Is your business running you
—or are you running your business?

You're here because you've got a dream, a vision, and maybe even a thriving small business—but you're facing challenges and tough questions:

  • How can you take your business to the next level—with more growth and more freedom?

  • What would it feel like to run your business with total confidence and clarity?

  • How do successful entrepreneurs consistently create momentum and results?

  • What if your business could grow without sacrificing your time, energy, or peace of mind?

At Community Education Initiative Inc. (CEI), we’ve been exactly where you are—and we know how to get you exactly where you want to be.

Click Here to find out more

Why CEI?

We offer personalized, no-cost mentorship to Wisconsin entrepreneurs in rural and underserved communities. Whether you're starting from scratch or ready to expand, we’re here to help you overcome the obstacles that hold most small businesses back:

  • Expert Guidance: Access decades of proven business experience from mentors who've walked in your shoes.

  • Personalized Solutions: No generic courses here—every plan is crafted uniquely for you.

  • Zero Cost: Zero Cost to you if you are eligible under one of our grants. Entirely funded by grants, our only measure of success is the growth of your business and the creation of jobs in your community.

What do you have to lose?
Turn your dream of owning a business into a reality.

Click Here to find out more

Real People. Real Results.

  • "CEI took me from overwhelmed to thriving."

    Sarah H., Coffee Shop Owner, Shawano County

  • "Within months, my revenue doubled and I hired two new employees."

    – Jeff B., Veteran-Owned Landscaping Business, Langlade County

  • "Without CEI, we wouldn't have known where to start."

    – Cassandra M., Healthcare Business, Burnett County

Mentors You Can Trust—Who’ve Been Where You Are.

  • John Opichka – Co-Founder & Business Growth Strategist

    Established an electronic health record company (EHR) that competed in the dialysis market in 2002 (Visonex) along with establishing a development company in Quito, Ecuador.                     
    He successfully managed business operations as the Co-Founder and president until he sold the company in 2023. Before owning his business for 20 years, Mr. Opichka began Urban Hope in partnership with a former Green Bay Packer Player, Reggie White.

  • Robert Jahnke – Co-Founder & Startup Coach, U.S. Army Veteran

    A proven entrepreneur since 1982, Robert Jahnke has built and sold five businesses including carpet cleaning, insurance, advertisement distribution, travel, publishing, printing, mailing, marketing, lead generation, business coaching, and customer relationship management (CRM). His expertise in cost-effective strategies has helped businesses streamline operations and increase profitability across hundreds of industries,

    A dedicated mentor, Robert has volunteered with SCORE since 2007, co-founded the HBBA Referral Network (150+ members), and serves as a judge for DECA and Foxconn competitions. He actively leads mastermind groups, does business coaching, teaches AI-powered business solutions, and supports the De Pere, Green Bay, Shawano, and Veteran Chambers of Commerce.

    Step into the expertise of a business optimization strategist who makes success simple.

  • Kate Christnot - Client Success Coach/Resource & Referral Expert/Grant Manager

    Kate Christnot is a former Tribal Attorney and Federal Tribal Grant Specialist with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) who has dedicated her career to securing services and resources for underserved communities. Through her consulting business, she has assisted over a dozen Tribes obtain funding and develop their own child support and TANF programs, impacting families nationwide. Ms. Christnot has also implemented and overseen 5 grants addressing educational support and home buyer and rehab assistance, along with 4 business development grants. 

    Beyond her expertise in program and grant management, she is deeply committed to empowering families and individuals and advocating for those with special needs or that are in need. She has over 25 years of experience working with clients. In addition to her certifications as a Mediator and a Mental Health Technician, she has worked as Paternity Specialist, AVID Tutor, Direct Care Provider for adults with disabilities, Support Staff at a homeless shelter, and a Family Success Coach with a Community Action Program. 

Straightforward Guidance. Proven Results.

Our process couldn't be simpler, yet it’s highly personalized and powerfully effective:

  1. Personalized Action Plan:
    Together, we'll build a clear roadmap tailored to your business goals and aspirations.

  2. Hands-On Support:
    Receive ongoing mentorship, regular accountability check-ins, resources, and referrals to ensure your success.

You’re Not Alone

Entrepreneurship doesn't have to feel lonely. And it certainly shouldn't feel overwhelming.

Maybe you know your craft, trade, or service—but business management, marketing, and strategic planning are a different ballgame. We’ve seen talented entrepreneurs fail simply because no one ever taught them the right processes and strategies.

The secret? Successful businesses aren’t run by superheroes. They’re run by smart, practical processes—exactly what we'll teach you.

We know the struggles of rural and underserved areas. Lack of resources shouldn't stop you. Your community matters, and we believe you deserve every chance to thrive.

This is your opportunity to transform your business, your community, and your life.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve walked this path many times—and we can help you navigate the challenges standing between you and success.

The next step is simple:

Click Here to find out more