30 Jan BPC entrants may share range of prizes, cash in 2024 Governor’s Business Plan Contest
Co-working spaces, legal services and accounting services are among prizes available to successful applicants in the 2024 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. This year’s prize pool, which also includes cash, will approach $120,000. It’s free to enter.
Contestants have until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 31) to enter their 250-word business plan ideas at govsbizplancontest.com.
Contest finalists over time have shared in more than $2.8 million in cash and “in-kind” prizes. For many contestants, these services will provide an important jumpstart in getting their businesses rolling. Past sponsorships have included:
- IT Consulting • Accounting Services • Website Design • Legal Services • Co-working Space • • Mentoring Classes • Social Media Consulting • Office Space
Sponsors currently contributing to the cash and in-kind prize pools are the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.; Madison Gas & Electric; Quarles and Brady; Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren; UW-Madison Office of Business Engagement; Spencer X Smith and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
Past finalists have launched companies that have raised $320 million in grants, loans, and private equity financing – all while creating jobs and economic value for Wisconsin. When surveyed at different points, three-quarters of the finalists in the contest over time said they were still in business.
Companies or individuals that have not received angel or venture capital for a plan in its current form are eligible to enter. Funding from friends and family, accelerators and non-dilutive grants is generally allowed.
The annual contest culminates with live presentations by the “Diligent Dozen,” at our June Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference. Plus, any entrant may attend a March 5 “boot camp” in Milwaukee.
To enter or become a sponsor, visit govsbizplancontest.com.