Join advisors assembled by the Wisconsin Technology Council for a free session to help entrepreneurs of all types learn more about the basics of launching, funding and growing a young business by attending the Wednesday, May 3 event in Osseo.

This free event will be held at the Osseo-Fairchild Technical Education Center, 13396 14th St., Osseo. Registration and networking begin at 2:30 p.m., the program at 3 p.m. and a closing reception at 5:30 p.m.

Mentors will speak and answer questions on areas such as legal steps to starting a company, funding sources for such firms and public resources generally available to entrepreneurs. Attendees will engage in an exercise aimed at bringing forth their ideas and any challenges that lie ahead.

The State of Wisconsin Initiative to Fast Track Entrepreneurs, or SWIFT, is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration and supported by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. The goal of the statewide program is to connect entrepreneurs with resources, advice and networking through the Tech Council and others to help them succeed.

“Contrary to the popular image of entrepreneurs and startups, innovation isn’t confined to Wisconsin’s largest cities or major cities outside the state. The goal of SWIFT, which will engage people in less-traveled places in Wisconsin over the next year, is to tap into people who want to learn more about the basics of launching small businesses,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, who will moderate. “This event is not just for tech-based entrepreneurs, but for people who want to start all kinds of ‘Main Street’ or home businesses.”

The Wisconsin Technology Council is bipartisan science and technology advisor to Wisconsin’s governor and Legislature, a role it has filled since 2001. Its programs are geared towards growing the state’s economy. A significant portion of our work is dedicated to offering hands-on assistance to entrepreneurs through programs such as the annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. To join, go to www.wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or call 608-442-7557.