Learn About UW-Richland
Economic Development
UW-Richland Economic Development Programming is made possible, in part, through a grant from the University of Wisconsin Extension’s EdVantage Program
Building a Sustainable Economy Together (BSET!)
The goal of BSET, an economic development program administered through the UW-Richland Department of Continuing Education, is to provide community leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs with educational programming and resources that fosters informed decisions and supports successful in economic development endeavors within our region.
Our program aim is based on the premise that sustainable economic development is best achieved through strong relationships and collaboration among community stakeholders. The UW-Richland works in cooperation with a number of local and regional organizations to promote, support, and identify creative approaches to economic development in our county and region. Current partners include, Richland County Cooperative Extension, Richland County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC), Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Wisconsin Economic Development Coalition, University of Wisconsin – Extension Small Business Development Center.
View BSET brochure
Current Program Initiatives...
Richland County Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club
Do you have a fresh and innovative idea for a product program or business? Whether you consider yourself an inventor, entrepreneur,
business owner, artist, or producer, discover how the Richland Area Inventors and Entrepreneur Club can help you take your ideas from
vision to reality. The Richland Area I & E Club is a group committed to supporting one another through resource sharing and education.
Our group welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and sponsors monthly programs and networking opportunities on the
last Wednesday of each month. Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. Winter/spring programs will be held in the Pippin Conference Room of
Melvill Hall on the UW-Richland Campus. Facilitators are Steve Kohlstedt and
Wayne Morgenthaler.
All programs are free and open to the public. Ready for your ideas & dreams to mean business? Join us!
Winter/Spring Program Schedule:
- February 27, 2008 - How I Became a Successful Entrepreneur
Mark Osterhaus - Inventor of "Apples to Apples"
- March 26, 2008 - Assessing Your Product and Market
(Invited) Wisconsin Innovation Service Center, UW-Whitewater
- April 30, 2008 - Growing Your Business Through a Cooperative
Shannon Clark - CEO of Richland Electric Cooperative
- May 28, 2008 - Richland I & E Roadshow: Small Business in Action
Building Educational Tourism (BET Richland Area)
Get in on the ground floor of one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S.!
Educational tourism is growing faster than any other U.S. travel industries. Our area, with its natural beauty and resources is the perfect place to grow this industry.
Are you an entrepreneur with a fresh travel tour idea in the Richland area?
Whether you're a farmer, artist, writer, naturalist, or you name it, turn your skills into an educational travel business and help grow economic development in your community at the same time. BET Richland County offers educational resources that will support your success.
BET Richland Area creates and implements education travel tours and classes that are held right here in our region. The project will provide training and skill development to area entrepreneurs. Training topics include: developing and leading a successful workshop, designing a sustainable program, small business management, marketing assessment and promotion, concepts in education and learning across the lifespan, computer applications, and other areas that program participants identify as a learning need. Courses are starting now.
BET is made possible through a grant from the University of Wisconsin Extension EdVantage Program.
Click here for a program application.
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Why can we B.E.T. on the Richland Area? The potential for economic development in Richland area tourism is great; however, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism (May 2005), in 2004 Richland County generated a mere $23.53 million in tourism revenue. This figure is a fraction (43%) of the average revenue generated in bordering counties (excluding Sauk County). Recognizing growth potential, UW-Richland has teamed up with the Richland County Economic Development Corporation and the Richland Area Chamber to promote growth in the tourism industry.
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Partner Program Links
Economic development resources for southwest Wisconsin and the Richland area...