The deadline for entries to the 2019 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is Jan. 31.
The annual contest, hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council and sponsored by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., aims to expose the state’s tech entrepreneurs to resources, expertise, talent and investors.
Entrepreneurs are asked to submit a 250-word idea abstract at govsbizplancontest.com to start. Of those who enter, 50 will be chosen to move to Phase 2, which begins Feb. 18. Then 20 will be chosen for Phase 3, beginning April 1. Finally, the top 12 “Diligent Dozen” finalists will be chosen in late April to present at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in June.
Those chosen to move to later rounds continue to add to their business plan, and receive mentorship along the way. The contest is judged by about 80 experts in finance, sales, marketing, research and technology across the state.
Finalists share $150,000 in cash and services.
The Governor’s Business Plan Contest is open to Wisconsin residents age 18 or older, teams from Wisconsin-based businesses and organizations, and teams from other states that plan to move their business to Wisconsin. Entrants must not have raised more than $25,000 in private equity already.
The Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference this year will be held in Milwaukee. It will take place June 4 at Venue 42 in downtown Milwaukee.
Last year, Madison-based NovoMoto won the contest.
