Entrepreneurship Isn’t a Solo Act

This week, I had the honor of receiving BizStarts’ 2025 Inspirational Entrepreneur Award alongside other incredible entrepreneurs: Dulce Sierra of Candy’s La Chiquita, Chrishella Roché Carter of Vibez Creative Arts Space and Jesse DePinto of Direct Supply.

But this isn’t a post about awards.

It’s about what makes entrepreneurship actually sustainable — and what I saw in that room that every entrepreneur (and every community) needs to understand.

The Reality Most Entrepreneurs Face

Starting a business is hard. We know this.

What’s harder? Doing it without support.

Most entrepreneurs are told to “network” and “build relationships” — but what does that actually look like when you’re:

Working full-time while building your business on the side
Managing financial instability while trying to invest in growth
Navigating systems and processes you’ve never encountered before
Trying to figure out if your idea is even viable

You need more than motivation. You need structure, guidance, and people who actually invest in your success.

What Real Support Looks Like

At “Entrepreneurship: The Greatest Show on Earth,” I got to see what happens when a community decides to show up – not just applaud, but actually invest.

Dulce Sierra started Candy’s La Chiquita to bring joy through Mexican regional dance and snacks. When she struggled with pricing and financial management, BizStarts gave her the mentorship to value her work and make informed decisions. Now she’s opening new distribution points and supporting dance classes for seniors and youth.

Chrishella Roché Carter built Vibez Creative Arts Space as a hub for creativity, healing, and connection in Milwaukee. When COVID hit, BizStarts helped her adapt and keep her entire staff employed. Today, Vibez serves people of all ages through art education and community-based initiatives.

My story? I rebuilt my life after divorce, cared for my disabled father, and was laid off in early 2024. BizStarts helped me connect my story to my strategy, refine Klario’s mission, and step into this work with confidence. Now I get to help mission-driven organizations strengthen their marketing – and I teach AI marketing for businesses and orgs like BizStarts.

Different businesses. Different industries. One common thread: structured support that went beyond cheerleading.

What You Can Take From This

Whether you’re building something now or thinking about it, here’s what matters:

1. Find communities that invest, not just observe. Look for programs, mentors, and networks that provide actual resources — coaching, education, connections — not just networking events.

2. Don’t wait for perfect stability. I wasn’t “ready” when I started Klario. Dulce, Chrishella, and I all built from imperfect places. You start from right here, right now.

3. Your story isn’t baggage — it’s your strategy. The hard things you’ve been through help you understand the people you’re serving. That’s not a weakness. That’s your edge.

4. Use your SKI. Skills. Knowledge. Intelligence. You have them. Sometimes you just need the right support to apply them effectively.

The Bigger Picture

Events like this matter because they fund programs that help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses. BizStarts runs the BizStarts Institute in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. They provide one-on-one coaching. They run First Launch summer camp for young entrepreneurs.

Over 250 small business owners in Milwaukee have gone through their programs.

That’s 250 people building wealth, creating jobs, and providing services their communities need.

That’s what happens when support isn’t just transactional — it’s foundational.

If You’re Building Something

Find your people. Find the programs, mentors, and communities that will invest in your success before you’ve “made it.”

And if you’re in a position to support entrepreneurs — through donations, mentorship, or partnerships — do it. You’re not just helping one person. You’re strengthening an entire community.

Because entrepreneurship isn’t a solo act. It never has been.

– Jen Adamski, Founder, Klario

Klario helps mission-driven organizations bring clarity, creativity, and momentum to their marketing. If your chamber, economic development group, or public agency needs strategic marketing support, let’s talk.