Nasra Wehelie, an alder for District 7 on Madison’s Common Council, will be hosting a Lunch and Learn on Nov. 21 to provide information focused on business financial support programs, citywide grants and loans, and additional resources offered by the City of Madison to assist entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone interested in starting their own businesses.
Since 2023, Wehelie has been hosting Lunch and Learns to educate Madison residents on the services and programs offered by the City of Madison.
“Community engagement is very crucial and important to me as an alder because it creates a bridge between the local government and the residents ensuring that policy reflects on the needs and the concerns of the people directly impacted … but it is also an opportunity to let people know what resources are available,” Wehelie tells Madison365.
As a member of the Madison Common Council and the Economic Development Committee, Wehelie says that her “commitment to Madison’s economic development is to build a stronger, more resilient economy that uplifts our small and minority businesses.” Information on small business and entrepreneurial opportunities continues to be a common request from residents.
“There are so many programs as a small business owner you can tap into, but people don’t know about them. So that’s what I intend to do within the district, but also with the greater Madison residents,” Wehelie says. “We invited the City staff to come and talk about the programs and then people are able to ask questions about these programs but also be able to ask any questions about the process and how they can apply.
“If you have a small business and you want to improve your business, if you’re starting new business, this is for you. It is for anybody who’s thinking about entrepreneurship,” Wehelie adds.
This interactive session will feature expert speakers from the Office of Business Resources, including Saran Ouk, manager of the Office of Business Resources; Ruth Rohlich, a business development specialist; and Michael Miller, a business development specialist. Attendees will leave with knowledge of small business resources, staff contacts, and actionable tips essential to overcoming common challenges and fueling growth and success.
“Our office receives hundreds of inquiries on how to start and grow their businesses each year and we are happy to partner with Alder Wehelie to help provide information and resources at this lunch and learn,” Ouk said in a press release announcing the event. “Small businesses are finding new and innovative ways to provide products and services to our Madison community. We are seeing more and more demand for technical assistance, business mentorship and financial assistance. Our team is constantly looking for ways we can continue to support our small businesses as they are a vital part of our economy.”
There will be time for Q&A at the end of the session. Attendees can ask their questions or express feedback either verbally or in the chat box Attendees can submit their questions in advance to Lorissa Bañuelos, community engagement strategist, by e-mail at [email protected]. Please include “D7 Lunch and Learn” in the subject line.
“The meeting will be recorded so I will be able to put those up on my website and my blog for people to see at a later time,” Wehelie says.
“My goal is just to answer questions, but also provide the opportunity, for the residents within my district or outside my district, to let people know what the city of Madison provides in terms of building your businesses,” Wehelie continues. “Economic development is one of my passions, so anyone and anybody is welcome. If you’re thinking about starting a business, this is an opportunity for you to explore grants for new businesses. There are a lot of opportunities our there and the staff will provide that information.”
The Lunch and Learn will take place Thursday, Nov. 21, at noon and is free and open to all residents. Advance registration is required. Register here. For more information, contact Alder Nasra Wehelie by email at [email protected] or by phone at (608) 571-4919.
