Wisconsin Procurement Institute

Townhall: New Grant Funding for Manufacturing in America
2025-04-24 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-04-30 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Cyber Friday: CMMC: Maintaining Your CMMC Certification
2025-04-25 11:00 - 12:00 | WI
This webinar will help businesses determine their readiness for a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) evaluation. It will cover key preparation steps, including conducting gap analyses, organizing documentation, and performing mock assessments. Attendees will learn how to identify vulnerabilities, address compliance gaps, and confidently prepare for the formal certification process. Practical checklists and strategies will be discussed to streamline preparation and ensure success during the assessment.
Speaker: Matt Frost, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute – WI APEX Accelerator
This webinar is eligible for 1 CPE credit.
For the full schedule of the Cyber Thursday webinars, please click here.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: The Federal Marketplace for Those Who Have the Next Great Idea
2025-04-25 12:30 - 13:00 | WI
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled at the end of the week. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take-in the conversation.
The innovators of today. There are many programs and opportunities for these individuals and companies. Listen in to learn more about programs that all innovators should know about and explore, and the Critical Technologies that are of interest to the Department of Defense.
Presented by Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies, Wisconsin Procurement Institute and Mark Dennis, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
For the list of Federal Market Insights webinar, please click here.

Satellite Office: Green Bay – hosted by the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub
2025-04-28 09:00 - 16:00 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Startup Hub, 2701 Larsen Road, Green Bay, WI, 54303, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Startup Hub in Green Bay, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Green Bay at NWTC’s Startup Hub, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Clark County EDC 5th Annual Business to Business Expo & Career Fair (Greenwood, WI)
2025-04-30 | Clark Electric Cooperative Headquarters, 1209 W. Dall-Berg Rd, Greenwood, WI, 54437, United States
Clark County Economic Development Corporation & Tourism Bureau (CCEDC&TB) and Clark County Workforce Council are partnering to host the 2025 Clark County Business to Business Expo and Career Fair. This event will be a day long opportunity to introduce businesses to each other, inform them about your business assistance resources (business planning, Youth Apprenticeship, specialty financing, international connections, Lean Manufacturing, etc.) and expose high school, tech college and university students to the great careers in Clark County and careers in your field.
To register for your Business Assistance Cluster space, please contact: info@clarkcountyedc.org. A registration form is required to be completed by March 1, 2025.
Click here for more information.

2025 WI Rural Partners Summit - Fort Atkinson, WI
2025-04-30 - 2025-05-01 | The Riverstone Event Center, 1905 Central Coast Ln, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538
This year’s Summit will seek to provide ideas that help communities attract businesses, highlight programs, and introduce funding and staffing options in the face of budget challenges.
You can find the agenda here.
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Manitowoc – hosted by Progress Lakeshore
2025-04-30 09:00 - 16:00 | Progress Lakeshore, 202 N 8th St Ste 101, Manitowoc, WI, 54220, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Progress Lakeshore offices in Manitowoc, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Manitowoc, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Satellite Office: Fond Du Lac – hosted by Envision Greater Fond du Lac
2025-05-01 09:00 - 16:00 | Envision Greater Fond du Lac, 23 S Main St Ste 101, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in Envision in Fond du Lac, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Fond du Lac, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Satellite Office: Madison (MATC Goodman South Campus)
2025-05-01 09:00 - 16:00 | Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry Street, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Madison Area Technical College (MATC) Goodman South Campus in Madison, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Madison – MATC Goodman South, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Chicago District Corps of Engineers Open House - Chicago, IL
2025-05-01 09:00 - 16:30 | Chicago District Office, 231 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL, 60604, United States
This event offers an opportunity to explore U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Chicago district’s latest and upcoming projects, advancements in engineering, and to meet the team driving their mission forward. This Open House is an occasion to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the contributions of the engineering community.
As part of the event, there will be a limited number of 20-minute elevator pitch slots for companies to present their capabilities. These slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in briefing the district leadership, please respond to the post-registration email.
Please click here to view the agenda.

Federal Market Insights [FMI]: Foreign Ownership Control and Influence (FOCI)
2025-05-02 12:30 - 13:00 | WI
FEDERAL MARKET INSIGHTS is an informal podcast designed to provide valuable information about the government marketplace for businesses interested in government contracting. Each episode is a concise 30-minute session, scheduled at the end of the week. We review noteworthy items published during the week, delve into key topics, and offer background information and perspectives relevant to the government contracting landscape. Stop by, settle in and take-in the conversation.
FOCI can be an unseen and significant threat to National Security. The Podcast will discuss the elements companies should be aware of and why they are important to all companies and not just Federal contractors.
Presented by Marc Violante, Director, Federal Market Strategies, Wisconsin Procurement Institute and Mark Dennis, Government Contract Specialist, Wisconsin Procurement Institute
For the list of Federal Market Insights webinar, please click here.

U.S. Army Registration Open for 2025 Army Contracting Virtual Outreach for Industry
2025-05-05 - 2025-05-08 | WI
Small businesses and other interested industry partners are now able to register for the fifth-annual Mission and Installation Contracting Command Advance Planning Briefing for Industry virtual contracting forecast event scheduled for May 5-8, 2025. The virtual APBI event is the MICC’s single, command-wide effort that is available nationwide to everyone from small businesses to large industry representatives. Attendees will hear directly from mission commanders, senior contracting officials and a variety of contracting planners detailing their forecasted contract requirements planned for the remainder of 2025 through early 2028.
Registration closes April 21.
For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Madison (FEED Kitchens)
2025-05-05 09:00 - 16:00 | FEED Kitchens, 1219 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI, 53704, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the FEED Kitchens in Madison, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Madison FEED Kitchens, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

National Small Business Week Virtual Summit 2025
2025-05-06 - 2025-05-07 | WI
Transform your business with cutting-edge strategies and valuable connections at the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit—your gateway to growth, innovation, and success.
Free Registration
Reserve your spot today for unlimited access to expert knowledge and essential business resources at no cost
Why Register Now?

Expert-led Webinars covering vital business topics to help you stay competitive
Direct Access to Business Experts for personalized guidance and advice
Networking Opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders
Free Business Tools you can implement immediately
Innovative Solutions from leading sponsors to streamline your operations
Government Resource Guide to funding, contracts and support programs
Inspiring Success Stories from business owners who have overcome similar challenges

Interactive Experience
Connect with like-minded business owners, receive real-time guidance from industry mentors, and gather resources specifically designed for small business success.
Immediate Business Impact
Every session delivers practical strategies you can implement right away to boost your business performance, increase efficiency and drive growth.
Click here to learn more and register.

WI Lieutenant Governor’s 2025 Small Business Academy (virtual)
2025-05-06 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-07 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-08 08:00 - 12:00 | WI
Additional information on the 2025 Small Business Academy, as well as highlights from past Small Business Academies, is available at the main page for the event.
SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – Virtual – 8:00 AM- 12 NOON
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – Virtual – 8:00 AM- 12 NOON
Thursday, May 8, 2025 – Virtual – 8:00 AM- 12 NOON
Friday, May 9, 2025 – In Person – Multiple Locations – 8:00 AM- 12 NOON

Great Lakes Fusion Energy Summit
2025-05-06 09:00 - 16:00 | University of Wisconsin System – Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, 53706, United States
Join us for an informative, highly interactive day sponsored by the UW-Madison College of Engineering during which you’ll enjoy:

One-on-one discussions with faculty/graduate students about their fusion research
Key information about recent developments in fusion energy
Sessions about business opportunities in and adjacent to this emerging industry
Interesting and interactive presentations
Excellent networking

Click here for more information.

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.

Satellite Office: Camp Douglas
2025-05-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Juneau County Economic Development Corporation, 122 Main Street, Camp Douglas, WI, 54618, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in the Juneau County Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC) offices in Camp Douglas, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Camp Douglas JCEDC, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

NCMA Emerge | Small Business Expo and Training - Washington D.C.
2025-05-08 | Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. industrial base, and NCMA’s brand-new event, Emerge, is your gateway to success in federal contracting. This one-day event head in the heart of Washington D.C. is designed to connect small businesses, government representatives, and prime contractors in a collaborative environment where you can build skills, expand your network, and gain actionable insights.
Two Training Tracks Tailored for Your Needs

Small Business Sellers: Learn the ins and outs of federal contracting, from understanding regulations to pricing strategies, proposal development, and communication with government buyers. Whether you’re new to the market or scaling your operations, this track will help you navigate the contracting lifecycle with confidence.
Agency and Prime Contractor Buyers: Unlock the keys to engaging small business partners. This track focuses on market research, pre-award communication, meeting small business goals, and building successful partnerships.

Opportunities to Connect and Collaborate

Expo Hall: Discover small business capabilities and connect with federal agencies and prime contractors showcasing their small business programs.
One-on-One Coaching: Receive personalized guidance tailored to your federal contracting goals.
Small Business Demos: Watch small businesses showcase their innovative products and services in action.

For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: La Crosse – hosted by Veterans in Professions
2025-05-08 09:00 - 16:00 | Veterans in Professions, 1501 St. Andrews Street Ste C-100, La Crosse, WI, 54603, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location in Veterans in Professions in La Crosse, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for La Crosse, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

WI Lieutenant Governor’s 2025 Small Business Academy (in-Person)
2025-05-09 08:00 - 12:00 | WI

ESGR Breakfast with Leaders
2025-05-12 08:00 - 10:00 | Wisconsin Club, 900 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53233
The Wisconsin Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Region 2 will be hosting the annual Breakfast with Leaders on May 12, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM at the Wisconsin Club (900 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233).
Special Guest Speakers
Brigadier General Matthew P. Beilfuss, Deputy Adjutant General for Civil Support, Wisconsin National Guard
Benjamin Ortiz, Talent Acquisition Program Manager, Fiserv

DLA Training, Knowledge, and Opportunities (TKO) Seminar
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-14 | WI
The TKO seminar is a course that teaches vendors how to start doing business with DLA. Vendors will learn how to find open solicitations, how to submit a quote through the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), the procedures for viewing/downloading drawings, and how to use Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance and Property Transfer (iRAPT) to get paid. There will also be other relevant topics of discussion. All sessions are free and held virtually.
Training is provided by DLA Land and Maritime in Columbus, Ohio, but benefits all DLA suppliers.
For more information, click here.

SAME 2025 Joint Engineer Training Conference (JETC) & Expo - Louisville, KY
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-15 | Kentucky International Convention Center, 221 S. 4th St., Louisville, KY, 40202
Join uniformed engineers, government civilians, industry leaders, young professionals, and innovators for the premier event dedicated to advancing engineering services in support of the warfighter and the joint engineer mission.
There will be:

Education & Training Sessions
Keynote Speaker
Executive Panel with the Engineering Service Chiefs
Pre-Conference Workshops
Joint Engineer Warfighter Seminar
Exhibit Hall Featuring A/E/C Companies
Micro Session Theater featuring sessions on a variety of topics
SAME Celebrations

For more information, click here.

Satellite Office: Oshkosh – hosted by the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
2025-05-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation, 111 N. Main Street, Ste 204, Oshkosh, WI, 54901, United States
WPI will be holding office hours at our satellite location at the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation in Oshkosh, WI. Contact the counselor directly to schedule your meeting.
To view the upcoming schedule for Oshkosh, please click here.
To view the full list of satellite locations and schedules, please click here.

Winning Government Business: Navigating Compliance Risks to Drive Strategic Advantage [Milwaukee, WI]
2025-05-14 07:30 - 19:00 | WI
Winning Government Business: Navigating Compliance Risks to Drive Strategic Advantage
May 14, 2025 // Milwaukee, WI // 7:30am-7:00pm
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION at the NDIA Great Lakes Chapter webpage [link]
REGISTRATION OPEN
In an era of escalating regulatory demands, the path to securing government business is fraught with compliance challenges that can threaten even the most established organizations. Ensuring Your Strategic Advantage offers a unique opportunity to gain critical insights into navigating these complexities. Join industry leaders, compliance experts, and government insiders as they reveal strategies to fortify your business, protect revenue streams, and outpace competitors in an increasingly regulated environment. Whether you’re a C-suite executive, part of a large or small business, in business development, supply chain, contracts, or legal, this event will equip you with the knowledge to stay competitive and safeguard your organization’s future.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor opportunities are available! For more information, please contact info@ndia-greatlakes.org. This national event is hosted by the NDIA Cybersecurity Division in partnership with the NDIA Great Lakes Chapter.
Speakers

Mr. Trey Hodgkins, Chair Cybersecurity Division, NDIA
Brig. Gen. Guy Walsh, USAF (Ret) – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, NDIA
Brig. Gen. Chad R. Ellsworth, Commander of Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and Defense Supply Center, Richmond, VA (invited)
Ms. Erica Bakies, Government Contracts Senior Counsel, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (invited)
Ms. Stacy Bostjanick, Chief Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity, Office of the DoD Chief Information Officer (invited)
Ms. ML Mackey, CEO, Beacon Interactive Solutions & Executive Committee, NDIA National Board / Chair, Small Business Division (invited)
Ms. Megan McKinney, Conference Chair, NDIA Great Lakes Chapter
Ms. Christina Reynolds, Managing Director, Industry Spec. Svcs., BDO
Mr. Aric Sherwood, Director of the Acquisition Innovation Directorate (AID) at PEO Enterprise, Army (invited)
Mr. Scott Singer, C3PAO, CyberNINES CEO and Co-Founder
Ms. Jen Stewart, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Policy, NDIA
Ms. Nicole Vele, Of Counsel, Holland & Hart LLP
Ms. Aina Vilumsons, President and Executive Director, WPI an APEX Accelerator
Ms. Susan Warshaw Ebner, Partner, STINSON LLP
Mr. Dave Zvenyach, Principal, TandemGov

Local Hotels with Government Rates

Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Brookfield Conference Center

Hotel Website

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

Hotel Website

Holiday Inn Milwaukee – an IHG Hotel

Hotel Website

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Milwaukee West

Hotel Website

11th Annual DOD Contract Management Update [in-person - Milwaukee, WI]
2025-05-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Brookfield Conference Center, 325 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI, 53005, United States
ONSITE REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILBLE DURING THE EVENT. Pre-registration is now closed.
Doing business with the Department of Defense presents great opportunities but also complex challenges. In order to be successful, the Defense Industrial Base must keep current with ever changing regulatory requirements, industry trends, and DoD priorities. Whether you’re a current or prospective DoD prime or subcontractor, you won’t want to miss the updates and discussions presented by a mix of Government and Industry experts.
Join Wisconsin’s DOD contractors and subcontractors for this annual event. This in-person event will be held in Milwaukee, WI.
Schedule
Registration: 7:30 AM
Continental Breakfast: 8:00-9:30 AM
Program Opens: 8:30 AM
Program Close and Networking: 4:00 PM
Event Close: 4:30 PM
Agenda [click to open]

Confirmed Speakers

Colonel Susan Styer, Director-Land Supplier Operations, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Don Schulze, Deputy Director-Land Supplier Operations, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) LINKEDIN
Sean Ketter, Vice President, Global Procurement & Supply Chain, Oshkosh Corporation LINKEDIN
Dave Zvenyach, Principal, TandemGov LINKEDIN
Todd Bentley, President, Bentley World Packaging Ltd LINKEDIN
Jim Segelstrom, Chief Executive Officer, McNally Industries LINKEDIN
Michael Ward, Senior Vice President, Business and Community Development, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) LINKEDIN
David Petry, Director of Purchasing Compliance and Vendor Management, Fincantieri Marinette Marine (LINKEDIN)
Joseph Addison, Program Manager-DOD Mentor Protégé Program, Derco, A Lockheed Martin Company LINKEDIN
James Pitcher, Strategic Contracts Lead (Public Sector), Scale AI LINKEDIN
Daryl Zahn, Sr. Manager, Contracts & Compliance, DRS Naval Power Systems, Inc. LINKEDIN
Samuel W. Jack, Of Counsel, Dempsey Law Firm LLP LINKEDIN
Bryan Erickson, Supervisory Contract Administrator, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Great Lakes LINKEDIN
Mark Zeihen Jr., Contract Administrator, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Great Lakes LINKEDIN
Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist (Wisconsin), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) BIO
Tammie Clendenning, Lead Economic Development Specialist (Wisconsin), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) LINKEDIN
Buckley Brinkman, President-Executive Director, Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity LINKEDIN
Aina Vilumsons, President-Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) Wisconsin APEX Accelerator LINKEDIN
