About the Program
Teaching the Importance of Business
WISCONSIN BUSINESS WORLD
Our Mission
Business World is committed to reach, inspire and engage students from every corner of the state and to teach them the importance of business, entrepreneurship and the free market through virtual and in-person events, all while informing them of economic opportunities in their own communities.
Our message is simple:
Business is a Force for Good
OUR STORY
Founded in 1982, a young group of business leaders sought to enhance business education in the state of Wisconsin. Business World, a program of WMC Foundation, has educated more than 25,000 students through summer “mini” programs and classroom presentations.
Through hands-on, engaging activities and presentations, students who participate in our programs experience first-hand the satisfaction and joy of creating an innovative product and a profitable business. But even more importantly, students gain a greater understanding of the value and importance of business in their own communities.
We know that without a strong and vibrant economy, the quality of life for Wisconsin citizens in our communities, whether they be in big cities or in rural areas will suffer. It is our goal to educate our future workforce on the crucial role that profitable businesses and manufacturers play in livelihoods, and the philanthropy from the business community is the backbone to building robust, thriving communities.
84
SUMMER CAMPS
25,000
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
SINCE 1982
Wisconsin Business World
Our Programs
Summer Program
Our four-day, three night Business World Summer Camps encourage students to explore new career paths, enhance their business education and to engage with executive business leaders from all across the state while test-driving a college campus.
One-Day MINI
Throughout the school year, our Business World staff travels the state facilitating our MINI Business World programs. Students are broken into groups and tasked with building a business from the ground up to showcase a new product in a mock trade show at the end of the day.
In the Classroom
To help enhance your classroom curriculum, our Business World programming has gone virtual! In addition to our traditional presentations and workshops, we’re proud to announce a video library with suggested activities that you can use in your classroom.
Media Gallery
Wisconsin Business World is proud to have worked with students, educators and business partners from all across the state. Check out some of the activities that students have experienced over the years!
WMC FOUNDATION
Business World Team
Wade Goodsell
Executive Director
WMC Foundation
Wade Goodsell is Vice President of Membership & Partnerships and Executive Director of the WMC Foundation, an affiliate of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce.
Michelle Grajkowski
Senior Director
Wisconsin Business World
Michelle Grajkowski is the Director of Wisconsin Business World. She is the driving force behing the WBW in the Classroom project.
Susan Nyffenegger
Senior Executive Assistant
WMC Foundation
Susan is responsible for helping to deliver educational programs on business issues, the free enterprise system, economics, and workforce development initiatives.
Shelby Paradowski
Coordinator
Wisconsin Business World
Shelby is the Coordinator of Wisconsin Business World and its programs. As a two-time Business World Camp alumna herself, Shelby leads the summer camp and MINI programs.
Questions?
If you would like to learn more about our programs, please contact the Business World Program Senior Director, Michelle Grajkowski, via e-mail or by phone 608.258.3400.