![\"SBDC](\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/forwisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2014\/05\/UWL_business_Hlavacka-Anne-2014-008e_cropped.jpg\")
<\/a>Research and innovation continue to be important drivers of economic development, says Hlavacka. \u201cUW-La Crosse\u2019s academic reputation puts it in a strong position to effectively engage faculty, staff, students and community members in research and development projects that are likely to foster regional economic opportunities and grow area businesses,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
The university has a strong history of academic and collegiate success among alumni and friends.\u00a0\u201cThe center enables the university to more effectively channel that interest to strengthen the institution and extend its reach in the region and beyond,\u201d explains Hlavacka.<\/p>\n
Center to offer an array of services<\/h3>\n
The center\u2019s activities have already begun. Tailored programming is scheduled for fall.<\/p>\n
The center will have a Web portal to enable businesses and organizations to identify and access key university resources.\u00a0It also will house an executive-in-residence program to provide faculty, students, businesses and economic development agencies with access to business executives to gain a practical understanding of issues that confront business today.<\/p>\n
Many businesses struggle while developing a sustainable business model, says Hlavacka. \u201cThe center will promote best practices that enable businesses to be better positioned and create sustainable business operations,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
In addition, the center will spearhead a growth acceleration program called \u201cForward Entrepreneur.\u201d The program will enable collaboration with regional economic development resources to provide businesses with support necessary to expedite growth and create jobs.<\/p>\n
The efforts will extend to undergraduates as well.\u00a0\u201cStudents also will be able to provide assistance to businesses through class projects, research and internships as they pursue their academic and entrepreneurial interests,\u201d explains Hlavacka.<\/p>\n
Center targeting MBA students, biotech startups, more<\/h3>\n
The center will also work with the UW-L MBA program to help graduate students prepare for managerial careers. Opportunities will exist for students to share their talents with organizations while gaining practical operational insight.<\/p>\n
But CBA faculty and students won\u2019t be the only ones getting the state back to business. UW-L science programs will help develop entrepreneurial biotech startups.<\/p>\n
The center will collaborate with the WiSys Technology Foundation to support research and technology development.\u00a0The efforts will link campus researchers with business and other resources to increase entrepreneurship, innovation and research opportunities.<\/p>\n
Promoting business here and beyond<\/h3>\n
UW-L College of Business Administration Dean Bruce May says the college is well positioned to support the center and help with improving state business.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have received a series of national awards and recognitions,\u201d notes May. \u201cThe CBA is bolstered by highly qualified faculty experts, and this has given us a consistent reputation for strong undergraduate and MBA programs.\u201d<\/p>\n
This reputation, combined with critical partnerships, will extend the center\u2019s relevance far beyond the university, May says. \u201cWe want to build international awareness and develop best practices for sustainable businesses, not just for our own students, but for entrepreneurs throughout the state,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n