Category: Member News
Learn who’s growing, changing, moving and more! Stay on top of what’s new with your neighboring businesses. We share news releases and announcements from your peers in the Madison area. Want to toot your own horn? Use our Submit Member News form to share your own stories.
Photo by Richard Hurd
StartingBlock Madison: Present at 1 Million Cups
Sharing your business at a 1MC event gives you the opportunity to connect with an active and engaged community of fellow entrepreneurs
- Refine your presentation and elevator pitch.
- Join a community to receive support, including coaching from 1MC organizers.
- Continue to present your business — in another city or after you have made significant changes.
- Receive feedback from a diverse audience.
- Potentially gain exposure to new markets and people.
- Potentially receive local, regional or national media coverage of your startup.
Learn more here.
Photo by Richard Hurd
WWBIC South Central Job Posting
For more information, contact:
Cheryl Vandenburgt
South Central Regional Project Director
608-219-0219
cvandenburgt@wwbic.com
WWBIC South Central Job Posting
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) is a CDFI organization that has served 72,709 clients since its inception 36 years ago. Since 1987, we have also loaned more than $107 million to small business borrowers and helped entrepreneurs create and retain 18,027 jobs. In 2022 alone WWBIC closed $8,511,667 in small business loans, the SBA Payment Protection Program (PPP) ($2.7 million), and Community Block Development Block Grant (CDBG) forgivable loans ($240,000) and KIVA loan ($720,000). We remain central to the small business recovery and restart here in Wisconsin by supporting micro and small businesses in our local communities and throughout the state – those creating jobs and employment while providing needed products and services.
We are currently recruiting for an individual to support our mission in the following capacity.
Outreach Specialist – Madison, WI (South Central)
The Outreach Specialist is a part-time position responsible for specific targeted outreach and partnership efforts for the South Central region at WWBIC and for coordinating and expanding WWBIC’s small business education and lending programs in targeted markets.
The qualifications for this position are a minimum of three to five years of experience in an administrative position and HS Diploma is required. An associate’s degree and experience working with small businesses or in economic development, preferably with a focus on service to low-to-moderate- income individuals are preferred. Must have solid Microsoft Office skills and the ability to function independently in a fast-paced work culture. Excellent relationship-building, flexibility, resourcefulness, organization, and communication skills are critical for success. Must have the ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours. Valid driver’s license & proof of insurance is required, as there will be travel associated with this position.
To apply, please email a letter of application, resume & salary requirements to jobs@wwbic.com
For more information, contact Cheryl Vandenburgt, cvandenburgt@wwbic.com or 608-219-0219
To learn more about WWBIC visit: www.wwbic.com.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Capitol Bank Announces Michael Johnston as SVP Commercial Lending
For Immediate Release
Tracy Brooks
Marketing Director
Capitol Bank
710 N. High Point Road
Madison, Wisconsin 53717
Capitol Bank Announces Michael Johnston as SVP Commercial Lending
Madison, WI (June 2023): Justin Hart, President of Capitol Bank, is pleased to announce that Michael Johnston has joined the Capitol Bank team as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending.
Michael has over 23 years of commercial banking experience within the local Madison market along with an extensive background in complex loans and credit structure. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of Iowa.
“Michael’s depth in commercial lending experience and his appreciation of community banking relationships makes him an excellent addition to Capitol Bank and its business clients,” said Hart.
His hobbies include running, golfing, traveling and spending time with his two daughters, family and friends.

About Capitol Bank: Capitol Bank, locally-owned and operated since 1995, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in the Dane County area. Our philosophy of community support is demonstrated at the corporate level, as well as in the time and energy our employees devote to our community each year. Capitol Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.
Photo by Richard Hurd
Common Core Marketing Becomes Hubspot Solutions Partner
Common Core Marketing (CCM) is proud to announce its official partnership with HubSpot, the world-leading provider of marketing, sales, and customer service software. With this strategic partnership, CCM has become a certified HubSpot Solutions Partner to help businesses achieve their goals.
CCM leverages “RevOps” strategies—a combination of Revenue Operations and Inbound Methodology—utilizing the latest tools from HubSpot to increase lead generation, conversion rates, and nurture relationships with customers. Through HubSpot admin and development services, CCM provides cutting-edge digital solutions tailored for today’s ever-evolving business landscape.
By solving complex problems through the HubSpot platform, Common Core Marketing helps companies grow by providing an excellent customer experience across all channels. The company continues to strive towards becoming one of the leading providers of digital solutions for businesses around the country.
About Common Core Marketing:
Common Core Marketing is a premier provider of digital solutions focusing on RevOps strategies that combine Revenue Operations with Inbound Methodology tools from HubSpot. Their mission is to build custom digital experiences that drive customer engagement and accelerate growth for businesses worldwide. From lead generation campaigns to website design and beyond—they provide comprehensive end-to-end support for any business looking to unlock their true potential online using HubSpot.
Photo by Richard Hurd
The American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact Entrepreneurs Fellowship Application
The American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact Fellowship for female entrepreneurs of color.
The Fellowship runs from July 10, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
This fellowship is dedicated to supporting early and emerging companies led by remarkable women of color who are preparing for significant growth and impact. Whether their ventures lie in the realm of art, technology, or any industry vertical, this fellowship provides resources, mentorship and a supportive community to help these female entrepreneurs unlock their full potential and thrive in their respective fields. We encourage women who have been justice impacted and veterans to apply.
Please read StartingBlock Code of Conduct. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ufU0cfYzsE_ehtfhorGTDKefDp_efUV1/view?usp=share_link
In order to learn more about you and your company, we’d like you to complete the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact Entrepreneurs Fellowship Application. Once we receive your application, we will be in touch to discuss next steps.
If you have questions, contact Leslie Weissburg at leslie@startingblockmadison.org.