What We Do
The Community Development program provides educational programming to assist leaders, communities, and organizations realize their fullest potential. We work with communities to build the vitality that enhances their quality of life and enriches the lives of their residents. We educate in leadership development, organizational development, food systems, community economic development, local government education, and much more. In short, the Community Development Institute plants and cultivates the seeds for thriving communities and organizations.
What We Offer
Current Programs:
Community Food Systems: supporting food-related businesses, entrepreneurs, and community efforts to develop the local food system.
- For more information on urban agriculture, community gardening, or garden plot rental, contact Martin Ventura at MKVentura@wisc.edu or at 414-615-0538.
Financial Wellness & Business Concepts: supporting entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey to financial wellness and stability.
- For more information, contact Erica Carter at ezcarter@wisc.edu or call 414-615-0516.
Entrepreneur in Training Partnership
- The UW-Madison Extension Entrepreneur in Training Partnership and Fond du Lac County Community Development Educator in collaboration with Defy Ventures provide entrepreneurship training and mentorship to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Wisconsin residents. The EITP includes the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Program, CEO of Your New Life Program and CEOYNL-Community Transitional Program, and the Accelerator Program.
- Learn more about how to apply, become a community Business Coach, or become a One-to-One business mentor at the EIT Partnership Website.
- Sign up for periodic email updates about the EIT Partnership using the EITP newsletter sign-up form.
- For more information email the EITP team at EITpartnership@Extension.wisc.edu, or call 414-615-0537.
Certified Public Manager Program: a nationally accredited management development program that prepares managers in federal, state, and local government and in tribal and nonprofit organizations for the challenges and unique demands of the public management profession.
- For further information contact Jerry Braatz at Jerold.Braatz@wisc.edu or at 262 894-6589
