This no-cost session is being hosted as part of Forward Fest 2025! Learn more about all of the sessions offered for entrepreneurs – and register for the full Forward Fest event – at ForwardFest.org. Event registration will be available starting early summer 2025.
Click here for directions on how to sign up for your FREE Forward Festival pass! All SBDC-hosted sessions are offered at no cost with this pass option; other events may charge to attend.
Put this session on your Holds List, and “check out” some great resources from your local libraries
When taking your business from idea to reality, you’ll likely have a lot of questions that need answered in order to get your business off to a strong start. For example: What do you need to know about patents for the product you’re trying to create? What legal resources are available? What can local demographics tell you about potential customers? How strong is the industry you’re looking to enter? Who are potential competitors?
Luckily, there are FREE databases, resources, and specialized experts available to help you answer these and many other questions – all found in your local libraries! Want to learn more? Put this session on your Holds List, and “check out” some great resources from your local libraries.
Learning objectives:
- Understand Key Market Research Tools – Participants will learn how to effectively use library-provided tools such as Data Axel, Business Plans Handbook, Census Business Builder, Simmons, and IBIS for conducting market research on new or expanding businesses.
- Explore Intellectual Property Fundamentals – Attendees will gain a basic understanding of intellectual property types and what resources are available on UW-Madison’s campus to learn more.
- Identify Resources – Attendees will leave with knowledge of free and accessible library resources to help them with market research and to be able to identify next steps in their research process.
Registration Summer 2025 Coming Soon
Date: This is a part of Forward Fest, dates coming soon!
Fee: No cost. This session is offered in partnership with the Madison Public Library; UW-Madison Patent & Trademark Resource Center; UW-Madison Wisconsin School of Business Library; David T. Prosser Wisconsin State Law Library; and the UW-Madison Innovate Network.
Interested in attending? Fill out this survey and we will notify you with dates!
Disability Statement: Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the UW-Madison SBDC office at sbdc@bus.wisc.edu to request accommodations.
Presenters
- Martin Alvarado – Business Librarian, Madison Public Library
- Dave Bloom – Science & Engineering Librarian, UW-Madison Patent & Trademark Resource Center
- Peggy Smith – Reference & Data Librarian, Wisconsin School of Business