Turn Your Business Idea Into Reality
Interested in starting your own business but not sure how to take the first steps?
Have an idea for a business venture but want to find out what support and resources are available to you before taking the plunge? Or maybe you have established your business but would like to improve or expand operations?
The 2026 Iron County Entrepreneur Boot Camp is a great opportunity to engage with local and regional resources, network with other aspiring entrepreneurs, and sharpen your idea into a feasible business plan!The upcoming iteration has been streamlined from last year’s offering, now taking place over one week: Monday, January 5 through Friday, January 9, 5:30pm to 8:30pm every night. While the schedule is intense, it is intended to quickly build momentum and keep it moving forward (much like actual boot camp).
In one week, participants will:
- Hear “startup stories” from a panel of local business owners
- Begin (or sharpen) their business plan using Business Model Canvas
- Gauge their financial preparedness to answer the often-overlooked question, Am I ready to start (or grow) a business?
- Consult with local and regional business support organizations specializing in business finance, skill development, real estate, marketing, and more
- Learn the basics of recordkeeping, accounting, and tax withholding for business owners, as well as different methods for records retention
- Gain valuable insight into market research, with expert guidance on branding, developing a digital or print marketing plan, and proper attribution for creative commons/public domain assets
The 2026 Iron County Entrepreneur Boot Camp is free for participants and registration is now open! Register below:
Full Schedule:
Monday, January 5 – Local Success Stories and a Business Plan Launchpad
Kickoff! Local Success Stories and a Business Plan Launchpad
Kickoff! The 2026 Entrepreneur Boot Camp will kick off with the most important step of all: defining success. Boot Camp participants will hear startup stories from Zak’s Realty, Saint Maud’s Makerspace, Papa Dave’s Pizza, and Tritegrity Machine LLC.
With a belly full of coffee and a head full of startup stories, participants will then begin their own business plan using the SCORE Business Model Canvas.
Location:
Iron County Courthouse
300 Taconite Street
Hurley, WI 54534
Agenda:
| 5:30 | Greetings, introductions, and a silly thing with notecards |
| 6:00 | Guest Speakers – Local Startup Stories |
| 7:00 | Q&A |
| 7:30 | Business Model Canvas: A suitable launchpad for any business venture |
| 8:30 | Dismissed |
Tuesday, January 6 – Establishing/Expanding Your Business
Financial Literacy and Legal Considerations for Establishing/Expanding
Night Two will focus on answering the often-overlooked question, am I ready to start (or grow) a business? Associated Bank will present on financial literacy, emphasizing budgeting, debt reduction, borrowing basics, and understanding your credit score. Lutgen Law Office LLC will then provide an overview of the various types of business entities and details on how to establish a Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, or Partnership in Wisconsin.
Before breaking for the night, boot camp participants will practice their business pitch in front of a live studio audience!
Location:
Iron County Courthouse
300 Taconite Street
Hurley, WI 54534
Agenda:
| 5:30 | Welcome back + Business Model Canvas Review |
| 5:45 | Tips for Financial Success |
| 6:45 | Business Entity Types, Wisconsin Business One-Stop, and Legal Considerations |
| 7:30 | Business Pitches |
| 8:30 | Dismissed |
Wednesday, January 7 – Entrepreneurial Resource Night
Entrepreneurial Resource Night
Night Three will focus on networking with business development organizations and making connections that will have a lasting impact on your business. Participants will engage in a round of “resource speed-dating”, providing an opportunity to pitch your business or idea and receive a 1:1 micro-consultation with each resource provider.
Resources will include full-service business development, funding support organizations, skill development/continuing education, and more.
Location:
Home Slice Pizza
2040 W Saarnio Road
Mercer, WI 54547
Resource Organizations:
Thursday, January 8 – Accounting and Withholding for Business
Basic Tax Withholding, Recordkeeping, and Accounting
On Night Four, we’ll dig into the basics of tax withholding, recordkeeping essentials, and accounting procedures. The evening will start with a virtual presentation from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue on tax withholding for new business owners. Then we’ll hear from David Traczyk Accounting in Hurley, who will provide a rundown of basic accounting procedures, an overview of available software, and tips for working with a Certified Public Accountant.
Location:
Iron County Courthouse
300 Taconite Street
Hurley, WI 54534
Agenda:
| 5:30 | Welcome back and Introductions |
| 5:45 | Wisconsin Tax Seminar Topics for New Businesses |
| 7:00 | Tips for Working with a CPA |
| 8:00 | Let’s Practice! |
| 8:30 | Dismissed |
Friday, January 9 – Marketing and Outreach
Branding, Your Marketing Plan, and Meeting Your Customer Where They’re At
The final night of Entrepreneur Boot Camp will focus on marketing, branding, and market research. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your business model canvas/business plan and begin putting everything together in a neat little package for your customer. Local marketing, branding, and design professionals will be on hand to assist you in getting the look and feel just right.
Learning will be self-directed with a choose-your-own-adventure format. Laptops will be available for participants to work on a branded website or social media presence, and information professionals will be in attendance to provide guidance on creative commons/public domain licensing. Participants who prefer to work hands-on will have access to print marketing experts and raw materials to develop a sound marketing plan.
Technology resources will be provided by Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board’s Digital Lending Library.
Location:
Sharon’s Coffee Co.
122 Silver Street
Hurley, WI 54534
Tables/Topics/Resources:
| Print Marketing |
| Digital Marketing (Social/Web) |
| Branding |
| Marketing Plan |
| Copyright and CC/Public Domain |
Questions?
If you would like to learn more about Community Development resources in Iron County, please contact:
Joseph Miller
Community Development Educator
Extension Iron County
300 Taconite Street, Suite 118
Hurley, WI 54534
Phone: 715-561-2695
