Launch or Expand Your Business in Cambridge
Collaborative 523 offers two pathways to support your business growth in Cambridge, Wisconsin—whether you're an early-stage entrepreneur with a vision or an experienced business owner ready to expand.
Two Tracks, One Goal: Strengthen Cambridge's Business Community
We meet entrepreneurs and business owners where they are, providing education, coaching, and funding to help businesses succeed in Cambridge.
Both programs are funded through grants and community support, with all coaching and services provided at no cost to participants.
Foundation Track
For Early-Stage Entrepreneurs
A structured 6-month cohort program combining business education, local coaching, and competitive grant awards to launch your Cambridge business.
What You'll Get
- Business Education: Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) through Wisconsin Small Business Development Center—enrollment fee reimbursed
- Local Coaching: 6 monthly group sessions focused on Cambridge-specific implementation, plus one-on-one pitch preparation
- Competition Opportunity: Compete for a $25,000 grand prize package including cash grants, strategic planning, and marketing services
Who Should Apply
- Entrepreneurs planning to launch a brick-and-mortar business in Cambridge
- Early-stage businesses (launched within the past year) seeking support and expansion
- Anyone committed to a 6-month intensive program and opening within 3 months of completion
Available Cohorts
- Cohort 1: February–June 2026 (Open by September 2026)
- Cohort 2: July–December 2026 (Open by March 2027)
- Cohort 3: January–June 2027 (Open by September 2027)
Requirements
- Complete ETP coursework (live virtual sessions)
- Attend a minimum of 4 group coaching sessions
- Submit business plan or pitch deck
- Participate in pitch review with selection committee
- Open business in Cambridge within 3 months of program completion
Grand Prize Package (valued at $25,000)
- $10,000 Business Development Grant (disbursed quarterly)
- One year strategic business planning with experienced business coach ($6,000 value)
- Comprehensive marketing package: branding, strategy, professional photography ($9,000 value)
Additional partial awards may be granted at the selection committee's discretion.
Expansion Track
For Experienced Business Owners
Individualized support for proven businesses opening new locations or significantly expanding in Cambridge, with grant funding up to $25,000.
What You'll Get
- Strategic Review: One-on-one consultation with experienced business advisor to refine your expansion plan
- Flexible Funding: Grant awards up to $25,000 for buildout, equipment, inventory, marketing, and more
- Ongoing Support: Optional access to Foundation Track coaching sessions for peer learning
- Streamlined Process: Rolling applications reviewed as received
Who Should Apply
- Business owners with minimum 2 years operating experience with sales revenue at their current location
- Established businesses with revenue history and customer base
- Businesses with existing financial systems and business structure
- Ready to open or complete expansion within 6 months of funding approval
Eligible Projects
- Opening a new Cambridge location (expanding from another area)
- Opening first brick-and-mortar location (currently home-based, online, or mobile)
- Significant expansion by a current Cambridge business into an additional business (new entity or d/b/a)
- Projects must be launch after July 15, 2025
Review Process
Requests up to $5,000:
- Submit application
- Executive Director review and consultation
- Board interview (20-30 minutes)
- Funding decision
Requests over $5,000 (up to $25,000):
- Submit application
- Strategic review meeting with business advisor
- Board presentation (10-min presentation + Q&A)
- Funding decision
Grant Terms
- Funds disbursed in two installments over 6 months
- 50% at approval, 50% at 6-month mark
- Continued funding contingent on progress reporting
- Partial funding may be offered
How We Support You
Partnership with Wisconsin SBDC
We've partnered with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center to provide Foundation Track participants with comprehensive business education through their Entrepreneurial Training Program. Learn more about ETP →
Expert Coaching
Group and individual coaching led by experienced business advisors, focusing on real-world application specific to launching and operating in Cambridge.
Community Connection
Both programs connect you with other entrepreneurs, local business owners, and community resources to build a strong support network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in Cambridge to apply?
No, but your business must operate out of a brick-and-mortar location in Cambridge.
What types of businesses are eligible?
Both programs support physical locations: retail, food & beverage, service businesses with offices/studios, manufacturing, creative spaces, and more. Home-based and purely online businesses are not eligible.
Can existing Cambridge businesses apply?
Yes! Existing businesses launched within the past year can apply to Foundation Track. Established Cambridge businesses planning significant expansion can apply to Expansion Track.
Is there a cost to participate?
Foundation Track: The ETP enrollment fee ($250) is reimbursed upon completion. All coaching and services are free.
Expansion Track: No cost to apply or participate.
What happens if I don't win the Foundation Track competition?
You still receive valuable business education, coaching, and connections. Additional partial awards may be granted beyond the grand prize.
Can I apply to both tracks?
Typically, entrepreneurs choose one track based on their experience level. If you're unsure which fits, contact us to discuss.
When will I hear back about my application?
We review applications within 1 week of submission and contact you regarding next steps.
Ready to Grow Your Business in Cambridge?
Questions? Contact Cathy Yerges
Email: Collaborative523@gmail.com
About Collaborative 523
Collaborative 523, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening the business community in Cambridge, Wisconsin. Through education, coaching, and funding opportunities, we help businesses launch, grow, and thrive in our community.
These programs are made possible through support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), community partners, and local fundraising.