23 Jan BPC entrants may share range of prizes, cash in 2020 Governor’s Business Plan Contest
MADISON – Co-working spaces, legal services and interior design services are just some of the prizes available to the applicants in the 2020 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. This year’s prize pool, which also includes cash, will approach $150,000.
Contestants have until 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, to enter their 250-word business ideas at govsbizplancontest.com.
Since the contest’s inception in 2004, more than 3,900 entries have been received from 300 communities across Wisconsin. Finalists over time have shared in more than $2.4 million in cash and “in-kind” prizes (such as legal, accounting, office space and marketing). 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 •
- Interior Design Planning • Mentoring Classes • Social Media Consulting • Office Space •
Sponsors currently contributing to the cash prize pool are led by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and include Madison Gas & Electric; Marshfield Clinic Health System; State of Wisconsin Investment Board; and Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
Past finalists have launched companies that have raised $200 million in grants, loans and private equity financing – all while creating jobs and economic value for Wisconsin. About 77% of the finalists from 2012-2019 are still in business.
The 17th annual contest culminates with live presentations by the “Diligent Dozen,” June 4 at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in Milwaukee. Awards will be presented at the conference, to be held at Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee.
To enter or become a sponsor, visit govsbizplancontest.com.
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