MadREP, Lightship Foundation, the Institute unveil bootcamp for underrepresented entrepreneurs

Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) and Lightship Foundation recently unveiled plans to bring the Lightship Bootcamp program, powered by the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact (the Institute) to the Madison region. The organizations will host three days of “bootcamp” Sept. 19–21 at the Goodman South campus of Madison College, providing mentorship, specialized curriculum, and networking for underrepresented entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses within south-central Wisconsin.

The bootcamp is designed to help founders rediscover, refine, and reinvent their business strategy while reevaluating their product, sales, and marketing strategies. Interested founders should apply now.

The upcoming Lightship Bootcamp also serves as the first formal program under the economic equity and investment priority of MadREP’s newly formed “Bridge Wisconsin” initiative, led by Bridge Wisconsin Chief Strategy Officer Tonnetta Darcel Carter. The initiative works collaboratively to close economic gaps and drive innovation for rural and urban communities, supporting the five strategic priority areas of housing, early childhood education, economic equity and investment, workforce development, and sustainability.