The Governor's Conference on Diverse Business Development

The Governor's Conference on Diverse Business Development, also known as MARKETPLACE, is an annual event hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). It connects business owners from across Wisconsin with business professionals, government and corporate buyers, mentors, and resource providers. The conference helps businesses learn about contracting with state, federal, and local agencies, as well as corporations, which collectively represent billions of dollars in annual purchasing power. Attendees can expect networking opportunities, workshops, panel discussions, and buyer meetings. The event also features The Contracting Academy (TCA) for businesses seeking to grow their technical knowledge of contracting. Content is specifically tailored for diverse and small businesses, including those owned by women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and HUBZone businesses, aiming to foster business growth and facilitate future contracts.