Best wishes for a safe holiday season and Happy New Year!
Edible Startup Summit 2020
The statewide virtual event proves successful
It’s never easy to start a business, and the year of the pandemic posed additional challenges for would-be entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, the importance of entrepreneurship in economic development has not been diminished; rather, entrepreneurship will be key to economic recovery efforts once the public health challenge has abated.
The annual Edible Startup Summit (ESS), a training program for small-scale food business start-ups, was offered this year as a statewide, virtual two day event. Early stage food entrepreneurs from throughout the state (and those dreaming of starting a food business) gathered for a series of keynote talks, workshops, networking opportunities, and consulting sessions over the course of two days.
There were 35 sessions on topics including food business trends; where to produce your product; social entrepreneurship and values-based business; business planning; product pricing; product development; food safety for processors, shared-use kitchens, and food carts; on-line payment systems; working with a retailer; scaling up; customer relations; brand strategy; marketing and distribution; product sourcing; and social media marketing. Regional sessions (representing four areas of the state) offered opportunity for networking and learning from local entrepreneur panels, resource panels, pitch sessions, and sessions on special initiatives. Entrepreneurs were offered one on one consultation sessions with food business experts. This year, 91 participants joined 60 business support people, invited speakers, Extension educators and other sponsors.
Many of the participants were looking for innovative practices to sustain their businesses during these difficult times; others were learning from established food businesses to determine the right time to launch or expand. Participants indicated that they appreciated learning from both industry experts and established food business entrepreneurs. Evaluation results indicated that the information provided was valuable, new ideas were shared, and attendees found the experience valuable.
Quotes from 2020 Edible Startup Summit attendees:
"This was the first time I have attended the summit. The atmosphere was welcoming and open. I found it exciting, loaded with information and a felt a real sense of community. I was very pleased with the abundance of information I obtained. There were a variety of sessions with topics to help in the all stages of my business journey. The presenters were filled with life learned lessons that I feel will be beneficial to my business moving forward. I am so very happy that I attended and will again. Thanks to each and everyone who made this summit possible during these trying times."
"I thought the online summit was very well planned and executed. The speakers were highly qualified, offered a huge amount of helpful info and resources, and addressed current challenges and trends. All in all, it was an amazing two-day online event that has my head happily spinning with new ideas and empowering energy. Thank you for all of this valuable knowledge!"
"Love the virtual sessions. I miss the networking but still love the virtual session where I do not have to take time off from work to attend."
Winter Green Thumb Gardening Series Focused on Vegetable Gardens
The Green Thumb Gardening series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! Dane County Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener. Register for the complete class series at a discounted price or individual classes according to your interests. Classes will be taught over Zoom and can be accessed by computer or mobile devices. Class size is limited so don’t delay getting registered.
Additional Green Thumb Gardening series will be offered in early spring, mid-summer and late summer. Visit the Green Thumb website for more details and to register. For more information about these programs contact: Lisa Johnson, Horticulture Educator, at 608-224-3715 or Johnson.lisa@countyofdane.com
In this Mindful Money Moment, Dane County Extension educator, Karina Mendoza, concludes our series on student loans with a video on tax credits that student borrowers should be aware of. Karina breaks down what each one is, who is eligible for it, and how borrowers can claim it to save money on their taxes.
Be Trained as a Mental Health First Aider
Mental Health First Aid is a program that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. The program gives participants the skills and confidence to provide initial support to youth and adults who are experiencing a crisis in their community. Extension is providing Mental Health First Aid to better equip adults to help those in their community who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use disorder.
UW-Madison Division of Extension presents Wise Wisconsin Winter Series. Life Span Educators from around to state will host sessions on topics that will help you increase joy and satisfaction in your life and help you connect with others during the cold, snowy winter months. Learn more on the program website.
February 3rd through March 10th, 2021
Wednesday mornings 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Registration Required: https://go.wisc.edu/8s973c
Grab a hot beverage of your choice and join us!
More Programs and Resources Available
Visit the website to register for these upcoming events:
University of Wisconsin, USDA and Wisconsin counties cooperating.
An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
La Universidad de Wisconsin-Extensión, un empleador con igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa (EEO/AA), proporciona igualdad de oportunidades en empleo y programas, incluyendo los requisitos del Titulo VI, Título IX, y de la Ley para Americanos con Discapacidades (ADA).
Tus Tswv Hauj Lwm Ntawm (EEO/AA), ntawm lub Tsev Kawm Ntawv Qib Siab (University of Wisconsin-Extension) pab rau kev ncaj ncees txog kev hauj lwm thiab kev pab cuam, xws li nyob rau hauv Title VI, Title IX, thiab ntawm tsab cai Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) yuav tsum kom muaj.
To ensure equal access to programs, please make requests for reasonable accommodations prior to the program (10 days prior is preferable). Call 224-3707 to request an accommodation.
It’s never easy to start a business, and the year of the pandemic posed additional challenges for would-be entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, the importance of entrepreneurship in economic development has not been diminished; rather, entrepreneurship will be key to economic recovery efforts once the public health challenge has abated.
