Alumni Partnerships
Partnerships That Empower the Next Generation.
Sponsor the EEZ Alumni Club
Invest in Local Talent. Empower the Next Generation.
When you sponsor the Emerging Entrepreneur Zone (EEZ) Alumni Club, you’re doing more than funding a program — you’re fueling opportunity, confidence, and connection for Wisconsin’s next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.
Your support helps young adults continue growing after graduation through mentorship, networking, and real-world experiences that prepare them to thrive personally and professionally.
Why Sponsor the Alumni Club
Each year, hundreds of students participate in EEZ programs — and the Alumni Club keeps that momentum going.
Sponsors make it possible for graduates to:
Attend monthly mentorship sessions with local entrepreneurs
Join quarterly networking events that connect them to employers and mentors
Access exclusive alumni resources and career opportunities
Participate in the Annual Alumni Summit, celebrating growth and community impact
Your sponsorship directly sustains these opportunities and ensures that cost is never a barrier for a motivated young person.
All Sponsorship Levels
🌟 Support the Emerging Entrepreneur Zone (EEZ)
We are not currently a nonprofit organization, though we may pursue that status in the future as the program grows.
In the meantime, all sponsorships are treated as community partnerships and include brand marketing recognition to help promote your business or organization across our platforms.
To continue offering high-quality programming, we’re seeking community partners and sponsors who share our vision of empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Your sponsorship directly helps us cover essential program expenses such as:
✅ Background checks for mentors and volunteers
📣 Marketing and outreach to students, families, and schools
🧾 Supplies and materials for classes, certifications, and networking events
🕒 Administrative coordination and instructor time invested in running each program
💡 Why Your Partnership Matters
Your support directly fuels local impact — creating opportunities that connect students with real-world mentors, schools, and small businesses throughout the community.
In addition to empowering students, sponsors receive public brand exposure through:
Logo placement on EEZ materials, event signage, and newsletters
Mentions in social media campaigns and partner spotlights
Recognition at EEZ networking and alumni events
Together, we’re building a pathway where education meets entrepreneurship, giving young adults the tools and mentorship they need to thrive.
“Networking Event Supply” Sponsor - $25.00
Helps create a welcoming and professional environment for students to practice real-world networking skills.
Your sponsorship provides supplies for one EEZ networking event, including name tags, table materials, discussion cards, pens, and light refreshments. These details make a big difference in helping students feel confident and comfortable connecting with business professionals.
Impact: You help students experience professional networking in action — building confidence and community connections.
Recognition: Listed in our event thank-you post and quarterly sponsor spotlight.
“Student Scholarship” Sponsor - $50.00
Removes financial barriers so every student can participate.
Your contribution provides a $50 scholarship for a student toward tuition for an EEZ class or workshop. This support ensures that cost never stands in the way of opportunity.
Impact: You give one student the chance to learn, grow, and connect through EEZ programming.
Recognition: Featured in class thank-you slides and on EEZ social media.
“Alumni Club Champion” Sponsor - $99.00
Extends learning and mentorship beyond the classroom.
Your sponsorship covers one student’s annual Alumni Club membership, which includes access to exclusive events, networking mixers, mentorship opportunities, and professional development throughout the year.
Impact: One EEZ graduate continues their journey of growth, connection, and community leadership.
Recognition: Name listed on the EEZ Alumni Club webpage and newsletter shoutout.
“Mentor Supporter” Sponsor - $250.00
Empowers the mentors who guide our students.
Your contribution helps fund mentor training, background checks, and appreciation efforts — ensuring our mentors are well-prepared, supported, and celebrated for the time they invest.
Impact: You help create safe, high-quality mentorship experiences that transform both students and mentors.
Recognition: Featured on the EEZ website, in sponsor spotlights, and recognized at networking events.
Community Sponsor – $500
Help students stay connected and continue learning.
Community Sponsors make it possible for alumni to attend monthly mentorship calls and networking events free of charge.
Includes:
Logo placement on the EEZ Alumni Club webpage as a community supporter
Mention in the monthly alumni newsletter (sent to students, mentors, and local business partners)
Recognition on event signage at quarterly networking meetups
Optional opportunity to provide swag, giveaways, or materials for Alumni events
Ideal for:
Local businesses, restaurants, boutiques, service providers, or solo entrepreneurs who want to support youth development and gain community exposure.
Growth Sponsor – $1,000
Support ongoing mentorship and be seen as a youth leadership advocate.
Growth Sponsors help fund monthly mentorship sessions and alumni resources, allowing EEZ to bring in guest speakers and host hybrid Zoom or in-person events.
Includes:
Logo displayed on the Alumni Club webpage and monthly mentorship call slides
Verbal recognition during each mentorship session for one quarter (3 months)
Social media spotlight on EEZ and Small Business Milwaukee channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
Opportunity to participate as a guest speaker or mentor during a live alumni call
Ideal for:
Professional firms, banks, and small-to-medium businesses that value workforce development and youth leadership.
Legacy Sponsor – $2,500
Create lasting impact through branded events and educational experiences.
Legacy Sponsors fund quarterly networking events or learning series that bring alumni, mentors, and sponsors together. This level helps sustain the program and expand its reach across Southeastern Wisconsin.
Includes:
Co-branding of one quarterly Alumni Networking Night or Learning Workshop (“Presented by [Your Business Name]”)
Prominent logo placement on all event signage, marketing materials, and registration pages
Recognition in EEZ newsletters, social media campaigns, and Chamber partnership communications
Optional opportunity to host an event at your location or have a team member serve as a featured speaker
Two complimentary tickets to the Annual Alumni Summit
Ideal for:
Mid-size businesses, community foundations, chambers, and corporations that want to associate their brand with long-term community growth and professional development.
Title Sponsor – $5,000+
Become the face of the EEZ Alumni Club for an entire year.
The Title Sponsor receives premier recognition across all Alumni Club programs, events, and communications. This exclusive partnership highlights your business as a champion for youth entrepreneurship and local leadership.
Includes:
Exclusive yearlong branding as
“Emerging Entrepreneur Zone Alumni Club powered by [Your Business Name]”Premier logo placement across all printed and digital materials (website, event banners, newsletters, and social media)
Speaking opportunity at the Annual Alumni Summit or at one mentorship event
Feature article in EEZ and Small Business Milwaukee newsletters and press materials
Recognition plaque or award presented at the Alumni Summit
Up to five complimentary Alumni Summit tickets for your team or guests
Option to contribute to the design of a new scholarship or digital badge program for alumni
Ideal for:
Corporations, banks, universities, and organizations that want to demonstrate a long-term commitment to empowering Wisconsin’s next generation of leaders.
Is the Emerging Entrepreneurs Zone Right for You?
The Emerging Entrepreneurs Zone (EEZ) is where education meets real-world experience. Whether you’re a student exploring your future, a school seeking hands-on career readiness programs, or a sponsor looking to invest in local youth, EEZ connects young people with mentors, resources, and opportunities to help them grow into confident, capable leaders. If you’re ready to inspire or be inspired, reach out today to learn how you can be part of the movement.
Success Stories
