mission

YOU ARE OUR MISSION

To be an entrepreneur is to recognize that the road to success isn’t a straight one. When you build your own business, you may find that you weren’t prepared for the twists and turns. If only there was someone alongside you who could help you navigate.

For ten years, BizStarts has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs. From small stores to scalable start-ups, we provide the tools and resources that clear the path to success. We also provide an opportunity for smart, successful business leaders, volunteers, and mentors to help our community. By sharing their knowledge, providing their services, and contributing their time and donations, we can all help build a brighter future for business in Milwaukee.

Support is just a conversation away. Learn more about how we can help connect you.

I am an entrepreneur and I want to meet with a business coach.

I am a business leader and I want to become a entrepreneurial mentor.

Lindsay Stayton Photography

I am a business resource and I want to become a referral for entrepreneurs.

“1:1 coaching has been a game changer for me. Just knowing BizStarts is here rooting me on – to have other people on the journey is very helpful.”

RENEWING OUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT DECADE

New Business

Help entrepreneurs starting new companies focus on what they need for success and connect them with the proper resources to expedite launch and growth.

Existing Business

Work with existing businesses looking to grow by providing connections to financial, management, and other resources to scale, grow revenues, and create jobs in the region.

Community Connections

Work in conjunction with other groups in the entrepreneurial space, from academic programs to other for-profit and non-profit organizations focusing on start-ups and scale-ups.

Resources & Education

Provide online resources through BizStarts.com, serving as a one-stop address for entrepreneurs to access information, service providers and events.

Local Culture & Climate

Promote a stronger entrepreneurial business culture and climate in southeastern Wisconsin.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gillian Chamberlin | UW-Milwaukee
Frank Cumberbatch | Bader Philanthropies
Bill Fleming | Ernst & Young
Laura Gough | Baird
Ann Hanna | Taureau Group
George Hinton | Social Development Commission
Corey Hoze | Associated Bank
Ed Javier | WEDC
Lara Lee | CEO, Creative Renewal
Glenn Margraff | Wintrust Commercial Banking
Joe Miotke | DeWitt Ross & Stevens SC
Daniel Nelson Sr. | Nelson Schmidt, Inc.
John Olin | Wabtec
Jill Pelisek | UW-Milwaukee Lubar School of Business
Joe Poeschl | The Commons
Carmel Ruffolo | Marquette University
Ron Sadoff | Sadoff Investments
Dan Steininger | Daniel Hoan Foundation
Shelton McClure | US Bank
Maria Watts | WHEDA
John McDonald | Godfrey & Kahn
Roxanne Baumann | WMEP – Manufacturing Solutions
Patrick Snyder | President
Gerard Randall | Milwaukee Partnership
Bob Wagner | Wagner Companies
Heather Nill | PNC
Pastor Raymond Monk | Pastor of Ephesians Missionary Baptist Church
Scott Brunner | Husch Blackwell
Mario Cortez | Manpower Group
Joel Burrow | We Energies
Ruben Gaona | The Way Out
Emerald Mills | Turning Tables
Thaime Nanez | Farmhouse Paint and Sip, Chuchos Red Tacos, BizStarts Spanish-speaking Coach
Jasmine Mercado | Huntington

MEET OUR STAFF

BizStarts maintains quality staff members, contractors, mentors, volunteers, and more to help ensure entrepreneurs get the best resource possible providing guidance and connections. Let’s meet some of them!

Patrick Snyder
President

Lily Dysart
Senior Operations Director

Thaime Nañez
Entrepreneur Coach

Brent Halfwassen
Entrepreneur Coach

Dan Steininger
Founder

Emerald Mills

Entrepreneurial Mindset Program Facilitator

Reynaldo Rivera

Manager of Education

Isabella Rivera

Director of Experience and Lead Barista

QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE?

Whether you are a new entrepreneur, a seasoned business vet, or an eager mentor, we would love to hear from you!

ALL MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS

Don’t Miss Out

Get tips and resources, upcoming event details, entrepreneurs’ stories, and lots more!
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BizStarts is a one-stop resource center that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Work with a coach or a mentor, and make connections to reach your goals.

UPCOMING EVENTS

VISIT

BizStarts
2450 W North Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53205