INSIGHT Spotlight
Founders Network: Fostering Connections and Fueling Growth
Elizabeth Martin Founding Director, Anderson Classroom to Career Center
Evelyn LeVeque Smiley Professional Events Intern
What is Founders Network? Founders Network is a community of entrepreneurs and leaders committed to innovation and connection across Northcentral Wisconsin, specifically the Upper and Central Wisconsin River Basin. Through interactive events, Founders Network strengthens the relationships that power local business growth. Whether you’re just starting or are already well- established, Founders Network gatherings offer a welcoming space. Business owners, nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurial thinkers from all walks of life come together to connect with peers, share experiences and explore growth resources. Participants build meaningful, collaborative relationships with fellow local entrepreneurs and the people behind regional support programs. Founders Network meet-ups occur approximately once each month, rotating between Stevens Point, Wausau and Wood County. At the monthly gatherings, participants hear from a featured entrepreneur and enjoy plenty of networking time. In addition, entrepreneurs and supporting organizations from across Northcentral Wisconsin come together for the more expansive annual Emerging Entrepreneurs event held in October. How does Founders Network help entrepreneurs? Bryson Bernarde, founder of United Social Media Marketing LLC located in Wausau, shared how impactful his Founders Network experience has been. He
was “fortunate enough to make numerous quality new connections … that have since turned into friends, clients and mentors.” What impressed him most was “the turnout and diversity of individuals,” which reflects Founders Network’s commitment to fostering inclusive, meaningful relationships that support local business growth. “The professionals you meet might just change the course of your career,” he added, emphasizing the power of this vibrant and supportive network.
Natalie Steffen, Moe Wai and Pei Ying Wang ’18, of BoBabes Inc. in Stevens Point, also spoke highly of their experiences with Founders Network. “We’ve met a variety of other business owners at these events,” they shared. “Some of the connections we’ve made have been incredibly helpful, introducing us to new resources and opportunities we didn’t know were available.” The experiences of Bernarde, Steffen, Chen and Wang highlight the lasting impact of Founders Network as a driver of connection, collaboration and innovation across the region. As more entrepreneurs join the conversation, Founders Network grows as a hub for meaningful relationships and real-world business success in Wisconsin.
first learned about it through friends involved in Central Wisconsin’s business scene. He said, “I attended the inaugural Founders Network event, and it immediately stood out from others I’ve attended.” Bryson emphasized the lasting value of these gatherings. He noted he
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Center for Business and Economic Insight
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