Three dozen Madison businesses to take part in new BizReady program
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Three dozen local businesses will get an opportunity to receive free training, mentoring, and networking opportunities through the City of Madison’s new BizReady program.
The BizReady program was modeled after the MarketReady program, which was created in 2017 to give prospective future Madison Public Market vendors the training and technical assistance needed in creating their business plans and setting them up for future success.
Applications for the BizReady program were open from August 26 through September 13. The program is being funded by $300,000 in federal money from the American Rescue Plan that was already allocated to the Economic Development Division’s Small Business Equity Recovery (SBER) program in July 2021.
The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) and AFF Research LLC will run the program, offering a free package of resources and activities designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs innovate and thrive in Madison. The program includes:
- Peer-to-Peer roundtables guided by experienced facilitators
- One-on-One personalized mentoring to offer tailored guidance and resources
- Expert presentations with insights from industry leaders
- Practical workshops focused on applying key concepts
- Networking opportunities to build lasting relationships and create business opportunities within a supportive community
- Help in creating an action plan to outline the use of grant funds to grow their business
Participants will provide monthly reports that will track their progress and help mentors tailor their support.
Businesses accepted into the program include:
| Zamora Roofing & Construction | Purple Door Pilates | SRG Health Labs |
| La'Karron Beauty Elements & Bouquet Bliss by Tia | Auntie M's Creations | The Smiling Coast Cuisine |
| MHS Professional Services | LadyDi Production | Ardorposh |
| In And Out Pro Cleaners | Pdice Entertainment | Tiba's Blends |
| Angele Risk Management Consulting | Afghan Cuisine | Brazil Bliss |
| Pure Wellness Chiropractic | West Therapeutic | Media 22 |
| Special Events by Anita | JG's Roadside Assistance | Holy Godz |
| Cooper Ridge Dog Training | TruXteriors Siding & Contractors | Little Light Solutions |
| Leon's Cleaning Services | The Beauty Spot Beauty Bar | After Hours Taqueria |
| JNJ Gifts and More | Rock N Glam Salon | bernie & zuzu |
| Remote ESL | Wright Care | Jazdup Artistry & Co. |
| The Mending Tree | Svidusky Creative | Reese Soul Food & Catering |
A total of 116 applications were reviewed, with 43 applicants selected for interviews. Those who did not receive an interview were based outside of the City of Madison boundary, were a non-profit/cooperative, or did not fit the small business criteria.
Orientation for BizReady program participants will begin on October 23, 2024.
More programs available for local business owners and entrepreneurs can be found on the City of Madison’s Office of Business Resources website.
