From early-stage food businesses seeking support to build and grow, to established businesses looking to transition into the cooperative model, and rural communities creating an entrepreneur-friendly ecosystems, the UW-Madison Division of Extension provides guidance and evidence-based resources to support entrepreneurial efforts across Wisconsin.
The Community Food System’s FEED Summit covers key aspects of starting and sustaining a food-based business, providing attendees with clarity on how to navigate food safety and licensing requirements, access capital and financial services, and communicate their businesses’ story.
The UW Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) supports both start-up and established businesses interested in the cooperative model. As Wisconsin faces a “silver tsunami” of retiring business owners, many are turning to UWCC to hand their business to employees, rather than close or sell to private equity. UWCC helps take the guesswork out of converting to a cooperative and provides assistance throughout the lifespan of a cooperative.
UWCC guided the Spring Green Animal Hospital through the transition into a cooperative.
In addition to working with individual businesses, UW-Madison Division of Extension also takes a community-focused approach to entrepreneurial development. Through the Rural Entrepreneurial Venture (REV) program, communities with a population ranging from 1,500 – 10,000 residents work with a trained Extension coach for up to three years, gaining tools to identify and expand entrepreneurial activity. With more than 10 Wisconsin communities participating, and a growing interest list, these communities are well positioned to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems, and in turn, support their small town economies.
With Extension’s guidance and support, the complexities of economic development become easier to navigate, allowing entrepreneurs and communities alike a pathway to more effectively move forward.
Additional Information:
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Community Development
- North Central Region Community Development Extension Impact Report 2025