Business Leadership Academy

Participating in the Business Leadership Academy will increase your awareness of your own unique leadership and teamwork skills.

Each of the sessions will be facilitated by industry experts, certified trainers, and other business leaders from the community. Through the Business Leadership Academy, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to:

• Discover your leadership style and core values
• Work with and effectively manage other individuals
• Advocate for change in your workplace
• Engage a team for success and inspire others to action
• Understand and apply business finances to their work
• Care for yourself and prevent burnout
• Make a difference in your community through leadership opportunities
• Broaden your perspectives and engage in healthy debate and discussion

Through the program, you’ll be connected to an exceptional network of cross-sector civic, business and community leaders, and form long-lasting and impactful professional relationships that will aid in your leadership development.

At the beginning of the program, each participant will take an Insights Discovery assessment to learn more about their personal and professional leadership style to build a framework of success as leaders in the workplace. Sessions will also feature a number of readings and case studies for group discussion so that participants can apply the learnings to real-world situations.

At the conclusion of the Business Leadership Academy, participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded a Certificate of Completion, which not only serves as a tangible recognition of their achievements but also enhances their professional credentials, providing a valuable addition to their resumes, as well as public recognition by the Chamber as a program graduate.

Graduates will also be eligible for participation in the Business Leadership Academy’s Alumni Network. This exclusive community offers a unique opportunity to stay connected with fellow program graduates, fostering continued learning, professional development, and networking. By being part of the Alumni Network, graduates can extend the benefits of the Business Leadership Academy beyond the program's duration, ensuring an enduring and supportive community that thrives on shared experiences and collective growth.

The Business Leadership Academy meets in-person in Milwaukee once a month from February to November on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. There will be a total of 10 sessions for the program. The scheduled dates for the 2026 Academy are:

• February 10
• March 10
• April 14
• May 12
• June 9
• July 14
• August 11
• September 8
• October 13
• November 10

While all sessions will be held in person, we recognize that not everyone may be able to travel to Milwaukee. A virtual option is available for those who are unable to attend in person.

Successful completion of the program requires a minimum attendance at 80% of the sessions (minimum of 8 of 10 sessions) and being an active participant in the work of the program.

Attendance requirements reflect the commitment necessary to receive a meaningful experience from investment in the Business Leadership Academy. Participants and their employers must be willing to commit the necessary time to fully participate in the program. If issues do arise during the Program year, we encourage you to reach out for a conversation with our Program Director.

Employees of any Chamber member are eligible to apply to participate in the Business Leadership Academy. Ideal participants are those who have:

• An interest in growing their leadership skills.
• A desire to advance in their career.
• A strong interest in influencing change and having a positive impact on their community.
• A desire to develop new professional relationships.
• A minimum of five years of work experience.
• A willingness to commit to attending all Academy sessions during the course of the year and being an active participant in discussions and activities.

If you would like to attend the Academy, but your employer is not currently a member of the Chamber, please complete the Academy application and contact Nick for options.

Applicants for the program will be required to submit an online application on the Chamber’s website, which includes submitting a resume and providing short answers to a few questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a committee made up of Chamber members supporting the program.

Applications are open through January 9, 2026

Participants will be finalized in January

The 2026 program begins February 10th

The cost for each participant in the program is $2,000.

This fee includes the registration fee for all sessions, the Insights Discovery assessment, as well as additional leadership and program materials. Tuition must be paid in full before the opening February 10th session.

Employers are eligible to sponsor employees to participate in the program. In addition, a limited number of scholarships are available.