Phase 2 Due for Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest

In Phase 2, which runs from Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 through 5 p.m. on Monday,
March 13, 2023, the top 50 idea abstracts will submit an executive summary. The top 20
executive summaries will advance to Phase 3. A mentored “boot camp” for contestants
will be held during this phase.

The 20th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting
entries online for the 2023 competition until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2023.

The Wisconsin Technology Council produces the contest to encourage entrepreneurs statewide
in the startup stages of tech-based businesses. It links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a
statewide network of community resources, expert advice and mentoring, management talent and
possible sources of capital.

Over time, the contest has led to valuable exposure for each year’s top business plans while
spurring company and job growth in Wisconsin. In 2022, finalists shared in about $125,000 in
cash and service prizes. The contest’s major sponsors include the Wisconsin Economic
Development Corp.

For their initial entries, contestants will submit a 250-word idea abstract online at
govsbizplancontest.com . Contestants will also find business plan templates, startup information,
networking contacts and technical resources from a mix of state and national resources on the
website.

Contestants who advance to subsequent contest rounds will expand their plan in stages. About 80
volunteer judges drawn from finance, sales, marketing, research and technology sectors across
Wisconsin and beyond will score the entries and provide feedback on submissions.

To get started, contestants must create a simple account at govsbizplancontest.com. All entries
are submitted through the website. Contestants use their account to gain access to mentors
throughout the process, as well as review the judges’ comments and feedback.

Past finalists have launched companies that have raised more than $300 million in angel, venture,
grants, and venture debt over time – all while creating jobs and economic value for Wisconsin.

The 2022 grand prize winner was Rapid Radicals, a Milwaukee-based company system to help
stop untreated sewage from being dumped into waterways during floods. Category winners in
2022 were Rapid Radicals (Advanced Manufacturing), Steller Tech Girls (Business Services),
HeyGov (Information Technology) and Cold Water Technologies (Life Sciences).

To enter, become a judge or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit
govsbizplancontest.com .