Producers of the 11th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest are hoping to see entries from the Grow North area before this year’s deadline. Contestants have until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, to enter their 250-word business ideas at www.govsbizplancontest.com.
Designed to encourage entrepreneurs in the seed, startup and early growth stages of high-tech businesses in Wisconsin, the contest offers a statewide network of community resources, expert advice, high-quality education and possible sources of capital. It also leads to valuable public and media exposure for the top business plans and helps spur economic growth in the state. Once again, finalists will share in more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.
“We have received about 30 entries from communities such as Crandon, Eagle River, Merrill and Rhinelander in the first 10 years of the contest,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “Based on our knowledge of innovation in those communities, we hope to see more entries come in before the deadline at the end of the month.”
Since the contest’s inception in 2004, more than 2,600 entries have been received from 280 communities across Wisconsin. Finalists have shared in $1.7 million in cash and in-kind prizes (such as legal, accounting, office space and marketing).
Past finalists have launched companies that have raised at least $70 million in grants, loans and private equity financing – all while creating jobs and economic value for Wisconsin.
The contest’s major sponsors include the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
To enter or become a sponsor, visit www.govsbizplancontest.com.