About
Each year, the MARKETPLACE conference helps Wisconsin business owners learn about doing business with state, federal and local agencies as well as corporations, which represent billions of dollars of annual purchasing power. During this two-day event, businesses can meet with government and corporate buyers and connect with other small businesses and service providers from across the state.
While the conference is open to all Wisconsin business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, conference content is specifically crafted for minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned and LGBTQ-owned business enterprises and HUBZone businesses. These companies can connect with resources and potentially make a deal or lay the framework for a future contract.
What to expect
The first day includes afternoon workshops featuring a series of presentations and panels on public and private contract opportunities. The workshops will be followed by an evening networking reception.
The second day begins with the Governor’s Awards Breakfast. Afterward, the Expo Hall opens, featuring exhibitors, networking and one-on-one buyer meetings. The lunchtime program features business owners sharing stories of their companies’ founding, growth and success. The Expo Hall and one-on-one buyer meetings continue after the lunchtime program.
Why you should attend marketplace
Marketplace by the Numbers
at the 2018 MARKETPLACE conference
From the public and private sectors, a record number, 2018
in 2018, a new record for MARKETPLACE
2019 Planning Committee
- African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
- American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
- City of Milwaukee – Office of Small Business Development
- Department of Administration – Supplier Diversity Program
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin
- Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
- Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County
- Madison Black Chamber of Commerce
- Milwaukee County – Community Business Development Partners
- Milwaukee Economic Development Corporation
- Milwaukee Urban League
- Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
- New North
- North Central Minority Supplier Development Council
- Phoenix Advisors
- SCORE
- Small Business Development Center
- The Business Council
- Town Bank
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- US Bank
- Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council
- Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce
- Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
- Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
- Wisconsin Indian Business Alliance
- Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
- Wisconsin Procurement Institute
- Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce
- Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation – OBOEC
- Women’s Business Development Center
Prior Year programs
