Girl Brie
We are excited to take a look at the That Girl Brie for this month's client spotlight:

Q: Why did you start this business?
A: I started That Girl Brie to generate income while home with my small children. It was a creative outlet for me, I had no idea it would take off the way it has.

Q: What is a challenge you have overcome?
A: There have been small challenges along the way, but I have found support for every hurdle I have faced. Licensing is a bit of a challenge because I have so many ideas and this is a newer business concept. Getting approval can be tricky. I have a great food inspector that continually works with me to forge ahead and help find answers.

Q:What are you most proud of so far?
A: I am so proud that my business has grown completely by word of mouth and referrals. I love knowing that a client's experience was so great that they just had to share with a friend or colleague.

Q:What are 3 tips for those thinking of starting their own business?
A: Take a business class. I am so happy I did this. I knew I had a plan, but the class allowed me to really understand how my plan could work and forced me to look at my business from a different perspective. I also left the class with a business plan which is something I was always so overwhelmed to write.

Get an accountant and really understand your financial reporting. I have a monthly meeting with my accountant to really dive into my numbers and get an understanding of my costs and how I can grow, affordably.
Learn to say no. I felt like I had to say yes to every order or request that came in when I started. Learning boundaries as a business owner has been so valuable to me. I find I can stay focused when I have a boundary.

Q:Why have you been successful?
A: I believe I have been successful because I still find joy and excitement in evolving the business. People feed off that energy and get so excited about my excitement. I love that.

Q:How do you define success?
A: Happy clients. I find that my greatest success comes from happiness of others. I love knowing that something I created brought so much joy to someone else.

Q:What is next for you?
A: I am not entirely sure what is next, I have so many ideas. I love that the sky is the limit, but I also love knowing every client that orders from me and the freedom I have to spend time with my children. I guess my answer is, who know!
Connect with Brianne
Programs and Events
Entrepreneurial Training Program
The next Entrepreneurial Training Program is coming up fast! Only one month away! This 10-week program is a game changer! Join us for the 1st session on September 13th. Throughout this program, you will learn from those who have "been there, done that," create an executable business plan with three years of financial projections, and learn about your customer base. This program isn't just for businesses who are starting up, but for businesses at all stages - your plan needs to be flexible and cater to the changing needs of your target market and the economic factors that are changing all around us!
St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Event
St. Croix EDC is hosting Bakke Norman at a virtual event! On August 28th, attorneys from Bakke Norman will share advice about topics such as business litigation, employer and employee issues, and new laws governing LLCs. Some of the advice shared may help with your business! To learn more and register for this free event, click the button!
Veteran Command Post Accelerator program - Fall 2023 Cohort
The Command Post Accelerator is a cohort-based business accelerator designed for veteran and military affiliated business owners or prospective business owners in the state of Wisconsin. IBE and our veteran SBDC consultant, Jonathan Klein, are key partners in this event. This cohort will have an in-person, kick-off weekend (tentatively scheduled to be held in Stevens Point) and eight weeks of virtual instruction over the subsequent weeks. Participants in the cohort will be introduced to resources and industry experts, networking and relationship building and over 30 hours of instruction! There is no cost to participate in this program and food and lodging will be provided for the kick-off event. Participants who successfully complete the Command Post Accelerator will be eligible for a grant at the end of the session.
Dates:
In-person: Final location TBD (likely Stevens Point) | September 9-10, 2023 | all day
Online instruction:  Tuesdays |September 12-October 31, 2023 | 7-9pm
 
Applications are due on August 11. The cohort will have a maximum of 18 participants.  
Looking to hear from the UW- River Falls Small Business Development Center more often? Check out our Facebook and LinkedIn Pages!
Helpful links, new events, and more. Learn about new events quicker, interact with posts, and check out resources that are only posted on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Thinking about a business loan in 2023?
We have the experts to help you with financial projections and more! Contact us to get the conversation started - katherine.fossler@uwrf.edu

Contact the SBDC at UW-River Falls
The Small Business Development Center at UW-River Falls helps entrepreneurs succeed at any stage. We offer no-cost, confidential consulting and business education across a wide region, primarily serving Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties.
The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in the University of Wisconsin System. It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Call 715-425-3472 or e-mail katherine.fossler@uwrf.edu
The SBDC at UW-River Falls offers no-cost, confidential business consulting and education. Visit our website: wisconsinsbdc.org/riverfalls