The SBDC at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Celebrates 45 Successful Years
Written by Kathleen B. Ginder-Vogel. July 2025.
Now in its 45th year of providing free support to small businesses throughout the Green Bay area, the Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay (SBDC) has met federal metrics for the past decade. The Small Business Administration provides federal grant funds to SBDCs around the U.S., so they can provide no-cost business consulting to fledgling companies in their local communities. This service supports the generation of small businesses that contribute to local and state economic development and support regional growth.
UW-Green Bay SBDC services include independent consulting between business founders and leaders and SBDC business consultants. Entrepreneurs can also choose to take advantage of courses, programs, and services like the Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP), an eight-session course designed to guide entrepreneurs in the creation of a blueprint for a successful and profitable business. The Wisconsin SBDC provides courses throughout the state and also offers free online training. Some companies create customized training for their employees in partnership with the UW-Green Bay SBDC.
Honors and Accolades
The UW-Green Bay SBDC is a top performer in the state and has been a leader in metrics set by the Small Business Administration for the past ten years. The SBDC was named a Small Business Development Center of Excellence and Innovation in 2021 by the Wisconsin district of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in recognition of the Center’s outstanding efforts to boost the state’s small businesses. That year, the Center assisted 674 clients, leading to 27 new businesses and $15 million in capital investment, along with a 96% rating in client satisfaction.
Additionally, since 2018, the SBDC at UW-Green Bay has more than doubled its annual enrollment in theEntrepreneurial Training Program (ETP), which helps startups and existing firms with business models and plans.
SBDC business consultant Dave Stauffacher was recognized by the Wisconsin SBDC network as the 2019and 2023 State Star–an SBDC employee who exhibits the criteria of an exemplary performer by making a significant contribution to their SBDC program and showing a strong commitment to small business.
“The meaning of success is defined by the entrepreneur,” says Stauffacher, who has supported businesses including Havegärd Birdseed of Algoma, Hiles-Pine Lake Campground, and Green Bay’s Five Thumbs Up Desserts. “Their pathway is rarely short or easy, so if I can assist them in any capacity throughout their journey to their desired destination, that’s great.”
Small Business Success Stories
Two well-known Sheboygan businesses, Carbliss and Union Asian Market, utilized SBDC services to launch their businesses. Both business owners worked with business consultant Ray York, the SBDC, and the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation to craft a business plan and work through financial projections.
“The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation, with assistance from the Small Business Development Center, was the cornerstone of our business launch,” says Carbliss co-founder and president Adam Kroener. “From business plan formation, initial PR, and financial planning, this foundation allowed us to grow the business in a methodical and strategic way and helped us gain financial partners.”
After their launch in 2018, Carbliss, makers of 100-calorie canned cocktails with no sugar or carbohydrates, has expanded throughout the U.S., with retailers in 14 states.
In 2022, the SBDC and the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation helped Vanna Lor purchase the Union Asian Market, formerly known as Union Oriental Market, at 2022 S 17th St. in Sheboygan.
“We are deeply grateful to the Sheboygan Small Business Development Center for their invaluable support in acquiring our business,” says Lor. “Their expertise in business planning, financial preparation, and securing funding was instrumental in our success.”
Founded in 1982, the Market was the first grocery store in Sheboygan geared towards the Hmong and Asian communities. The store grew and moved to its current location in 1999. Lor aims to honor the store’s legacy and also grow and expand its offerings.
“We will continue to honor the legacy before us and enhance it by modernizing the retail and digital space, adding additional hot food menu items, as well as goods and produce,” Lor says. “We look forward to feedback as to what the community needs so that we can bring it into the store and expand our offerings.”
“For any small business seeking guidance and resources, the SBDC is an exceptional partner in achieving your goals,” says Lor.
