Summit Credit Union and StartingBlock partner for 2nd cohort of 1-Year Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs

We’re thrilled to announce that StartingBlock has extended it’s partnership with Summit Credit Union to offer a 1-Year Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs.

• Applications are open through December 13, 2024
• Fellowship begins – Feb 4th, 2025 
• Companies must be based in Wisconsin

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

• 1 year membership to StartingBlock (24×7 access) + with desk space available
• Access to StartingBlock member benefits, including 90% discount on Hubspot CRM
• Pairing with an accountability coach for the duration of the fellowship
• The fellowship launches with an intensive 12 week boot camp followed by 9 months of speakers and check-ins.  Topics covered will include:
  1. Business Planning 
  2. Business Market/Sector Analysis
  3. Business models
  4. Customer discovery
  5. Revenue models
  6. Partner and resource identification and management
  7. Business pitching
  8. Business leadership
  9. Financial planning
  10. Preparing for funding 

LOCATION

StartingBlock, 821 East Washington, Madison

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Is willing to commit full-time to her business
• Has the desire to scale her business
• Has a business model that is scalable
• Has not raised significant outside capital
• Can benefit from StartingBlock coaching and from access to Summit Credit Union executives
• Lives in South Central Wisconsin and can readily access StartingBlock in downtown Madison
• Is organized as a for profit or a benefit corporation

MORE INFORMATION 

More details are available on our website at startingblockmadison.org. Contact the StartingBlock Program staff with questions or to learn more: programs@startingblockmadison.org.

APPLY TODAY

Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program – Volunteers Needed!

Join our Goodwill volunteer team this winter and be a VITAL part of our community!

Thanks to our VITA volunteers, we are able to offer FREE income tax preparation for community members with low to moderate income. Over $1 million in tax refunds are returned into our community every year through the VITA program – these refunds make a huge difference for our program participants, allowing them to pay for rent, utilities, medication and other essentials. The more volunteers we have, the more community members the VITA program can serve!

FREE TRAINING is provided so that volunteers can confidently prepare income tax returns, answer tax-related questions, and refer taxpayers to other resources as needed.

Learn more here and here.

Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce: Business Leadership Academy Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for the 2025 class of Business Leadership Academy!

This transformative, ten-month program is designed to develop and strengthen both existing and emerging LGBTQ+ and allied leaders in the workplace. From nonprofits to small businesses and corporations, today’s work environments demand adaptability, collaboration, effective communication, and the ability to motivate a team—skills that this academy will help you cultivate.

Applications are open and are due by January 10, 2025. Click here to apply to be a part of Business Leadership Academy Class of 2025.

Don’t miss this chance to develop your skills, broaden your perspectives, and connect with a network of cross-sector business and civic leaders. You can find out more about the program below or online here.

Carnelian Art Gallery hosting reception for year’s final show on Dec. 6

MADISON, Wisconsin, Nov. 11 – Carnelian Art Gallery is pleased to announce that it will host a second opening reception for its fifth and final show of the year entitled “Figure.” This show is focused on the intricacies of the human figure, featuring works by artists Sam Stoiber, Keegan Wenkman, Katie Hogan, Steve Swagerle and Olivia Eis.

Figure is currently on display at the gallery, which is located in the heart of downtown Madison at 221 King St. in Suite 102. The reception is set for 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. Light refreshments will be served.

“We are proud to put on an another opening reception for Figure,” said Carnelian Art Gallery owner and painter, Evan Bradbury. “Being that Figure is our final show of the year, we believe the public deserves a second chance to celebrate the works featured in this exhibition.”

Stoiber’s works are dreamy and abstract renderings of the human body. He wants the viewers of his work to be encouraged to dig into their own subconscious mind and create art from a place of healing.

The work Wenkman produces depicts the dichotomy of what’s traditionally considered good and evil. He paints people, objects, ideas, animals and insects.

Eis’ pieces ask the question “Do you understand?” as informed by people, experiences and emotions from her life. Anatomical references, according to her website, showing the inner, physical body as a reflection of a “more metaphysical, emotional interior currently dominate my
work.”

Hogan’s pieces offer perspectives into portraiture, always endeavoring to explore the human experience, color and likeness.

The works of Swagerle usually take on a cheerful and even comedic tone, with one painting featuring Benjamin Franklin on the guitar.

CARNELIAN ART GALLERY
221 KING ST., SUITE 102
MADISON, WI 53703
CARNELIANART.COM

CONTACT: EMILIE HEIDEMANN
MARKETING DIRECTOR
EMAIL: EHEIDEMANNCAG@GMAIL.COM
PHONE: 920-763-6980

McClone Insurance: Dustin McClone Named a 2025 Wisconsin Titan 100 Honoree

President & CEO of McClone recognized for leadership rooted in people, community, and meaningful impact

Menasha, WI, November 19, 2024 — McClone Insurance is proud to announce that President and CEO, Dustin McClone, has been named a 2025 Wisconsin Titan 100 honoree. This prestigious award celebrates Wisconsin’s top CEOs and business leaders, recognizing those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, and a commitment to making a lasting impact in their communities.

Dustin embodies the Titan 100 values through his people-first leadership approach. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2018, he has led McClone through significant growth, focusing on a culture that prioritizes people and community impact. Under Dustin’s leadership, McClone has expanded its capabilities, helping clients better identify and manage risks through innovative solutions. However, for Dustin, success is about more than growth — it’s about creating a culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

“What drives me isn’t just business success. It’s building a strong team and making a meaningful difference,” Dustin shared. “I’m proud of the work we do together to create positive change — that’s at the heart of McClone’s success. At the end of the day, it’s about showing up for our clients, our community, and each other.”

Dustin’s approach to leadership aligns with the Titan 100 values. He created the “Hustle” initiative to connect with leaders across industries, sharing insights on leadership, innovation, and growth. This initiative embodies his belief in continuous learning, shaping a positive influence that extends beyond business.

In addition to his role at McClone, Dustin serves as a Director for Nicolet Bank, where he provides guidance and strategic insight. He is also a member of the Board of Directors and past Chair for United Way Fox Cities, and he actively supports various nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley. His commitment to community is driven by a desire to be a consistent contributor in the places where McClone and its team members live and work.

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many inspiring leaders,” Dustin said. “The journey we’re on together, making a difference every day, is what truly matters.”