Technology and Innovation
USDA Offers New Funding to Promote the Expansion of High-Speed Internet in Rural Areas
WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $20 million to deliver broadband technical assistance resources for rural communities, and to support the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives.
USDA is offering the funding under the new Broadband Technical Assistance Program. The program supports technical assistance projects such as conducting feasibility studies, completing network designs and developing broadband financial assistance applications. Funding is also available to help organizations access federal resources, and to conduct data collection and reporting.
Read More 1> Promoting the Regional Brand
New North companies recognized by Wisconsin Safety Council
INSIGHT ON BUSINESS Wisconsin Safety Council announced the nine winners of the organization’s 29th annual Corporate Safety Awards.
The program recognizes Wisconsin companies that are dedicated to prioritizing a culture of safety in the workplace and have maintained exceptional safety records.
“We appreciate the opportunity to recognize companies who go above and beyond industry standards to ensure their workplaces are safe and their employees can go home safe each day,” said Wisconsin Safety Council Executive Director Aaron Huebner.
Read More 2> Elevate Sustainability as an Economic Driver
Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, in partnership with WMEP, now offers a sustainability assessment service to help identify risks and opportunities for sustainable growth and supports readiness for the Green Masters Program.
WISCONSIN SUSTAINABILITY WMEP’s Sustainability Assessment Service Includes: • Prioritization of sustainability topics that are material to your organization and stakeholders. • Analysis of your organization’s existing sustainability systems, practices, and performance compared to industry, customer, and competitor practices. • Relevant sustainability frameworks and standards to support your sustainability journey. • Program development actions to accelerate progress in key sustainability areas. Expansion and Business Development in the New North
Bassett Mechanical Announces Expansion of Kaukauna Headquarters
KAUKAUNA, Wisconsin – Bassett Mechanical is excited to announce the expansion of its Kaukauna, WI, headquarters.
The expansion will add 16,200 square feet of additional office space. It will include a new training area, a new cafeteria with an outdoor patio, an updated entryway and reception, along with additional conference rooms, offices, and workspaces.
“It’s an exciting time in the Bassett Mechanical family. We moved into our current facility in 1997 and have experienced significant growth since then, having nearly tripled the size of our business in the past ten years. That is a direct result of the efforts and contributions of each of our associates,” said Kim Bassett, CEO.
Read More 4>
Attract, Develop and Retain Diverse Talent
Wisconsin businesses want more workers, but barriers prevent many from joining the labor force
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO Wisconsin's businesses are scrambling to fill open jobs in a tight labor market, but many people face obstacles that prevent them from joining the workforce. The federal government defines employment barriers as conditions that make it difficult to work. Those can include child care arrangements, unreliable transportation, mental health issues, a past criminal record or a lack of adequate housing. Despite those obstacles, Wisconsin’s unemployment rate hit a record low in February at 2.7 percent and nonfarm jobs also hit a new record high of 2,997,400, according to the state Department of Workforce Development... Read More 5> Attract, Develop and Retain Diverse Talent
What does the Class of 2023 want from employers? Mental-health benefits, for one thing.
WALL STREET JOURNAL
The class of 2023 looks very different from previous graduating classes. Employers should take note. For one thing, the percentage of soon-to-be college graduates who have accepted job offers already is much higher than in previous years, meaning companies might have to work harder to find and attract top candidates.... Read More 6>
Support and Entrepreneurial Climate and Small Business
Register Now for National Small Business Week Events: The Virtual Summit and the Lt. Governor's Small Business Academy
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION National Small Business Week honors and celebrates America's 33 million small businesses, including more than 462,000 in Wisconsin. For more than 60 years, the nation and the SBA have marked the week and all that small businesses contribute to the economy. Small businesses create 2 of 3 net new jobs and contribute in countless other ways to our communities and the country.
Wisconsin small businesses are invited to join both national and statewide events to learn and network during National Small Business Week:
• Registration is now open for the 2023 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit in collaboration with SCORE. The two-day online event will take place from May 2-3, 2023. This year’s NSBW Virtual Summit will feature educational workshops presented by event cosponsors, access to federal resources, and networking. The summit is free, but registration is required.
• The Lt. Governor's Small Business Academy, hosted by WEDC, features workshops on what’s important to small businesses, including financing options, legal concerns, regulatory issues, information technology, small business certifications, and identifying markets and sales opportunities, as well as practical advice from SBA's 2023 Wisconsin National Small Business Week award winning businesses and others who have successfully made it through the initial stages of starting and growing their companies. Free and virtual May 2-4, with virtual and in-person options May 5. Register.
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