Business Success
Business Success is a monthly workshop series at Central Library where local entrepreneurs get expert advice and hands-on skills to grow their businesses. With topics ranging from business financing, digital marketing, and time management, you'll leave each session with insights and skills to help you thrive and turn your ideas into success.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 3-4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Becoming Bank Ready: Essential Steps to Secure Financing
Milwaukee Central Library
814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
2nd Floor Business Commons
Are you ready to take your business to the next level with bank financing? Are you overwhelmed by the idea of getting ready for a loan? In this interactive workshop, Business Banking Relationship Manager at PNC Jessica LaRoque, will cover the essentials to getting bank ready:
- Understanding Requirements: Learn what banks look for when evaluating loan applications–and how to meet these criteria.
- Building Your Credit Score: Discover strategies to improve your credit score, a crucial factor in securing financing.
- Financial Documentation: Get insights on preparing accurate and compelling financial documents that showcase your business's stability and potential.
- Creating a Solid Business Plan: Understand the elements of a persuasive business plan that can win over lenders.
Presented by Jessica LaRoque, PNC Bank, and in partnership with Kate Halfwassen and Brent Halfwassen of MKE Business Coach.
About Jessica: As a Business Banking Relationship Manager, Jessica LaRoque partners with small to mid-sized businesses to provide tailored financial solutions, leveraging expertise in analysis, lending, and strategic planning to support growth. Outside of work, she enjoys Pilates, traveling, spending time with her cats, and exploring Milwaukee’s vibrant culture, while also learning ASL to foster meaningful connections.
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 3-4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Mastering Digital Marketing: Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome
Milwaukee Central Library
814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
2nd Floor Business Commons
Are you overwhelmed by the myriad of digital marketing options? Are you worried that “everyone else” is on “the” platform–and you need to get on it too? Lisa Raebel, founder of Rebel Girl Marketing, will transform your approach to digital marketing.
- The Power of Strategy: Discover why having a solid digital marketing strategy is essential to avoid falling prey to shiny object syndrome and feeling overwhelmed.
- Focused Planning: Learn how to create a clear, actionable plan that aligns with your business goals and keeps you on track.
- Effective Tools: Explore the best digital marketing tools and techniques to enhance your strategy without getting sidetracked.
Presented by Lisa Raebel, Rebel Girl Marketing, in partnership with Kate and Brent Halfwassen of MKE Business Coach.
About Lisa: Lisa Raebel, the founder of Rebel Girl Marketing, is a seasoned marketing executive and sales professional with over 25 years of experience, known for her RebelMindset approach that simplifies marketing strategies to drive double-digit sales growth. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, cooking, traveling, paddleboarding, and hiking Wisconsin’s scenic trails.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 3-4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Work/Life Balance: Mastering Time Management
Milwaukee Central Library
814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
2nd Floor Business Commons
Struggling to balance your professional and personal life? Feeling like you never have time for family, hobbies–or joy? Jenna Piche, international speaker and Full Focus Certified Pro, will share strategies for achieving a harmonious work/life balance through effective time management:
- Understanding Balance: Learn the fundamentals of work/life balance and why it's crucial for your well-being and success.
- Time Management Techniques: Discover practical strategies and tools to manage your time efficiently, allowing you to excel at work and enjoy your personal life.
- Setting Priorities: Gain insights on prioritizing tasks and activities to ensure you're focusing on what truly matters.
- Creating Boundaries: Understand the importance of setting boundaries and how to maintain them in both your professional and personal spheres.
Presented by Jenna Piche in partnership with Kate Halfwassen and Brent Halfwassen of MKE Business Coach.
About Jenna: An international speaker and LinkedIn Top Time Management Voice, Jenna Piche is a time leverage expert and Full Focus Certified Pro, renowned for helping overwhelmed business owners and professionals regain control of their schedules and improve their productivity. With over 20 years of experience in corporate marketing and functional health, Jenna has a unique ability to blend practical strategies with deep mindset work. Her clients, from serial entrepreneurs and public health departments to large organizations, consistently report reduced stress, improved workflows, and the ability to focus on what matters most.
Programs presented by:
Kate Halfwassen
Kate is a successful C-suite leader and a mom with a proven career in both large for-profit and midsize non-profits. mkebusinesscoach.com
Brent Halfwassen
Brent is an entrepreneur, speaker, dad, and financial expert dedicated to transforming businesses’ hard work into hard cash to achieve their dreams. mkebusinesscoach.com