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Business Development
Development BUSINESS
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Stock+Field recently joined the Portage business community with a ribbon cutting.
The bustling Kwik Trip – North recently underwent an expansion to offer even more variety and convenience to its customers.
32 | portagewi.com Portage has seen some nice new businesses arrive on the scene recently. Stock+Field, Ben’s Furniture and Carquest recently opened on the city’s north side. Downtown has been active with the addition of Bee Alive Yoga, Solas & Kin Photography, 1st Choice Staffing Solutions, Point B Wealth Advisors and Wholeistic Healing.
Many longtime Portage businesses have also completed or are currently undergoing expansions. Kwik Trip – North, Cardinal FG, Dawn’s Foods, Wieser Concrete Products, Encapsys, Seubert Family Dentistry and Madison College have all committed to their future in Portage with expansions. A tire distribution center and hotel are among the exciting brand new developments on the horizon.
Portage offers a variety of support resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Portage Enterprise Center (PEC) is a business incubator and workforce training center (manufacturing, welding and industrial maintenance, along with business assistance, coaching and counseling through the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center) that offers flex office and light-manufacturing space to startup businesses. The Innovation Champions Group is an active, local mentor and resource group assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Portage is combating the skilled-labor shortage plaguing industries and employers nationwide. The PEC offers workforce training. The local CESA 5 Youth Apprentice program offers students paid employment and up to two years related instruction. A career fair gives high school students access to employer contacts and knowledge of the job requirements along with the skills and education needed. Local businesses can sign on to Inspire, a software program that helps guide students toward a career path by making students aware of vocations, employers, financial aid and required education and skills.
Portage is the place to grow your business. The Portage Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help. Visit portagewi.com for additional information pertaining to business development.
