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Celebrating 44 Years of Small Business Development at MARKETPLACE 2025

A Historic Event

The MARKETPLACE: The Governor’s Conference on Diverse Business Development, now in its 44th year, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering small business growth in Wisconsin. Despite shifts in economic, political, demographic, and technological landscapes, the unwavering determination of Wisconsin’s communities remains constant. As WEDC Senior Director of Diverse Business Development, Dr. Eugene Manzanet, emphasized during the 2025 conference, “Wisconsin’s communities are committed to adapt, rebuild, and forge ahead with resilience, determination, and pride.”

Andy Sayers of Seadog Creative; Shakkiah Curtis, DBA, of the Pink Hustle Firm; Cristina Villanueva of Ambas Financial Services LLC; and WEDC Vice President Mike Ward at MARKETPLACE 2025.

Engaging Opportunities for Business Owners

The conference featured a comprehensive agenda that included educational sessions, networking opportunities, and an expo hall where 648 attendees gathered to connect in person from December 10-11. Additionally, the virtual Contracting Academy, held on December 9, attracted 342 participants, demonstrating the event’s expansive reach.

Though hosted by the WEDC, the energy and momentum of the conference were distinctly driven by Wisconsin’s business owners. Alex Ysquierdo, director of the Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program, articulated this sentiment: “We have a room full of people who don’t just wait for progress—they create it.”

Danielle Bly from WE Energies echoed this message, stating, “Small business is the heartbeat of Wisconsin. You are the innovators, the problem-solvers, and the job creators who drive our economy forward.”

The Importance of Mental Well-Being in Business

Rest as a Revenue Strategy

One of the standout sessions involved Lia Knox, Ph.D., who delivered a powerful keynote on mental health for entrepreneurs. Knox reminded attendees that "businesses don’t burn out, people do." She urged business owners to prioritize self-care and clearly stated, “When your mind is scattered, your decisions become scattered.”

Knox offered practical techniques like breathwork and affirmations, summarizing her key takeaways: “Clarity is currency, community is an advantage, and rest is a revenue strategy.” This holistic approach emphasizes that the health of a business relies heavily on the well-being of its founders and employees.

Diverse Paths to Success in Entrepreneurship

Insights from Experienced Business Owners

During a panel discussion moderated by Mike Ward, five business owners shared how their unique pathways to entrepreneurship illustrate that there is no singular template for success. Error-free execution is not the sole measure of legitimacy in entrepreneurship.

Andy Sayers from Seadog Creative reassured attendees that their entrepreneurial journey, regardless of its unique challenges or pace, retains inherent value. “Whatever your road looks like, it does not make you less of an entrepreneur. You are doing the work,” he affirmed.

The theme of community support emerged prominently throughout the panel. Amy Woods of FAVORYT BRAND attributed much of her business’s growth to collaborative connections. “Expressing our value to the community is crucial,” noted Jennifer Gollnick of Data Informed Financial Services. Shakkiah Curtis of the Pink Hustle Firm emphasized, “If you can get people to believe in what you’re doing, they’ll help build your business.”

Cristina Villanueva from Ambas Financial Services LLC illustrated the importance of being strategic in networking, stating, “In our rush, we often forget to pause and ask, ‘Who do I need to connect with?’”

Acknowledging Contributions and Inspiring Future Growth

Messages from Key Leaders

Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld reiterated the significance of entrepreneurship, acknowledging the crucial leap of faith every entrepreneur undertakes. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also highlighted recent economic development achievements, declaring, “Together, we’re building an inclusive and resilient economy.”

Alderman Jose Perez encouraged companies to focus on talent development in Milwaukee, push for innovation, and enhance the state’s reputation as a center for development.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Pamela Boivin, chairwoman of WEDC’s Board of Directors, shared insights from her career in community development finance, recognizing the essential role of access to resources in realizing entrepreneurial dreams. She emphasized how the MARKETPLACE facilitates these critical connections: “Opportunities that usually take months or years to align can start right here today.”

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In an increasingly complex business landscape, many entrepreneurs encounter intricate contracts and legal jargon that can be daunting. The AI legalese decoder offers significant assistance here. By simplifying legal documents and making them easier to understand, this innovative tool allows business owners to navigate contracts with confidence. This not only saves time but also minimizes potential legal pitfalls, empowering entrepreneurs to focus on their core business operations and fostering a culture of informed decision-making.

Looking Forward

As the MARKETPLACE conference concluded, the invitation for next year’s event, scheduled for December 8-10, 2026, in Milwaukee, was extended to all attendees. Dr. Manzanet encapsulated the essence of the conference, stating, “MARKETPLACE is more than just an event; it’s a launchpad for sustained growth.”

WEDC’s commitment to investing in strategic initiatives has fostered resilience and accelerated growth among diverse businesses in Wisconsin. As noted by WEDC Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers, “Investing in communities translates to faster business growth and greater resilience.”

As we look ahead, the focus remains clear: building a thriving ecosystem for small businesses that will usher in a new era of economic prosperity in Wisconsin.

“MARKETPLACE is more than an event,” said WEDC Senior Director of Diverse Business Development Eugene Manzanet, Ph.D.

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