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.
The funding landscape has evolved beyond traditional VC, but many founders don't know their options. Join Valency Fund for a half-day deep dive into different capital solutions that fit your business model and growth goals.
Three focused sessions will cover: 1: Panel with diverse funders across the risk/reward spectrum—from traditional VC to revenue-based financing 2: Real founder stories from Wisconsin entrepreneurs using non-traditional capital to scale 3: Financial readiness workshop on building fundable, sustainable companies
Lunch included.
You'll leave with practical frameworks, real connections, and clarity on which funding path actually fits your business. Perfect for founders who want to make informed capital decisions while building lasting value.
This session provides practical strategies for determining the right pricing for your product or service to optimize profitability and sustain business growth. Participants will explore how to evaluate competitors, brand value, and customer segmentation to create pricing strategies that align with their business goals. Through an interactive approach, attendees will gain insights into the financial and psychological aspects of pricing, empowering them to make informed decisions that drive success.
90 minutes (Includes a 60-minute presentation and a 30-minute interactive workshop on pricing strategies using Excel) Key Takeaways:
1. Develop Strategic Pricing Skills – Learn how to determine the right price for your product or service. – Understand how to factor in competitors, perceived/brand value, and personal experience when setting prices. – Explore how to account for overhead and other indirect costs when direct costs are minimal. – Compare different pricing models, such as bundled pricing or subscription-based pricing, beyond the traditional price-per-product model.
2. Price for Customer Segmentation – Discover strategies for pricing tailored to different customer segments. – Evaluate whether listing your pricing publicly (e.g., on a website) is appropriate for your business model.
3. Maximize Profitability through Pricing – Identify methods for increasing profit margins through optimized pricing strategies. – Balance competitive pricing with maintaining perceived value and brand integrity.
Hosted by WEDC via the Main Street Bounceback Program
Stepping into the world of business ownership brings with it the critical responsibility of understanding and managing business taxes. Whether you’re a fledgling entrepreneur, a freelancer transitioning to a formal business entity, or a small business owner, grasping the basics of business taxation is essential for legal compliance and financial optimization. This foundational webinar is tailored to demystify the basic concepts of business and self-employment taxes.
From determining your tax obligations based on your business structure to exploring potential deductions that can minimize your tax liability, we cover the essentials that every business owner needs to know. Equipped with this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions, set aside the appropriate funds for taxes, and maintain the financial health of your business.
Topics covered will include: • Understanding Business Tax Concepts: Learn the tax vocabulary and basic concepts related to federal and state taxes. • Understanding your Obligations: Identify the tax obligations specific to different types of business entities and understand the threshold for self-employment taxes. • Calculating Taxable Income for Businesses: Learn how to determine your business’s taxable income and implement strategies for tax planning and savings. • Recognizing Tax Responsibilities: Gain insights into the spectrum of taxes your business may be responsible for, including federal income tax, self-employment tax, employment taxes (if applicable), and state taxes. • Mastering Business Deductions: Discover key business deductions that can lower your taxable income and learn how to effectively leverage them for tax benefits. • Navigating the Tax Filing Process: Understand the step-by-step process of filing your business taxes, including where to file, what information and documents are needed, and deadlines to be aware of. • Implementing Effective Record-Keeping Strategies: Learn the importance of maintaining accurate financial records for tax purposes, what records to keep, and for how long, to ensure compliance and facilitate tax preparation.
Please note: This session is NOT intended to be an individual tax planning session. For personalized 1040 advice, please consult with your tax professional