Wisconsin Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
2025 Wisconsin Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
Strengthening Rural Wisconsin’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem by Engaging Rural Entrepreneurs, Leaders, and Innovators in Rural Communities
Overview
Gathering economic development practitioners, local decision makers, and community champions, the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference features presentations and technical programming to help small towns create environments in which entrepreneurs can thrive.
Wisconsin’s 2nd CEC Conference: Wisconsin Rapids
The CEC Conference is back, this time in Wisconsin Rapids, the conference “about small towns, for small towns,” for economic developers, local government leaders, and community champions. Not your typical conference, CEC features programming about entrepreneurship in smaller communities, featuring the local leaders, local businesses, and local cultures of a Wisconsin town.
Rivers of opportunities are flowing from Wisconsin Rapids, and economic development professionals will take home new ideas about planning and infrastructure projects, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, agritourism, placemaking, and community partnerships.
Discover the spirit of Wisconsin Rapids, a city redefining its future. Once known as “The Paper City,” this community is now a hub of entrepreneurial energy, revitalizing its downtown along the scenic Wisconsin River. Join us for engaging workshops led by local innovators along historic Grand Avenue, take a stroll along the river’s picturesque bridges, and while you’re here, immerse yourself in the Cranberry Blossom Festival with its live music and local flavors that celebrate the region’s cranberry heritage. Experience how this underdog community is forging a new chapter of growth and creativity in Central Wisconsin.
Conference Schedule
Hotels – Reserve Now
*Mention you are part of the “CEC Block” to receive the listed room rate.
Sponsoring Organizations
Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Statements
We value inclusion and access for all participants. We are happy to provide accommodations to help you fully participate in this event.
| An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. | Como empleador que brinda igualdad de oportunidades en el empleo y acción afirmativa (EEO/AA, por sus siglas en inglés), la University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, proporciona igualdad de oportunidades en el empleo y en sus programas, incluyendo los requisitos del Título VI, Título IX, la ley federal para personas con discapacidades en los Estados Unidos (ADA, por sus siglas en inglés) y los requisitos de la Section 504 del Rehabilitation Act. | Tus Tswv Hauj Lwm Ntawm (EEO/AA), ntawm lub Tsev Kawm Ntawv Qib Siab (University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension) pab rau kev ncaj ncees txog kev hauj lwm thiab kev pab cuam, xws li nyob rau hauv Title VI, Title IX, thiab ntawm tsab cai Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) yuav tsum kom muaj thiab Feem 504 ntawm the Txoj Cai Kev Pab Rov Tsim Kho Uas Tau Teev Tseg. |
| Please make requests for reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to educational programs as early as possible preceding the scheduled program, service, or activity. | Para asegurar un acceso igualitario a los programas educativos, haga el favor de solicitar adecuaciones razonables lo más pronto posible antes de la fecha del programa, servicio o actividad. | Xav thov kom ua txoj kev thov laj thawj thiaj li tau cov kev pab cuam ntxov li ntxov tau ua ntej rau li lub caij nyoog ntawm cov kev pab cuam, kev pab los yog dej num no. |
| For communicative accommodations in languages other than English, please contact oaic@extension.wisc.edu. | Para pedir adecuaciones para la comunicación en un idioma distinto al inglés, favor de comunicarse con: oaic@extension.wisc.edu. | Rau kev sib tham pab cuam rau qhov lwm yam lus ntawm lus As Kiv (English), thov sau ntawv rau: oaic@extension.wisc.edu. |
| For communicative accommodations based on a disability, please contact Heather Lipinski Stelljes at: heather.stelljes@wisc.edu for the public. | Para personas del público que quiera pedir adecuaciones para la comunicación debido a una discapacidad, favor de comunicarse con: heather.stelljes@wisc.edu | Rau kev sib tham pab cuam rau kev puas cev xws li tes taw, thov sau ntawv rau: heather.stelljes@wisc.edu |
