[THE LOWDOWN] Issue 16 | MSP Startup Guide

I’ve been keeping busy, hustling for entrepreneurship and startup founders.

Since I launched WeatherVane Creamery in 2012, I’ve been quietly doing my thing- judging pitch competitions, serving as an ambassador for Hill Capital Corporation, and hooking up anyone I meet with resources. 

Three years ago, I reconnected with Charlie Walker from the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (we met back in my WeatherVane days). He invited me onto the BEAR Discussions Podcast, and I’ve been coordinating their pitch competitions ever since. 

It’s felt like such a great fit to ramp up my involvement in the startup scene, especially here in Western Wisconsin and Minnesota. I’m all about supporting these entrepreneurs and making our region shine.

Now, I’d love to invite you to a couple of events that are all about bringing this community together: HATCH: Business Idea Competition in Holcombe, WI (less than an hour north of Eau Claire), and the Hill Capital Summit in St. Paul.

Both HATCH ’25 and the Hill Capital Summit happen the same week in November, just a day apart- HATCH kicks off on November 11th, and the Summit follows on November 13th. These are the perfect spots to network, learn some new tricks, and keep building the entrepreneurial vibe in our corner of the world. 

Plus, I’ll be there!

 

Find me and say ‘hi’ at these events and the others listed below. I’m here for ya.

 

Keep going,

 

#SCORE | Broke Marketing: Scrappy Strategies for Serious Results

Broke Marketing

📅 October 22, 2025 | 11:00 AM CDT

Are you a resourceful, scrappy business owner? Maybe you’re inventory-heavy, cash-poor, or building your dream on a bootstrap budget. Whatever your situation, this workshop is for you!

In Broke Marketing, Sarah Kowal brings her signature mix of humor, energy, and real-world smarts to share free tips and tricks that make you look like a socially savvy pro — without breaking the bank.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Elevate your existing clientele

  • Get noticed by those out-of-reach customers

  • Collect powerful testimonials with ease

  • Grow your leads list (organically!)

  • And more!

Get ready to market smarter, not pricier — with Sarah’s practical, scrappy strategies designed for real businesses like yours.

REGISTER FOR ONLY $10!

#TheBookLeague | THE SUCCESS PRINCIPLES | Q4

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday, November 5
Wednesday, December 3
Wednesday, January 7

We’re cracking open The Success Principles—aka the ultimate playbook for tackling challenges, boosting confidence, and chasing down your big, bold dreams. With 64 timeless principles (and stories from CEOs, athletes, celebs + everyday rockstars), this book doesn’t just inspire—it gives you a step-by-step blueprint to actually make it happen.

Reserve your spot now — our first Q4 session kicks off on November 5th!

Get a copy of your book HERE!

Check out this video testimonial from one of our Book Leaguers, Jeff Eddy!

SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE!

#PBL | MINI BIZ HACK SESH | NOVEMBER

📅 Weds, November 5th 2025 | 9:00 AM CDT

Crafting the right offer can be the difference between crickets and clients. This month, we’re zeroing in on how to create compelling, concise, and juicy offerings that your Perfect Future Clients can’t resist. Whether you’re refining your packages or starting from scratch, you’ll walk away with clarity and confidence in what you’re putting out into the world.

✨ Why you shouldn’t miss this:
✔️ Learn how to package your expertise into irresistible offers that actually sell
✔️ Discover how to balance value and pricing without overstuffing or underselling
✔️ Walk away with practical tweaks you can apply immediately to strengthen your offers

🎟️ Seats are limited—reserve your spot today!

SAVE YOUR SPOT HERE FOR FREE!

#PBL | QUIET HUSTLE, LOUD IMPACT

Case Study from the Lab: What Actually Happens When You Walk the Talk

 

Ever wonder what REALLY happens when you stop talking about big ideas and actually walk the talk?

 

In our latest Case Study from the Lab, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it looks like when strategy leaves the whiteboard and hits the real world.

✨ Expect scrappy moves.

✨ Expect honest pivots.

✨ Expect results that prove action > endless planning.

This isn’t theory—it’s the real deal. If you’ve been sitting on ideas, this story might just be the nudge you need to take your next bold step.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

#BizHacks | Startup Wisconsin/MSP Startup Guide

 

Startup Wisconsin is absolutely the spot for digging up hard-to-find tech and founder events across the state. They keep you in the loop with fresh scoop on ALL Wisconsin startup news, pitch contests, accelerators, and even a killer new podcast- you don’t want to miss it. Subscribe to their newsletter.

 
On the Minnesota front, the MSP Startup Guide is your all-in-one hookup for everything local: networking meetups, pitch events, loans, grants, investors, coworking spaces—you name it. If you’re looking to level up your startup game or just want the inside track on the Twin Cities scene, this guide’s got your back. 
 
Whether you’re in Wisconsin or Minnesota, these two sites deliver invaluable info no matter where you are on your entrepreneur journey.
Explore Startup Wisconsin HERE!
Explore the MSP Startup Guide HERE!

#WhereInTheWorldIsSarah 

SCORE: Broke Marketing

Wednesday, Oct 22nd, 11:00 AM CST

Location: Online

Register HERE for only $10!

 

The Book League Q4

Wednesday, Oct 29th, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM CST

Location: Online

Register HERE

 

MINI BIZ HACK SESH: Developing Your Concise & Juicy Offers

Wednesday, November 5th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM CST

Location: Online

Register HERE for free!

 

HATCH 2025 PITCH COMPETITION

Tuesday, Nov 11th, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM CST

Location: EastBay Lodge

Register HERE

 

WOMEN’S BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Wednesday, Nov 12th

Location: Pablo Center, Eau Claire

Register HERE

 

HILL CAPITAL SUMMIT

Thursday, Nov 13th, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM CST

Location: CHS Field

Register HERE

 

MINI BIZ HACK SESH: Close, Pivot, & Thrive

Wednesday, December 3rd, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM CST

Location: Online

Register HERE for free!

 

Do you know of a hot networking event in the Twin Cities or Eau Claire areas that I should be at? Let me know!

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
On Key

Related Posts

[THE LOWDOWN] Issue 18 | GRANTS.GOV

2026 is here, and I’ve been doing some serious, honest looking under the hood of my business.    In 2025, I went big: I launched Project Biz Lab Academy, the

[THE LOWDOWN] Issue 17 | SparkToro

It’s Giving Tuesday, and I want to share with you what is important to me- preserving US citizens’ rights and freedoms, and giving everyone equal access to important resources. As

[THE LOWDOWN] Issue 16 | MSP Startup Guide

I’ve been keeping busy, hustling for entrepreneurship and startup founders. Since I launched WeatherVane Creamery in 2012, I’ve been quietly doing my thing- judging pitch competitions, serving as an ambassador for Hill

Get Your Score

By selecting “Submit” you agree to receive promotional messages from Project Biz Lab/Sarah Kowal/Right Now Enterprises, LLC.

We respect your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time.