Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Government Certification Workshop - DBE
2024-11-21 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Are you a Minority, Disadvantaged, Small, Women, or Veteran owned or HUBZone located business? Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.

Manufacturing Competitiveness in the 21st Century Series: Training Within Industry (TWI) - Chippewa Falls, WI
2024-12-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) – Chippewa Falls Campus, 770 Scheidler Road Rm 108, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, United States
ANNOUNCING A NEW 3-PART SERIES: Manufacturing Competitiveness in the 21st Century
1. Training Within Industry (TWI)
2. Vision Inspection with AI Deep Learning
3. Cyber Culture for Compliance and Competition
The first in this series: Training Within Industry (TWI)
Frontline Leader Skill Development – Training Within Industry (TWI) was developed in the ‘40s to help drive the war effort. This program is still relevant as we focus on domestic manufacturing.
More than 1 million people were trained in TWI methods during WWII, working in about 600 companies. The following benefits were realized:

86% increased production by at least 25%
100% reduced training time by 25% or more
88% Reduced labor hours by over 25%
55% reduced scrap by at least 25%
100% reduced grievances by more than 25%

Today, we compete globally and it’s more important than ever to implement and sustain LEAN.
TWI leverages the role of front-line leaders by providing the skills needed to succeed.

Standardizes Work
Reduces Training Time
Increases Productivity & Quality
Improves Morale
Ensures Worker Safety
Solves Problems

Featured Speakers:

Nick Ford, Management Engineer – UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC)
Matthew Wakefield, Management Engineer – UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC)
Matthew Frost, Government Contract Specialist – Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator (WPI)
Ken Pearson, Business Development & Campus Manager – Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) – Chippewa Falls

Learn more about the 3 sessions:

Training Within Industry (TWI)
Vision Inspection with AI Deep Learning
Cyber Culture for Compliance and Competition

To Register: click here.

Government Certification Workshop - Federal Certifications - Madison, WI
2024-12-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Are you a Minority, Disadvantaged, Small, Women, or Veteran owned or HUBZone located business? Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a once a month Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what local, state, or federal certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
The topic of this workshop is federal certifications. Federal certifications include:

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
8(a)
SBA Mentor-Protege
HUBZone

Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Overview of Certification Kinds and Benefits
15 minute break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Certification Application Overview
15 minute break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Q&A

Schedule of Topics: click here to view the full schedule and topics for the Government Certification Workshops

Government Certification Workshop - State and Local Certifications - Madison, WI
2025-01-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Are you a Minority, Disadvantaged, Small, Women, or Veteran owned or HUBZone located business? Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a once a month Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what local, state, or federal certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
The topic of this workshop is State of Wisconsin certifications. State certifications include:

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
Disabled Veteran Owned Business (DVB)

Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Overview of Certification Kinds and Benefits
15 minute break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Certification Application Overview
15 minute break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Q&A

Schedule of Topics: click here to view the full schedule and topics for the Government Certification Workshops

Manufacturing Competitiveness in the 21st Century Series: Vision Inspection with AI Deep Learning – Chippewa Falls, WI
2025-02-07 09:00 - 12:00 | Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) – Chippewa Falls Campus, 770 Scheidler Road Rm 108, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, United States
ANNOUNCING A NEW 3-PART SERIES: Manufacturing Competitiveness in the 21st Century
1. Training Within Industry (TWI)
2. Vision Inspection with AI Deep Learning
3. Cyber Culture for Compliance and Competition
The second in this series: Vision Inspection with AI Deep Learning
Transform Your Manufacturing with AI Vision Systems!
Unlock the full potential of your manufacturing processes with cutting-edge Machine Vision Systems. These systems revolutionize automated inspection, quality control, and decision-making through advanced techniques like pattern recognition, image segmentation, and feature extraction.
Why Choose An AI Vision System?
• Improved Product Quality: Ensure every product meets the highest standards.
• Increased Productivity: Boost overall equipment effectiveness and streamline operations.
• Reduced Waste: Minimize material waste and optimize resource usage.
• Overcome Labor Shortages: Automate tasks to address workforce challenges.
• Enhanced Processes: Continuously improve and refine your manufacturing processes.
• Ensure Compliance: Meet industry standards and regulatory requirements effortlessly.
• Improved Safety: Create a safer working environment for your team.
Integrate and experience unparalleled precision and productivity in your operations. Elevate your business to new heights with technology that delivers results!
Featured Speakers:

David Ding, Associate Dean/Director of School of Engineering – University of Wisconsin-Stout

Learn more about the 3 sessions:

Training Within Industry (TWI)
Vision Inspection with AI Deep Learning
Cyber Culture for Compliance and Competition

To Register: click here.

Government Certification Workshop - DBE (Madison, WI)
2025-02-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Overview of Certification Kinds and Benefits
15 minute break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Certification Application Overview
15 minute break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Q&A

Schedule of Topics: click here to view the full schedule and topics for the Government Certification Workshops

Manufacturing Competitiveness in the 21st Century Series: Cyber Culture for Compliance and Competition – Chippewa Falls, WI
2025-03-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) – Chippewa Falls Campus, 770 Scheidler Road Rm 108, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, United States
ANNOUNCING A NEW 3-PART SERIES: Manufacturing Competitiveness in the 21st Century
1. Training Within Industry (TWI)
2. Vision Inspection with AI Deep Learning
3. Cyber Culture for Compliance and Competition
The third in this series: Cyber Culture for Compliance and Competition
In today’s digital world, safeguarding data and protecting against cyber threats is not just the responsibility of IT departments; every employee plays a crucial role. The “Cyber Culture for Compliance and Competition” workshop will explore the world of a cyber event for IT and non-IT personnel alike. This workshop will provide practical guidance and hands-on exercises to explore tools that create, implement, and enforce cybersecurity policies within organizations.
Learn more about the 3 sessions:

Training Within Industry (TWI)
Vision Inspection with AI Deep Learning
Cyber Culture for Compliance and Competition

To Register: click here.

Government Certification Workshop - Federal Certifications - Madison, WI
2025-03-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Are you a Disadvantaged, Small, Women, or Veteran owned or HUBZone located business? Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a once a month Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what local, state, or federal certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
The topic of this workshop is federal certifications. Federal certifications include:

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
8(a)
SBA Mentor-Protege
HUBZone

Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Overview of Certification Kinds and Benefits
15 minute break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Certification Application Overview
15 minute break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Q&A

Schedule of Topics: click here to view the full schedule and topics for the Government Certification Workshops

Indigenous Business Group Wisconsin Contractor Connection - Networking Event Series - Wausau, WI
2025-04-03 16:00 - 19:00 | Jefferson Street Inn, 201 Jefferson St., Wausau, WI, 54403
Wisconsin Contractor Connection is a networking event by the Indigenous Business Group designed to connect contractors and businesses across Wisconsin with public and private sector opportunities. Bringing together professionals from construction, trades, consulting, media, infrastructure, energy, engineering, and environmental industries, this event fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business growth. Attendees will engage in networking, hear from industry leaders, and explore opportunities in contracting and procurement.
Target Audience:
Contractors & Tradespeople: General contractors, specialty trade contractors (electricians, plumbers, HVAC, etc.), and businesses in construction and infrastructure.
Industry Professionals: Engineering firms, environmental consultants, energy sector professionals, media, and business service providers.
Public & Private Sector Representatives: Government agencies, large corporations, and tribal enterprises seeking subcontractors and partnerships.
For more information, click here.

Government Certification Workshop - State and Local Certifications - Madison, WI
2025-04-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
[This event has been postponed – thank you for your interest in attending – if you registered to participate, you will be notified when the event is re-scheduled]
Are you a Minority, Disadvantaged, Small, Women, or Veteran owned or HUBZone located business? Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a once a month Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what local, state, or federal certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
The topic of this workshop is State of Wisconsin certifications. State certifications include:

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
Disabled Veteran Owned Business (DVB)

Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Overview of Certification Types and Benefits
15 minute break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Certification Application Overview
15 minute break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Q&A

Schedule of Topics: click here to view the full schedule and topics for the Government Certification Workshops

2025 City of Milwaukee Vendor Fair
2025-04-24 08:00 - 14:00 | BMO Tower, 790 North Water Street, Milwaukee, 53202, United States
Welcome to the 2025 City of Milwaukee Vendor Fair!
Come join us at BMO Tower on 790 N Water for a day full of connections. This in person event is a great opportunity to grow your local businesses, discovering upcoming contracts. Where else can you connect with contracting deparments and access to valuable workshops? Don’t miss out on this fantastic event, hosted by the Department of City Development and the Department of Administration.
For more information, click here.

Townhall: New Grant Funding for Manufacturing in America
2025-04-24 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-04-30 13:00 - 14:30 | WI
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced a funding opportunity to empower small businesses, bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., address workforce shortages, operational inefficiencies, and limited access to contract opportunities through its Empower to Grow (E2G) Program Manufacturing in America Grant Initiative. The E2G Program will provide up to $1.1 million in grants to eligible participants that submit proposals that are unique and innovative in manufacturing related training and technical assistance to be provided to small businesses, especially those that are HUBZone firms. The deadline for eligible participants to submit proposals electronically via https://www.grants.gov is May 12, no later than 11:59 p.m. (EDT).
Click here to learn more and register.

Great Lakes Fusion Energy Mixer
2025-05-06 16:30 - 19:00 | Findorff, 300 South Bedford Street, Madison, 53703, United States
Join us for excellent networking, a fun game with interesting info about the fusion energy supply chain and an informative Q&A with a fusion industry supply chain expert.
Keynote Q&A: Supply Chain opportunities
Engineering, manufacturing and other operating companies can lean in to significant opportunities in defense and fusion energy markets by making small pivots now without incurring big capital outlays.
Speaker: Greg Van Dyk, CEO of Altrusion, a Seattle-area company that delivers expertise and advanced technologies in national security and fusion energy. Greg is also a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and a native of Wisconsin.
Moderator: Kathleen Gallagher, Executive Director, 5 Lakes Institute, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer.
Click here for more information.

Government Certification Workshop - DBE (Madison, WI)
2025-05-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Overview of Certification Types and Benefits
15 minute break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Certification Application Overview
15 minute break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Q&A

Schedule of Topics: click here to view the full schedule and topics for the Government Certification Workshops

Marketing to NASA: Strategies for Small Business Success
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 | WI
As NASA continues to innovate in the space exploration, scientific, and research industries, small businesses will be critical to its success. Small business owners know the ins and outs of their company like the back of their hand. Some who are just starting a business, might feel totally lost. Knowing where to turn for advice in moving your business forward is vitally important to its success.
In the “Marketing to NASA: Strategies for Small Business Success” webinar, small business owners will gain valuable insights into effectively positioning their products and services to capture NASA’s attention. Participants will learn strategic approaches to crafting compelling marketing messages tailored to NASA’s unique needs and priorities. The session will cover key topics such as understanding NASA’s procurement process, identifying decision-makers within NASA, leveraging small business certifications, and aligning marketing efforts with NASA’s mission goals. Small businesses will leave equipped with practical strategies and tools to enhance their visibility, engage effectively with NASA program managers, and ultimately increase their chances of securing contracts with the agency.
Click here to learn more and register.

Indigenous Business Group Wisconsin Contractor Connection - Networking Event Series - Hayward, WI
2025-05-22 16:00 - 19:00 | Flat Creek Lodge, 10290 Highway 27 South, Hayward, WI, 54843, United States

Federal Contracting & Cybersecurity: What Manufacturers Need to Know (Manitowoc, WI)
2025-05-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Progress Lakeshore, 202 N 8th St Ste 101, Manitowoc, WI, 54220, United States
As opportunities in Department of Defense and Federal Government contracting continue to grow, so do the requirements for businesses—especially manufacturers in the supply chain—to meet rigid cybersecurity standards. This session is designed to help you understand foundational elements of federal government and DOD cybersecurity requirements, including NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC. Whether you’re new to the space or seeking to sharpen your compliance strategies, this presentation will provide the practical guidance and essential knowledge you need to take the first steps with confidence.
Presenter: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
REGISTER now!

Government Certification Workshop - Federal Certifications - Madison, WI
2025-06-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Are you a Disadvantaged, Small, Women, or Veteran owned or HUBZone-located business? Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Tru Mwololo, the Wisconsin Procurement Institute’s Manager of Small Business Programs, for a once a month Government Certifications Workshop where you will learn about what local, state, or federal certifications your business may qualify for and how these certifications could help you gain a competitive edge in the government marketplace.
The topic of this workshop is federal certifications. Federal certifications include:

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
8(a)
SBA Mentor-Protege
HUBZone

Agenda:

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Overview of Certification Types and Benefits
15 minute break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM Certification Application Overview
15 minute break
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Q&A

Schedule of Topics: click here to view the full schedule and topics for the Government Certification Workshops

Navy Week - Doing Business with the Navy and Marine Corps
2025-07-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 445 S. Curtis Road, West Allis, WI, 53214
Register Here
Join the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – Wisconsin APEX Accelerator for an
insightful training session with the Department of the Navy (DON) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) in Milwaukee, WI. This event will provide valuable information for small businesses, covering DON OSBP achievements and goals, the Mentor-Protégé Program, preparation for the DON procurement process, available resources, and more.
Representatives from the DON OSBP, Navy SBIR/STTR, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), WPI – Wisconsin APEX Accelerator, Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, NDIA – Great Lakes Chapter, and U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) will participate in a networking session, providing opportunities to connect and learn about their programs, services, and subcontracting opportunities.
Click here to view the event flyer.
Agenda
8:00 – 8:10 AM: Welcome presented by Industries for the Blind & Visually Impaired
8:10 – 8:25 AM: Partner & Audience Introductions
8:25 – 8:30 AM: Wisconsin Procurement Institute– Wisconsin APEX Accelerator Overview
8:30 – 9:00 AM: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
9:00 – 9:15 AM: Break
9:15 – 9:45 AM: Navy SBIR/STTR Overview
9:45 – 11:00 AM: How to Do Business with the Navy & Marine Corps
11:00 – 12:00 PM: Networking Session

Indigenous Business Group Wisconsin Contractor Connection - Networking Event Series - Danbury, WI
2025-08-28 16:00 - 19:00 | St. Croix Casino Danbury, 30222 Wisconsin 35 #77, Danbury, 54830, United States

Local Government Contracting for Small Businesses (virtual)
2025-09-24 15:00 - 17:00 | WI
Explore best practices in procurement and how to discover local government contracting opportunities. Click on the flyer below to download and to complete registration.
This virtual workshop will provide small businesses with information on procurement practices and how to identify contracting opportunities with local government entities. The event will include networking and buyer meeting opportunities
Presented by:

City of Madison
Dane County
Milwaukee County
Wisconsin Supplier Diversity Program
Domina Consulting
Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) – WI APEX Accelerator

For questions, contact:
Michael Steger, Small Business Advisor, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI)
(414) 270-3600
michaels@wispro.org
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