Our Next Cohort Starts February 3rd, 2026! Want to Join Us?
The Circle of Opportunity
Turning Potential into Prosperity, One Business at a Time.
Imagine a Southern Wisconsin where small businesses don’t just survive — they thrive.
Where entrepreneurs with big ideas but limited resources find the support they need to launch and grow.
This isn’t just a dream; it’s the foundation of our mission.
How The Incubator Works
A Simple, Guided Process
The Business Readiness Program’s Idea to First Dollar Incubator is a cohort based, 8 week program that takes entrepreneurs from concept to a legally formed business with a clear offer, first customers, and a simple growth plan.
The program ends with a live pitch competition and the chance to win cash and in kind business support. We focus on small, practical businesses that keep Southern Wisconsin strong.
Phase 1: Foundations and Validation
Clarify your idea and who you serve
Validate your problem and solution
Choose a business structure and work on legal setup
Start basic financial foundations
Phase 2: Building and Testing
Build your MVP (minimal viable product or service), your starter offer
Test with real customers and gather feedback
Set pricing, early sales strategy, and brand presence
Set up essential digital tools and systems
Phase 3: Pitching and Growth
Sharpen your operations and simple growth plan
Build and practice your pitch
Present at a live pitch night with
Connect with community, mentors, and partners
Goals for 2026
10+
Invite 10 businesses into the first 2026 cohort
40+
Enable the launch of 40 new businesses.
Entreprenuers Need Community
Is This You?
Our incubator is designed for:
First time founders
Side hustlers
Mom and pop businesses
Creatives and makers
Service providers
Trades and home service businesses
BIPOC, women, and veteran founders
If you have....
No clear plan or strategy
Overwhelm from scattered resources
Confusing steps for legally launching a business
Limited access to mentors and real world guidance
Struggles with pricing, branding, and marketing
Fear of starting without support
And you want clarity, traction, and support, this program is for you.
Empowering Dreams, Building Businesses, Transforming Communities
The Inaguaral From Idea to First Dollar Start Up BUsiness Incubator Will Include
Weekly structured sessions that build your business step by step
Hands on labs for legal setup, branding, and digital presence
Direct access to mentors and subject matter experts
Coworking and accountability sessions
Templates for business plans, pitch decks, pricing, and marketing
A supportive community of entrepreneurs
A final pitch night to showcase your progress
In 8 Weeks, You Will Walk Away With
A guided path from idea to first customer. And the skills, confidence, community, and direction you will need to start and grow a business!
Real Stories, Real Impact
This initiative is for entrepreneurs like:
"Before joining this support system, I was stuck and unsure of my next move. Their guidance turned trial and error into confidence-building steps, and now I’m focused, determined, and ready to succeed!"
"With firsthand experience in chest trauma recovery, Deana is creating innovative products that offer both comfort and emotional resilience. Her work empowers patients to heal with confidence and care."
These are the kinds of founders who join the circle of opportunity and move from idea to action.
Why This Matters For Southern Wisconsin
Empowering Dreams, Building Businesses, Strengthening Communities
For every $1 invested in a startup or growing business, the local economy sees a return of $4 to $6.
Small businesses are the primary job creators and contribute significantly to local wealth and development.
For every $100 spent at local businesses, $48 is recirculated back into the local economy.
In contrast, national retailers only return $14 of that money!
This shows how critical small businesses are for sustained economic growth within a community.
Stability to the local job market.
During economic downturns, small businesses are 2.5 times more likely to retain jobs, providing stability to local economies.
The Business Readiness Program is led by Jocelyn Kopac, a committed advocate for small business success.
Since 2024, Jocelyn has supported more than 400 businesses in Rock County & helped over 50 new ventures launch and grow in the region.
She brings practical experience, deep community relationships, and a clear, no fluff approach that helps founders move from thinking about a business to actually running one.
When you join the program, you are not just starting a business. You are joining a community that builds opportunity together.
Our Community Makes Everything Possible
OUR PROGRAM SPONSORS:
Curriculum & Materials
Meeting Space Host
Meals and Refreshments
Pitch Night Host
Professional Photo
Scholarship / Micro Grant
OUR PARTNERS:
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