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Wednesday, August 20
 

7:30am CDT

Minimum Viable SEO: How to Boost Your Visibility & Credibility On a Budget
Wednesday August 20, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am CDT
DreamBank
Check out our Website
Description:

If you’re already investing in content marketing but haven’t seen real results from SEO—or haven’t tried it at all—this talk is for you. SEO today isn’t about gaming the algorithm or writing dry, keyword-stuffed blog posts. It’s about making sure your best content gets discovered by the right people, at the exact moment they’re searching for solutions like yours.

In this session, content strategist and SEO consultant Olivia Barrow will show you how to integrate modern SEO best practices into your existing content workflows—even if you only publish one article a month. You’ll learn how to validate your content ideas with keyword research, create articles that match search intent, and optimize posts so they rank better in search without sacrificing clarity or credibility.

This is not a technical SEO workshop—it’s a practical, approachable framework for small marketing teams that want to get more ROI from content they’re already creating. Whether you’ve had disappointing SEO results in the past or have never touched it, you’ll leave with a clear, actionable process for increasing your visibility and establishing your brand as a trusted authority in your industry.

Key Takeaways:

Why traditional “SEO content” no longer works—and what to do instead

How to layer SEO onto a content strategy focused on thought leadership and trust

A simple keyword research method for validating blog topics

How to structure and optimize articles to match search intent & reader knowledge level

How to tap into internal expertise to add original insights to your content

When and how to use GenAI to enhance your content

How to get started even if your site has technical issues or past content that’s not optimized
Event Organizers
avatar for Margie Romani

Margie Romani

Social Media Breakfast - Madison
Social Media Breakfast Madison is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization with a focus on social media education and professional industry networking. Our monthly events are FREE, and engage an ever-growing group of diverse professionals from a variety of industries including: academic... Read More →
avatar for Genéve Friede

Genéve Friede

Board Member, Social Media Breakfast - Madison
Experienced Store Manager and Store Social Media Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit industry. Skilled in Grassroots Marketing, Operations Management, Coaching, Retail, and Sales. Strong sales professional with a Associate’s Degree focused in Electron... Read More →
Sponsors
D
Wednesday August 20, 2025 7:30am - 9:00am CDT
DreamBank 821 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, Hybrid

8:30am CDT

Wisconsin Founders and Funders Breakfast
Wednesday August 20, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hollander Grand Cafe - Hilldale
Check out our Website
Join other founders, investors, and innovators in the Wisconsin ecosystem for breakfast with Hyde Park Venture Partners, a Chicago-based early stage venture capital firm who invests in midwest-based companies, for a community event focused on helping companies raise their first or second round of institutional venture capital.

Hosted by Hyde Park Venture Partners

Wednesday August 20, 2025 8:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hollander Grand Cafe - Hilldale 701 Hilldale Way Madison, WI 53705
  Free, In Person

8:45am CDT

1 Million Cups
Wednesday August 20, 2025 8:45am - 10:00am CDT
Starting Block
Check out our Website
Welcome to StartingBlock, Madison's startup hub. StartingBlock welcomes passionate entrepreneurs to present their new business at 1 Million Cups every Wednesday morning! Coffee pours at 8:45am, Program starts at 9am. Located on the 3rd floor cafe.

Hosted by StartingBlock
Event Organizers
LW

Leslie Weissburg

StartingBlock
Sponsors
S
Wednesday August 20, 2025 8:45am - 10:00am CDT
Starting Block 821 E Washington Ave, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, In Person

9:00am CDT

Inside the Code: Your Team and AI in action
Wednesday August 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
100state
Check out our Website
Join Flexion, a Madison leader in system modernization and human-centered design, for a live, interactive build where you don’t just watch innovation, you help create it. In this hands-on session, Flexion’s engineers, designers, and product experts will guide this session as we:
1. Decide, Collaborate, Kick off
• Cast an up-front vote to choose our community-submitted product idea
• Collaboratively refine scope using Liberating Structures for truly inclusive design
2. Build Together
• Apply Ensemble Coding (driver-navigator) enhanced by GenAI assistance
• Deploy a working minimum viable product (MVP) to the cloud by lunchtime under a strict Definition of Done
3. Architect for Adaptation
• Reveal Option-Enabling Architecture (OEA) principles that let us refactor live safely
• Blend Lean UX discovery with agile delivery for always-deployable quality

Who Should Attend?
• Product and Technical Leaders (entrepreneurs, decision makers, product managers) eager to see human-centered, high-velocity development in action
• Hands-On Teams and Coders ready to master AI-augmented ensemble and cloud-first workflows
• Anyone passionate about innovation and modern software development practices

What You’ll Gain
• Practical workflows for live ensemble and AI-powered coding
• Hands-on experience with adaptive architecture
• Techniques to bake quality and continuous deployment into every sprint
• New connections across Madison’s innovation community
• Entry into our hourly attendee list and a final drawing: one lucky winner receives free Flexion software consulting services to fuel rapid, effective innovation

This participatory showcase reflects Forward Fest’s spirit of entrepreneurial collaboration and technical creativity. Be part of the action, help build the future of software live at Forward Fest 2025!

Hosted by Flexion Inc (flexion.us)
Event Organizers
TW
Sponsors
FI

Wednesday August 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
100state 17 S Fairchild Floor 7 Madison
  Free, In Person

9:00am CDT

Your Hidden Edge: Nervous System 101 for Entrepreneurs
Wednesday August 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Starting Block
Check out our Website
Leaders and entrepreneurs are under constant pressure and stress - especially, when meeting deadlines, making high-stakes decisions and adapting to continuous change and uncertainty. The demands of scaling a business, managing a team, securing funding, while also juggling multiple personal and family priorities can take its toll.

Chronic stress doesn't just live in the background - it directly affects performance. It shows up as poor decision-making, creative fatigue, strained relationships, and low morale that can lead to mental exhaustion and physical breakdown. We know this terrain because we’ve lived it too.

In this short workshop, we’ll explore the hidden impact of stress and trauma on leaders, teams, and organizations. We’ll share the basics to help you understand how the human nervous system works, how it adapts to stress and why chronic dysregulation can silently sabotage even the most ambitious goals.

This session includes mix of information and experience, including:

- The basics of how stress and trauma impact the body and mind
- How to recognize signs of nervous system dysregulation in yourself and others
- Simple, accessible practices to help you create a more balanced state and optimize nervous system
- Why self-awareness is your greatest leadership asset and how to strengthen it
- The power of micro and macro approaches to fostering adaptability and resilience

You’ll leave with practical tools to better manage your energy, stay focused and grounded under pressure, and lead with more clarity and purpose.

Hosted by StartingBlock
Sponsors
CE

Wednesday August 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Starting Block 821 E Washington Ave, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, In Person

10:00am CDT

2025 Compliance Playbook: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know
Wednesday August 20, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
TBA
HR Simplified: How a PEO Can Help Entrepreneurs Focus on Growth

Event Description:
Managing HR, payroll, compliance, and benefits can overwhelm even the most passionate entrepreneurs. In this session, learn how partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can help you reduce administrative burden, ensure compliance, and enhance your team’s experience—without needing to build a full HR department.

We’ll break down what a PEO does, how it differs from other HR models, and how it can scale with your business as you grow. Whether you're hiring your first employees, navigating multi-state regulations, or simply looking to streamline your operations, this session will provide practical insights and real-world examples from entrepreneurial leaders.

Takeaways:
✔ What a PEO is—and isn’t
✔ Common HR pitfalls for startups and small businesses
✔ Compliance, benefits, and payroll made simple
✔ How a PEO can align with your growth and goals

Ideal for founders, small business owners, and growth-stage leaders looking to strengthen their infrastructure and free up time to focus on scaling their business.

Event Organizers
avatar for Keri Allard

Keri Allard

Director of Client Services, SustainableHR PEO, LLC
Keri Allard, is the Director of Client Services at SustainableHR PEO. Bringing over 20 years of invaluable experience, Keri has held pivotal positions such as Director of Business Development and Recruitment Manager. Her extensive expertise in business development, client management... Read More →
Wednesday August 20, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
TBA TBD somehwere downtown
  Free, In Person

10:30am CDT

Level Set Information Session
Wednesday August 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
StartingBlock
Don't navigate the startup world alone. StartingBlock's Level Set program is an intense 6 week program designed to help you build and validate a business model. Offered 4x per year, we help you explore the pros and cons of different business models, model revenue and get real world feedback on your ideas.
This program is for you if you:
-want to explore an idea
-are thinking about starting a company
-have a side hustle you want to take full time
-are thinking about quitting your day job

Hosted by StartingBlock
Event Organizers
LW

Leslie Weissburg

StartingBlock
Wednesday August 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
StartingBlock 821 E Washington Ave 2nd floor library, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, In Person

11:00am CDT

Entrepreneur Networking Event
Wednesday August 20, 2025 11:00am - 1:15pm CDT
Madison College - Truax Campus
Join us for an exciting event designed to connect and energize entrepreneurs at all stages of business! Hosted by the Madison College Center for Entrepreneurship, this networking event marks the kickoff of our yearlong focus on Finance for Entrepreneurs — and you're invited.

What to Expect:
- Open Networking with local entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Resource Tables from local partners and support organizations
- Interactive 20-Minute Roundtable Sessions on:
- Pricing & Profitability
- Budgeting & Cash Flow
- Funding & Financing
- Personal Finance for Entrepreneurs
- Light Food & Beverages Provided

Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this event is a chance to connect, learn, and find resources that can support your financial growth and business goals.

Free to attend – registration encouraged.

Start your financial journey with us and build meaningful connections in the process!

Hosted by Center for Entrepreneurship at Madison College
Event Organizers
KW

Wednesday August 20, 2025 11:00am - 1:15pm CDT
Madison College - Truax Campus 1701 Wright Street Madison, WI 53704
  Free, In Person

1:30pm CDT

Demystifying the Pro Forma: Building Financial Projections
Wednesday August 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Virtual
Check out our Website
In 40+ years of working with entrepreneurs, we have regularly observed that “the money part” of business planning is often what causes many business owners and would-be business owners alike the most anxiety and confusion. Yet the numbers don’t have to intimidate you. Instead, understanding a clear financial plan for your business will give you the confidence to make educated decisions about the viability of your business idea, access needed capital and actively manage cash flow as your business grows.

This live-virtual introductory session – designed for new and prospective business owners in any industry – will help you understand:

• The purpose (and power!) of a pro forma in business planning, management and in accessing capital
• The fundamental “inputs” to building solid projections, including:
• Identification of your business models key revenue streams, and how to translate to
your projections
• Synthesis of customer, competitive and industry knowledge into reasoned market size and share estimates
• The impact of pricing decisions, buyer behavior and capacity on projected revenue
• Types of key cost estimates needed for your projections
• Resources for pulling it all together!

By joining us for this overview session, you will build a solid foundation of concepts that can help you understand how to put real numbers to your dreams and learn the path to projections. Whether you plan to seek funding from a bank, determine the feasibility of your business idea, or explore new directions for your business, following the ideas we’ll cover in this session will help you build success based on knowledge.

Hosted by Wisconsin SBDC at UW-Madison
Event Organizers
avatar for Heather Ferguson

Heather Ferguson

Program Manager, UW-Madison SBDC
Sponsors
WV

Wednesday August 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Virtual
  Free, Virtual

1:30pm CDT

Idea - Prompt - Prototype - Repeat
Wednesday August 20, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Starting Block
Ever had a product idea but didn’t know how to begin building it?

This live, collaborative session is designed for startup founders, creatives, and curious minds who want to explore physical prototyping without needing deep technical experience or a big budget.

Using AI tools and off-the-shelf components—like sensors, LEDs, or displays—we’ll brainstorm simple ideas as a group, generate code together using AI (like ChatGPT or Claude), and test the results live on real hardware.

We’ll wire things up, upload code, and troubleshoot in real time. Some builds may work on the first try, others may need iteration—or we may pivot quickly to keep things moving.

The goal isn’t polished engineering—it’s about making prototyping feel possible. You’ll see how even non-technical founders can take the first hands-on step toward proving an idea, testing feasibility, or creating a rough proof of concept—before investing in custom design or outsourced development.

You’ll walk away with:

A clear example of how AI and modular hardware can help test real ideas

Insight into how to build early proof points—without upfront design costs

Tools to begin your own shoestring prototyping journey

Inspiration to turn sweat equity and creativity into real momentum

From zero to prototype—experience it live with AI and real hardware.

Hosted by Quantum Ideation and Prototyping
Event Organizers
BH
Wednesday August 20, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Starting Block 821 E Washington Ave, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, In Person

3:00pm CDT

Happy Hour! Startup Finance & HR: What Founders – and Investors – Care About
Wednesday August 20, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
The Cooper's Tavern (2nd floor)
Check out our Website
Enjoy free drinks and light hors d’oeuvres! 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.
Event Organizers
MF

Marnie Farrell

Office/Tax Admin, Fine Point Consulting
Wednesday August 20, 2025 3:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
The Cooper's Tavern (2nd floor) *20 W. Mifflin St
  Free, In Person

4:00pm CDT

How Branding Matters
Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
100 State
In today's dynamic marketplace, standing out is essential for success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or a creative professional, a branding can be powerful in your organization. Join us for an immersive and interactive workshop designed to equip you with the tools and strategies to build a strong and compelling brand identity.

Led by Ibrahim Harun of IH Concepts with 16 years of experience in branding and marketing, this workshop will delve deep into the core elements of effective branding. Through a combination of an insightful presentations and collaborative discussions, you'll learn how what goes into a brand so you can hit the ground running.

Whether you're looking to launch a new venture, bring more life into your business, or simply refine your marketing strategy, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and insights you need to elevate your business and drive meaningful connections with your audience. Don't miss this opportunity to take your business to new heights!
Event Organizers
IH
Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
100 State 17 S Fairchild St FL 7, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, In Person

4:00pm CDT

EdTech Entrepreneur Exchange
Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
TBA
Join us for an engaging gathering of EdTech entrepreneurs, product leaders, researchers, funders, and policy advocates. The EdTech Entrepreneur Exchange is a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and share insights on the future of education technology. Whether you're building tools for K-12, higher ed, workforce development, or lifelong learning, this event offers space to exchange ideas, find partners, and uncover new opportunities. The program includes open networking and small-group discussions focused on building solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and research-informed. Appetizers and drinks will be available.

Hosted by Flexion, Inc. & Filament Games
Event Organizers
avatar for Jennifer Javornik

Jennifer Javornik

Chief Partnerships Officer, Filament Games
Jennifer Javornik is an international speaker and thought leader on the topics of game-based learning and games for positive impact. As a video game executive specializing in partnerships, revenue growth, and entrepreneurship, Ms. Javornik is currently the Chief Partnerships Officer... Read More →
JF
Sponsors
FG
FI

Wednesday August 20, 2025 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
TBA TBD somehwere downtown
  Free, In Person

5:00pm CDT

Trivia: UX edition!
Wednesday August 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
The Deliciouser
UX/UI Pub Trivia: Bragging Rights, Beer, and Buttons That Actually Work

Passionate about UX? UI-curious? Plain old competitive? Join us for an hour-long pub-trivia event open to everyone—from first-timers to seasoned pros. Come with friends or solo—we’ll build teams on the spot so you can meet fellow Madisonians. Drinks can be purchased. Hamburger menus will be debated. Winners will be crowned. And maybe… Don Norman will be made proud.

Hosted by Functionaire
Location: The Deliciouser 931 E Main Street
Food and drink available for purchase. 

Event Organizers
ES
Wednesday August 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
The Deliciouser 931 E Main St Suite 7, Madison, WI 53703
  Free, In Person

5:00pm CDT

Happy Hour with Venture Capitalists
Wednesday August 20, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Wisconsin State Capital Square
Check out our Website
Venture capital fund managers from seven Wisconsin venture capital funds will be at the August 20 Jazz at Five performance on the South Hamilton side of the Capitol Grounds, across the street from Wonder State Coffee and the Best Western Park Hotel. The Badger Fund of Funds is sponsoring the event and will provide free beer for attendees. Come enjoy a beautiful Wisconsin evening and engage in some hot conversation about the Money for Minnows investments strategy and the future of venture capital in Wisconsin.

Hosted by Badger Fund of Funds
Event Organizers
LY

Larissa Yenkey

Analyst, Badger Fund of Funds
Wednesday August 20, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Wisconsin State Capital Square on the South Hamilton side of the Capitol Grounds, across the street from Wonder State Coffee and the Best Western Park Hotel
  Free, In Person

6:00pm CDT

Cinema Showcase – Forward Fest Edition
Wednesday August 20, 2025 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
COPA (Community Organizations Promoting The Arts)
Check out our Website
Join us for COPA Presents: Cinema Showcase - where we showcase screenings from some of Wisconsin’s most talented and visionary filmmakers—many of whom have gained national and international recognition, including at festivals like Cannes. More than just a night at the movies, COPA Movie Night often includes live workshops, behind-the-scenes conversations, and interactive Q&As with the creators themselves. Whether it’s screenwriting, directing, or DIY filmmaking tips, each event offers a hands-on opportunity to explore film as both a creative art form and a launchpad for entrepreneurial ventures.

Celebrate local cinema, connect with fellow storytellers, and discover how Wisconsin filmmakers are turning artistic passion into professional opportunity.

Community Organizations Promoting the Arts empowers community arts organizations and creative professionals by providing space that promotes programming for both youth and adults, so they can collectively advance missions, achieve goals, expand access to critical resources and create—together.  https://copamadison.org/

2841 Index Road, Fitchburg WI

Hosted by COPA (Community Organizations Promoting the Arts) & Wisconsin 48hr Film Project
Event Organizers
DS

Dale Sticha

COPA (Community Organizations Promoting the Arts)
avatar for Naomi Shumway

Naomi Shumway

Git Gud Gaming Lounge
Wednesday August 20, 2025 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
COPA (Community Organizations Promoting The Arts) 2841 Index Road, Fitchburg WI
  Premium, In Person (Cinema)
 
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100 State
100state
1403 University Ave.
Central Library
COPA (Community Organizations Promoting The Arts)
Delta Beer Lab
DreamBank
Git Gud Lounge
Git Gud Lounge 
Hollander Grand Cafe - Hilldale
Madison College - Truax Campus
Midwest Mujeres c/o Leflore Accounting Services
SPEAK STUDIO HQ at The Hub @
Starting Block
StartingBlock
StartingBlock Madison
TBA
The Cooper's Tavern (2nd floor)
The Creative Company
The Deliciouser
The Guild
The Sylvee
University of Wisconsin Memorial Union
University of Wisconsin Memorial Union - Council Room, 4th Floor
University of Wisconsin Memorial Union - Main Lounge
UW Memorial Union
Virtual
Warner Park
WEDC
Wisconsin State Capital Square
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