LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur Bootcamp

The 2026 LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur Bootcamp equips LGBTQ+ and allied entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and strategic guidance needed to launch, strengthen, and grow their businesses.

To better serve our founders, the 2026 program features a revamped dual-track curriculum. Applicants can choose to participate in Discover + Build, Grow + Scale, or Both, depending on their current business stage. Each session is facilitated by industry experts and established business leaders from the community.

Our Specialized Learning Tracks:

Discover + Build (Foundational)
Designed for early-stage and concept entrepreneurs building a secure framework for their new venture.

• Ideation & Strategic Planning
• Business Legal Structure
• Building Your Professional Network
• Marketing & Branding Fundamentals

Grow + Scale (Advanced)
Tailored for established businesses (under 2 years in operation) ready to scale and professionalize operations.

• Advanced Market & Customer Research
• Financing Your Business & Raising Capital
• Supplier Diversity & Certification
• Tax Essentials for Small Business

In addition to expert-led training, participants are connected to a statewide network of LGBTQ+ and allied entrepreneurs — building relationships that extend well beyond the Bootcamp.

Aren't sure whether you should attend Discover + Build, Grow + Scale, or Both? 

Feel free to decide for yourself which sesison makes the most sense for you. Sometimes, even experienced business owners want a refresher on the basics.

If you're still not sure, follow this step-by-step guide to help determine what session might be a good fit.

During the first half of 2026, Entrepreneur Bootcamps will be held on the following dates and locations:

• Virtual (February 16–28, 2026)
  Two-hour sessions held over two weeks, featuring content from both Discover + Build and Grow + Scale.
• Milwaukee
  Discover + Build: April 9, 2026 (All-Day)
  Grow + Scale: May 21, 2026 (All-Day)

• Madison
  Discover + Build: June 25, 2026 (All-Day)
  Grow + Scale: June 26, 2026 (All-Day)

Additional Entrepreneur Bootcamps in 2026 will be announced at a future date.

At the conclusion of the Entrepreneur Bootcamp, all those that complete the program will leave with the tools they need to develop a comprehensive business plan to launch their business. In addition, those leaving the program will receive access to the Chamber's online learning platform to continue their business plan development.

Participation in the program does not imply or guarantee corporate sponsors. The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber and other support organizations are not under any obligation to provide contracts, offers or specific business support outside of this program.

Any individual in any industry is eligible to apply to participate in Entrepreneur Bootcamp. Ideal participants are those who have an idea for a business but have not yet started it OR have started a business but have less than 2 years in operation and less than $1 million in annual revenue. If you have questions about eligibility, please feel free to reach out and let us.

Applicants for the Entrepreneur Bootcamp will be required to submit an online application on the Chamber’s website. Applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of Chamber members supporting the program and reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are interested in attending Entrepreneur Bootcamp, fill out an interest form and we will reach out to you once applications for our next cohort are open.

Thanks to the generous support of Corporate Partners, the fee for participation for businesses is waived for 2026. The fee covers all program fees and materials, as well as coffee, pastries, and a boxed lunch.