Regional Creative Entrepreneur Gatherings

Strengthening Wisconsin’s Creative Economy:   Regional Gatherings about and for Creative Entrepreneurs

WEDC’s Office of Rural Prosperity and Create Wisconsin are teaming up to host a series of regional gatherings to unite, elevate, and empower Wisconsin’s creative entrepreneurs, building and strengthening stronger individual businesses and a thriving statewide creative economy.

Join us as a sponsor and help shape a stronger, more vibrant creative economy.  You can show your support via this Mightycause site, or, send a check to Create Wisconsin (payable to), Box 1054, Madison, WI 53701-1054.  Please include a note that the sponsorship is for the Regional Creative Entrepreneur Gatherings.

Thanks for your support!  Read on for more info about these important meetings:

Collaborating for Creative Growth: A Statewide Strategy for Impact The Wisconsin Creative Industries Community of Practice (CICoP) is a statewide network of creative professionals, placemaking leaders, and regional economic development staff. United by a shared commitment to innovation and inclusive growth, the CICoP connects diverse voices to strengthen Wisconsin’s creative economy and civic life. Led by WEDC’s Office of Rural Prosperity in collaboration with Create Wisconsin, the state's community cultural development organization, the CICoP provides technical assistance, aligns statewide goals as a framework for progress, and ensures representation from all regions and Tribal communities in the state.

The CICoP is committed to developing and implementing a statewide strategic plan to elevate the creative sector as a vital driver of economic resilience, innovation, and community well-being. By aligning regional efforts and engaging people, businesses (non-profit and for-profit), and communities through a shared statewide vision, we will continue to unlock the full potential of Wisconsin’s creative businesses and cultural assets.

Opportunity: A bold step towards a thriving creative economy locally and statewide
These gatherings will bring together creative entrepreneurs, community leaders, and business allies to strengthen individual creative businesses and grow a more connected, resilient ecosystem for creative entrepreneurship across Wisconsin:

• Wisconsin’s creative sector is a powerful but under-leveraged economic driver.
• Creative entrepreneurs face common challenges: isolation, lack of business support, limited access to capital, and markets.
• These gatherings will catalyze collaboration, visibility, and innovation across the region.

Event Overview: Creative people are building the future, let’s build with them.
From downtown storefronts to digital platforms, creative entrepreneurs are shaping vibrant communities and local economies. Yet all face barriers to growth. These events are a chance to connect, equip, and elevate the people powering Wisconsin’s creative sector. 

• What: A one-day regional gathering of creative entrepreneurs, business support orgs, and community leaders.
• When/Where:
  • Rural Arts and Culture Forum, Tuesday, October 28, at the Mabel Tainter Theater in downtown Menomonie
  • Watch for more information about the schedule of meetings!
• Who: 50–75 participants from across the creative industries, designers, artists, musicians, digital creatives, etc.
• Format: Panels, workshops, networking, local showcases, and resource connections.

Goals & Outcomes:

• Strengthen individual creative businesses through learning and connections.
• Build a more cohesive, visible, and supported creative ecosystem.
• Foster cross-sector partnerships between creatives and local economic stakeholders.
• Highlight the economic and cultural value of the creative sector.

Why Support These Gatherings?

• Economic vitality: Creative individuals and businesses contribute to local economies, tourism, and downtown vibrancy.
• Community Impact: Supports local talent, innovation, civic engagement, authentic, unique experiences, and cultural enrichment. 
• Visibility: Sponsors will be recognized as champions of local entrepreneurship and creativity.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Be part of something transformative.

• Statewide Partner at $10,000: Lead sponsor of all 9 events and strategy, verbally acknowledged at event, top billing of the event series 
• Multiple Regional Sponsor at $5,000: Top event billing at 5 events, logo on all event materials
• Regional Sponsor at $2,500: Prominent event billing, logo on all event materials 
• Patron Sponsor at $1,000: Logo placement, recognition in press and event materials and signage
• Entrepreneur Sponsor at $500: Name listed in event materials and signage 
• Community Supporter at $100: Name listed in event materials 
• In-Kind Support: Venue, catering, printing, or other services welcome and will be recognized in event materials

Help grow Wisconsin’s creative future!  Thanks for your support.