Building an Economy for All: Highlights from MARKETPLACE 2025
The 44th annual MARKETPLACE 2025 conference, held at the Baird Center in Milwaukee and preceded by virtual sessions through The Contracting Academy, served as Wisconsin's premier event for diverse business development. Championed by Governor Tony Evers and hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the conference brought together hundreds of small and diverse business owners, corporate buyers, and resource providers to explore contracting opportunities. Key discussions underscored the massive economic upside of inclusive growth, highlighting University of Wisconsin-Madison research that showed that closing ownership gaps for women and people of color could generate tens of thousands of new enterprises and billions in payroll.
Throughout the multi-day event, attendees engaged in targeted workshops covering everything from artificial intelligence and eCommerce to building business credit and securing government contracts. Participants had direct opportunities to meet with state, federal, and local procurement representatives, alongside corporate prime contractors, fostering networks designed to scale local enterprises. The conference concluded by celebrating supplier diversity excellence, reinforcing the state's commitment to building an accessible economic environment where every entrepreneur has the tools to succeed.
Key Takeaways & Event Highlights
The Power of Diverse Businesses: Opening remarks from Governor Tony Evers and WEDC Deputy Secretary and COO Sam Rikkers emphasized the staggering economic potential of inclusive growth. Citing University of Wisconsin-Madison research, Rikkers pointed out that closing gaps in business ownership among women and people of color could unlock tens of thousands of new businesses, hundreds of thousands of jobs, and billions in payroll across Wisconsin.
Embracing AI and Digital Transformation: Practical innovation took center stage during Wednesday's educational sessions. Panels like Smart & Secure: Leveraging Automation and Responsible AI and Practical Use of AI: Real-World Solutions for Small Businesses gave owners tactical advice on streamlining operations, boosting marketing, and protecting sensitive data.
Accessing Capital and Contracts: From navigating government procurement with the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) to building business credit and partnering with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) like WWBIC and the Northwest Side CDC, attendees received a masterclass in securing the funding required to scale.
Prioritizing Leadership Well-Being: Day two kicked off with a powerful breakfast keynote from mental wellness expert Dr. Lia Knox, reminding business owners and executives that sustainable success starts with taking care of their mental health and building a strong internal foundation.
Celebrating Excellence: The Wisconsin Department of Administration recognized top-tier performance in supplier diversity, honoring Kapur & Associates, Inc. (Architecture & Engineering Services) and Hernandez Roofing, LLC (Construction) for achieving the highest certified spend.
