Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit at the Badger Startup Summit—an energizing launch to Forward Fest that brings together innovators, founders, and big ideas from across Wisconsin’s startup ecosystem.
Start your day with a complimentary breakfast and dive into inspiring talks on innovation and entrepreneurship. Connect with local startups and leaders at the Venfair networking showcase, grab a box lunch, and stick around for the high-energy MERLIN Pitch & Replay—where startups pitch and the audience plays along.
I am the executive director at 100state, Wisconsin's oldest coworking space located a block off the capitol square. I also design/devleop wordpress websites, and am a parallel entrepreneur. I have been involved in or have ran 8 startups.
AI is transforming business at breakneck speed-but the true winners won’t be those who simply automate or cut the workforce. The future belongs to leaders who harness AI to amplify human potential, foster innovation, and build organizations where people thrive.
Join our exclusive workshop, “People First Hearts & AI Smarts,” designed specifically for small business executives ready to future-fit their companies for the Intelligence Age.
You’ll discover: • How to use AI as a strategy engine, not just a cost-cutter-unlocking new value by empowering your team, not replacing them. • The six levers of a people-first mindset: purpose, leadership, engagement, well-being, opportunity, and appreciation-proven drivers of retention, innovation, and growth. • Practical frameworks for integrating AI into your operations, HR, and customer experience while maintaining ethical, responsible practices. • Actionable steps to build an “AI Factory,” launch an AI Academy, and create a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement.
Walk away with a roadmap to lead your business through change, outpace competitors, and ensure your organization is not just more intelligent, but more human.
Ready to lead the way? Secure your spot and future-proof your business-because in the age of AI, people are still your greatest asset.
This session is built for early-stage founders who want to set their startups up for long-term success. We’ll break down the essential accounting, tax, financial, and HR strategies you need to get right from the beginning—whether you’re gearing up for your first raise or just getting started. Learn how to build a back office that supports growth, avoids costly missteps, and earns investor confidence. Expect practical advice, real-world examples, and a chance to ask your burning questions.
