The BPC class of 2020: Finalist profiles

The Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest began in late January and will culminate June 4 during the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference. Some contest finalists were profiled by senior and graduate students in a UW-Madison Department of Life Sciences Communication capstone class. Visit our “Student Stories” and our BPC website to see more stories about these young companies. Today’s feature story is of Partita, who is pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Partita, which 3D-prints violins, shifts focus to face shields during pandemic
By Jessica Knackert

The wooden, handmade design of a violin is easily recognizable with around 180,000 violins sold each year in the United States alone. One local company has aimed to redefine this traditional look by changing how the instrument is produced. Partita LLC instead creates violins by using a 3D printer.

Partita was founded in 2019 by husband and wife duo, April Weir-Hauptman and David Hauptman. Weir brings her business expertise to the table. She not only earned her master’s in business administration from UW-Madison, but also has extensive experience in company development and growth. Hauptman provides expertise in 3D printing and illustration, ultimately creating the design for the company’s novel violin. Click here to read the full story.

UW-Madison Chancellor Becky Blank to speak during May 8 Tech Council webinar

Tech Council Innovation Network and Tech Council Investor Networks members may take part in our 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 8 webinar with Chancellor Blank, who will discuss the role of a major research university in addressing a crisis such as COVID-19.  

Individual and corporate members of the Wisconsin Technology Council and its programs, the Tech Council Innovation Network and the Tech Council Investor Networks may register for the May 8 webinar. There are limited “seats” in the Zoom meeting. Members may email Julie Johnson at julie@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com to reserve a spot. 

Entrepreneurs’ Conference on June 4, 2020 is a virtual ‘go’!      #WiTreps

Some members and other past attendees have asked, “Will the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference be held this year?” The answer is yes … but virtually, not live in Milwaukee at Northwestern Mutual’s headquarters as previously planned but with the company’s continued support. Registration open soon!

We’re excited about the highly interactive platform for doing so and will announce details soon.  

The Wisconsin Technology Council is pleased to be a partner in the Wisconsin COVID-19 Business Impact survey, which involves regional economic development groups statewide and the UW-Oshkosh. The survey will be sent to businesses every three weeks to gather in-time effects of COVID-19 as well as to plot changes over time. The second installment is in early May. The only way to be included in the second installment is to complete this first installment of the survey.
Please complete survey here.

Quarles & Brady is offering Key bankruptcy considerations heading into a recession webinar on Tuesday, May 5 and Navigating COVID-19's Impact on Reopening Businesses and Returning Employees to the Workplace on Wednesday, May 6

BDO’s Mitigating Financial Distress Amid a Global Pandemic will be on Tuesday, May 5

FiscalNote’s Staying Afloat - How Nonprofits, Associations and Corporations are Coping During COVID-19 webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5

Aberdean Consulting is hosting several webinars to enhance the remote working environment safety:
Microsoft Outlook Productivity Hacks on Tuesday, May 5
Using Microsoft Forms and Power Automate for Live Events (part 2 of 2) on Wednesday, May 6
Collaborate with Microsoft OneNote on Thursday, May 7

·       WEDC Small Business 2020 Program: Assistance will be available to Wisconsin-based Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) List of All 23 CDFIs in Wisconsin to provide grants to their existing loan clients to help mitigate business-related cash flow issues in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. Approved CDFIs will make program grants (up to $20,000) available to for-profit businesses meeting the following criteria: Current loan recipient in good standing as of 3/1/20 with the approved CDFI (or its collaborating CDFIs); 20 or fewer PT/FT employees; Greater than $0 but less than $2 million in annual revenues; and, preference should be given to service and retail businesses

·       Gov. Evers’ office has launched a statewide COVID-19 website that aggregates information and resources throughout state government.
COVID-19 Volunteer Program
Religious Gatherings and Services
DVA Assistance to Needy Veterans Program
Gov. Evers Announces Badger Bounce Back Plan

·       The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development produced this helpful Frequently Asked Questions document.

·       WEDC has compiled a comprehensive overview of their resources along with state and federal resources to assist Wisconsin citizens aimed at maintaining the viability of the companies upon which our economy depends.

·       Report any scams or price gouging to Wisconsin Department of Justice: If you suspect fraud or a scam, Attorney General Kaul suggests filing a complaint online at datcp.wi.gov.

·       Small Business Administration (SBA) has guidance for businesses, Pending congressional and presidential approval, the SBA may offer another round of low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Paycheck Protection Program loans for businesses and non-profits impacted by coronavirus

·       Centers for Disease Control: Coronavirus latest updates

·       Wisconsin Department of Health Services: COVID-19 Outbreaks in Wisconsin

·       The FDIC has provided guidance to banking institutions and consumers affected by COVID-19 and encouraged financial institutions to work constructively with borrowers and customers in affected communities.

·       The Department of Labor has issued guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements.

·       NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers are providing services to small- and medium-sized manufacturers such as connecting businesses that are pivoting their production in response to the coronavirus to new supply chains, connecting firms with state resources, advising companies on new operational issues, and providing workforce support.

·        “Wisconsin COVID-19 Startup Talent” is a new project to help those displaced from jobs and employers now hiring

·       The Department of the Defense has established the Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) for COVID-19 to assess and rapidly respond to challenges presented by this pandemic. They are collecting information from both government and non-government personnel who are interested in getting involved. All resources and solutions are welcome from industry, academia, venture capital firms, individual contributors and more. Request information here.

·       Wisconsin Hospital Association releases a COVID-19 dynamic Situational Awareness Update

·       View an interactive map of public wi-fi “hot spots” in Wisconsin