Contest Timeline

Submit your idea!

Deadline: January 31
  1. Phase 1
  2. Phase 2
  3. Phase 3
  4. Diligent Dozen

  1. Phase 1: Idea Abstract

    Submission Period: December 1, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025

    Entries should be roughly 250 words and must fall into one of four categories: Advanced Manufacturing; Life Sciences; Information Technology or Business Services.

    The 250-word limit in this phase applies to the overall entry. However, there are character limits of 650 in each of the four fields that could affect your entry even if you are at 250 or fewer words overall. In short, too many words in a single field could cause some words in that field to be dropped.

    Don’t worry if you’re unsure which category to choose, our judges can adjust if it works out to your advantage.

  2. Phase 2: Executive Summary

    Submission Period: February 17, 2025 – March 10, 2025

    The Top 50 entries, plus ties, will submit an Executive Summary. Entries should be no more than 1,000 words.

     

    A business plan boot camp for Phase 2 participants will be held in February or March.  

  3. Phase 3: Business Plan

    Submission Period: March 31, 2025 – April 21, 2025

    The top 25 entries, plus ties, will submit “pitch decks” with voiceover audio, using PowerPoint.  “Pitch Decks” will be up to 15 minutes long. Judges will review the decks and pick three finalists from each category to advance to the final phase of the competition.

  4. Entrepreneurs’ Conference

    June 2025

    The “Diligent Dozen” will square-off with presentations at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference.  Judging will help determine the category winners and the Grand Prize winner.

     

    All winners will be announced at the 2025 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference .