Nicolet College launches second cohort of ‘Start Your Own Business’

After a successful first offering, Nicolet College is launching the second cohort of its “Start Your Own Business” course — an eight-week, hands-on experience designed to move aspiring entrepreneurs from idea to action.

Beginning Tuesday, March 31, participants will meet for eight consecutive Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Nicolet College.

Registration is open at nicoletcollege.edu/workforce/professional-development-0. Seats are limited to ensure personalized attention and meaningful mentorship connections. The course cost is $299, which includes the textbook and a voucher from the State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions waiving the $130 fee for registering an LLC.

The course is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to move from idea to launch, early-stage business owners seeking structure, and side hustlers looking to formalize and scale their vision.

“This course provided me with the tools, mentorship, and real-life insights to help provide a clear strategy and strong foundation for initiating a business plan,” said Wendy Gebauer, a student in the first cohort.

Learning to build real businesses

This program is built around hands-on, relevant activities for participants. By the end of the eight weeks, participants leave with:

• A launch-ready business plan.

• A clear startup roadmap and action plan.

• A completed SWOT and market analysis.

• A live pitch presentation to potential funders.

• Weekly business journaling.

• One-on-one mentorship from an experienced business leader.

“This course is about building real businesses — not just talking about them,” said Ellen Mathein, dean of the School of Business & Entrepreneurship. “Participants leave with clarity, confidence, and a concrete plan to move forward.”

Mathein added that feedback from the first cohort was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants citing mentorship, structure, and confidence-building as game-changing elements.

For more information, contact Ellen Mathein at 715-365-4915 or [email protected].