16 Sep Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Network (WEN) has new regional director
MADISON — Kathy Collins has been appointed the WEN Regional Director in Madison. “Commerce and WEN are working together to ensure a seamless transition so that Kathy Collins can continue her fine work in helping to build Wisconsin’s technology base,” said Department of Commerce Secretary Leinenkugel. “I am confident that she will help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into vibrant businesses and direct technology projects toward our agency for funding.”
“Kathy Collins has been working with WEN and the WEN Technology Team since this entity was created,” said Kim Kindschi. “We are very excited to have her join us and have no doubt that she will be a tremendous asset to the business community and other economic development partners in her region and throughout the state.” Kindshi is the UW-Extension’s Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Executive Director.
“With her knowledge of Commerce programs, other state and federal financing programs and Wisconsin’s angel and venture investors networks, she can connect start-up companies with the assistance they need to grow and to commercialize their ideas,” said Gayle Kugler, WEN state director at UW-Extension. “She is a great fit!”
Kathy Collins has worked with hundreds of companies over the past ten years as the technology and financial development manager in the Commerce Division of Business Development. She has served as the primary statewide liaison for early stage technology businesses and worked with key entrepreneurial assistance providers and angel and venture capital investors to facilitate strategic alliances, promote entrepreneurship and encourage technology transfer. Prior to coming to Commerce, she was a banker for 15 years. As WEN regional director, Collins will work primarily with technology-based entrepreneurs and help guide them through a strategic growth process.