Resource Details
Business, Economic Development, Start-Up & Entrepreneur, Technology
Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest
The mission of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-enabled businesses in Wisconsin. The contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert judges, mentors and possible sources of capital.
Produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and a growing list of partners, the Governor’s Business Plan Contest engages contestants in a five-month process that includes the opportunity to work with mentors and receive feedback from judges. It also leads to valuable public and media exposure for the top business plans and helps spur economic growth in Wisconsin.
Eligibility
Individuals, teams or companies are eligible if they:
Are Wisconsin residents 18 years old or older, and who have a business plan that employs or leverages technology. Examples of technology include an eCommerce platform for a traditional business, a mobile application, a life sciences innovation or an advanced manufacturing process or system.
Are based in Wisconsin and/or plan to locate a business in Wisconsin.
Have not received more than $50,000 in private equity funding as of Jan. 31 for an idea in its current form. For the purposes of this contest, private equity funding is generally angel or venture funding but also includes equity investments by accelerators. It does not include SBIR/STTR, bank loans, non-dilutive accelerator program grants or funding from friends or family.
Top Benefits
- Contestants will meet mentors, potential investors, successful entrepreneurs and others with startup experience
- Roughly one in 14 entrants will reach the top 25
- About $2.5 million in cash and service prizes have been awarded since 2004
- No cost to enter!
Wisconsin Technology Council
The Wisconsin Technology Council is the science and technology advisor to the Governor and the Legislature.
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Wisconsin Cooperative Development Grant
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is offering grants to support the development of new and existing cooperatives in Wisconsin, with a goal of fostering the success of current and future cooperatives by supporting planning and exploratory research in advance of making a large investment.
