Are you ready to Launch, Grow, and Thrive?
new for the new year
New Workshops to Launch Your New Year!
Are you building a side business, growing a passion project, or exploring network marketing alongside your main gig?
We’re gathering on the second Tuesday of each month for a facilitated, conversation-based evening designed to connect like-minded people who want to swap ideas, talk strategy, and encourage one another - without pitching, recruiting, or pressure.
Come as you are. Bring what you’re working on—or just your curiosity. No pitching. Just community. This is about community over competition. Real conversations. Shared learning. Mutual support.
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Wednesday
February 25, 2026
1 - 3 pm
AI for Small Business:
Getting you more time in your week.
AI isn’t magic, and that’s the point. In this fast-paced session, Praelia Consulting walks through building a real AI bot live, pausing along the way to explain the theory behind it and where AI can break down.
You’ll see how bots are structured, why data matters, where models hallucinate, and how to design guardrails so AI helps instead of hurts. Practical, honest, and built for small businesses that want results—not science projects.
Have an idea you keep coming back to — but you’re not sure what to do with it?
I’ve Got an Idea… Now What? is a two-hour Discovery workshop designed for people at the very early stages of considering a business, side venture, or entrepreneurial project.
Hosted by The Wheelhouse, this Saturday morning session introduces entrepreneurial thinking — how entrepreneurs look at ideas, identify real problems, and decide what (if anything) to pursue next.
Saturday February 28, 2026
10 am - 12 pm
This is not a pitch session and not a lecture. It’s a guided, discussion-based experience with time to reflect, talk through ideas, and learn alongside others who are asking similar questions. During the workshop, you will: Learn how entrepreneurs evaluate ideas before building Explore whether an idea addresses a real problem or unmet need Reflect on your skills, experience, and motivation Identify the stage your idea is in — curiosity, exploration, or readiness Leave with greater clarity about what to do next You don’t need a business plan.You don’t need a polished pitch.You just need an idea — or the curiosity to explore one.
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At The Wheelhouse, we spend a lot of time helping entrepreneurs build strong, sustainable businesses.
But there’s one essential truth we don’t talk about nearly enough:
The business can only be as healthy as the person leading it.
That’s why we’re introducing a new monthly series:
The Business of You: Mindful Mondays
This series is designed for business owners, managers, and leaders who recognize that caring for themselves is not a luxury - it’s a responsibility. Clear thinking, steady leadership, resilience, and purpose don’t happen by accident. They require intention. Each first Monday of the month, we’ll gather from 10:00 - 11:00 AM for a guided conversation focused on tending to the human side of leadership - the mindset, habits, and inner alignment that make it possible to lead well over the long haul.
Each first Monday of the month, we’ll gather from 10:00 - 11:00 AM for a guided conversation focused on tending to the human side of leadership - the mindset, habits, and inner alignment that make it possible to lead well over the long haul.
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Protecting your small business from cyber threats doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Join UGA’s CyberArch Program and The Wheelhouse Madison for a hands‑on, practical cybersecurity workshop designed specifically for small businesses.
Tuesday
March 3
12:00 - 1:00 pm
In this interactive session, participants will learn how to spot common cyber risks, safeguard customer data, strengthen passwords and networks, and create simple, effective plans to protect their business from today’s most frequent digital threats. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your defenses, this workshop will give you the tools, confidence, and next steps you need to stay secure. Come connect with local business owners, get expert guidance from UGA cybersecurity specialists, and walk away with actionable strategies you can implement immediately—no technical background required. Invest a little time now to save your business from costly risks later. Cybersecurity starts with you and we’re here to help.
Tuesdays
11 am to 1 pm
As part of our Encore Entrepreneurship initiative, The Wheelhouse is offering a weekly, conversation-centered series exploring how purpose, identity, and possibility evolve across every stage of life.
Led by Kirsten Farris, this thoughtful gathering is for those sensing a quiet nudge toward something more, whether that’s a new business idea, a portfolio career, or a more intentional next chapter.
This isn’t about rushing into “what’s next.” It’s about slowing down long enough to listen, reflect, and realign — so whatever comes next is grounded in clarity, confidence, and meaning.
Discover Our Story
where Georgians with great ideas are identified, connected, and empowered to succeed
In Madison, Georgia, an entrepreneur with economic development experience and a real estate closer started meeting to discuss business, investing, and how they could make a difference in their community.
Their conversations soon became a shared mission: “doing well by doing good.” They believed that by supporting local entrepreneurs, they could help grow successful businesses in their own backyard—and they each knew mentors who could help make that happen.
Around the same time, a serial entrepreneur and a financial expert were having similar talks in another place. They believed in the power of sharing their experience and helping others bring great ideas to life.
Eventually, these two groups crossed paths, and the spark for The Madison Wheelhouse was lit.
Since then, other passionate leaders have joined the effort, all committed to boosting the local economy.
The team already connects with partners like Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, Morgan County High School’s Career Academy, technical colleges, and local government leaders.
The Madison Wheelhouse is all about helping new ideas grow into real businesses—and giving existing businesses the tools to thrive, especially in rural Georgia. With mentorship, training, and collaboration, the Wheelhouse is ready to empower the next generation of innovators.
We believe Madison is the perfect place to launch something this special. And we’d love for you to join us in cheering on—and supporting—the future of entrepreneurship in Georgia
Coffee & Conversation
Bringing entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers together every third Thursday, 8:15 am.
85%
Job Placement
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Cultivate Your Future
Transform Your Academic Experience Experience the Benefits of Learning From World-Renowned Faculty and Industry Experts who are Committed to Guiding Your Individual Growth.
30+
Online Courses
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40,000+
Alumnis
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Network, Learn, and Grow at The Wheelhouse
Pioneering Research and Innovation
Advancing Knowledge and Transforming Lives
