KIN launches weekly office hours for founders

Just over 20% of new businesses launched in Wisconsin fail within their first year. The Kenosha Innovation Center is hoping to improve those odds through a new weekly program called KICstart Office Hours that gives early-stage founders direct access to experienced innovators, investors and technical experts.

The series will take place every Wednesday at the Kenosha Innovation Center (KIC) and will provide entrepreneurs with free guidance on topics including legal strategy, financial planning, cybersecurity and startup growth.

The program launches March 18 with an inaugural session featuring the full advisory team.

“As the Kenosha Innovation Center began engaging more founders, we consistently heard the same thing: early-stage entrepreneurs often struggle to access practical expertise at the moment they need it most,” said Kelly Armstrong, president of the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood. “Whether it is legal structure, financial modeling, or preparing for capital, those gaps can slow momentum at a critical stage. KICstart Office Hours were created to close that gap by making experienced advisors directly accessible to founders. It is a simple but powerful model that lowers barriers, strengthens decision making, and helps more startups move from idea to investable company.”

Experienced advisors supporting founders

The office hours will feature a rotating group of advisors drawn from venture capital, startup operations, cybersecurity and legal services.

Advisors include:

Ernesto Camacho, head of innovation and partnership experience at Chicago-based startup hub 1871 and a U.S. Army veteran recognized as a 2024 Innovator of the Year USA finalist by the Forces in Business Awards.

Ben Wallace, a CFO in residence and CFA charterholder who has supported companies from seed stage through exit, including 4C Insights during its acquisition by a Vista Equity Partners portfolio company.

Aaron Nodolf, a partner at Michael Best who advises startups and advanced manufacturing companies on intellectual property strategy and venture-backed transactions through the firm’s Venture Best practice.

Mason Cook, founder and managing director of Mastercraft Ventures and a former leader of a venture-backed augmented reality startup.

Jeffrey Brand, director of product security at Cream City Cyber, who brings more than 25 years of technology and cybersecurity leadership experience.

The advisors will participate on a rotating basis, allowing founders to meet with specialists aligned with their most pressing business challenges.

Part of a growing innovation hub

The program is part of the broader development of the Kenosha Innovation Center, a flagship facility within the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood focused on supporting entrepreneurs and early-stage companies.

The Kenosha Innovation Center serves as a focal point for that effort, offering workspace, programming and mentorship opportunities designed to support startup formation and company growth.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating can sign up for sessions through the KICstart website.