Insight on Business

March 2014

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18 | I nsIgh t • M a r c h 2 0 14 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m U P F R O N T W hen David Olofson decided he wanted to connect with other small businesses in the Fond du Lac area, the owner of DD&P services learned of a new group with networking at its core: e Imagination network. "It's just a great forum to meet others in similar situations," Olofson says about the monthly gatherings. "You can share ideas, and what is or isn't working as you grow." Joules of nature owner susan sokoloski's experience with the group is comparable, but as an entrepreneur, she calls it the spark needed to keep pushing her olive oil soap products. "Everyone Imagination at work Fond du Lac networking group aids small business growth inventor, or small business owner succeed," giese-Kent says. "And we want anyone with this interest from east central Wisconsin to come to the table to make it happen." e February meeting is a recent example, with the largest number of attendees to date at 35, and 11 were there for the first time. e topic of funding a new idea topped the discussion, with experts on hand to talk about loans, grants, and even attracting investors. But giese-Kent says there's a bigger picture for the future of what's developing through the group. "Making the connections and using the expert resources will lead to more start-ups happening and eventually more jobs," she says. It's a goal that sounds good to Olofson. "I hope to utilize this networking to build business partners in all types of areas," he says. "And eventually it would mean getting bigger and adding employees to my own business." connections B y t e r i B a r r is supportive and I get new ideas at every meeting," says sokoloski. "We are building some great relationships in the business community." Imagination network is just 10 months old, yet those who are involved already consider it a must-attend event with education, nurturing and connecting the goal of each month's agenda. Jo Ann giese-Kent, director of entrepreneurship and business intelligence for the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, calls the Imagination network a perfect addition. "e excitement about each meeting shows there's a need to open connections to the resources available for helping an entrepreneur, c O U R T e s y O F T h e I M a g I N aT I O N N e T w O R k Meetings are free and are held the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 33 Sheboygan Street, Fond du Lac. For more information, call (920) 929-2928. The Imagination network The Imagination Network, which meets in Fond du Lac, is designed to bring small business owners together and offer educational topics such as finding investors and securing loans.

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