Traditional and SBA Loans: benefits and limitations - Jeff Sheffler, Vice President, Associated Bank. Learn the benefits of both traditional and SBA guaranteed loan programs to determine which one best meets your expansion or startup needs. Get answers to the questions you always wanted to ask a lender. 

Funding New Developments: investor equity options and availability -  Lisa Cribben, Director – Business Valuation and Transaction Support Services,Wipfli LLP. Seeking angel capital or other investment equity? This session will detail what possibilities exist and how to optimize your appeal to investors. 

Closing the Capital Gap with Economic Development Funds Case studies of successful businesses and information from representatives of Brown and Door County economic development. This session will look at revolving loan funds and the innovative Brown County MicroLoan Program. 

Loan Packaging Solutions - Jason Monnett and Rich Diemer, Wisconsin Business Development (WBD). It can be confusing to understand available loan programs when you are seeking a loan for working capital, inventory, equipment financing or to purchase or expand commercial real estate. Monnett and Diemer will explain the various loan package components they handle including SBA 504 and 7a programs, WHEDA programs and USDA's Business and Industry Program. 

Writing Winning Grant Proposals for SBIR Federal Grants - Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN). Learn more about opportunities to receive additional resources and assistance with applying for federal grants through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The WEN Innovation 25 program helped applicants secure SBIR grant awards in 2011, and the program is continuing in 2012. If you have a project idea that may qualify for federal grant funding, attending this session will help you learn how to apply. 

Thinking Strategically about Taxes and Funding Options - (accountant speaker to be announced). Tax implications and other strategic accounting considerations related to funding sources will be covered in this session.