The annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2024 competition until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31. 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.
To get started, contestants must create a simple account here. Contestants use their account to gain access to mentors throughout the process, as well as review the judges’ comments and feedback.
Wisconsin residents 18 years old and older are eligible, as are teams from Wisconsin-based businesses, schools, and organizations. At least one member of a school team must be 18. Businesses or teams from outside the state are also eligible to compete if they demonstrate intent to base or expand their business in Wisconsin. Entrepreneurs may also enter multiple ideas, though each idea must be separate and distinct.
Companies or individuals that have not received angel or venture capital for their business plan in its current form are eligible to enter. There is no fee to enter. As with past contests, the 2024 competition will take place in stages:
In Phase 1, which is open until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, the contest will accept idea abstracts on the website. Entries should be roughly 250 words and will be graded by the pool of BPC judges. The top 50 idea abstracts will advance to Phase 2, which runs from Monday, Feb. 19 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 11.
In Phase 3, which runs from Monday, April 1 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 22, the top 20 executive summaries will prepare “pitch decks” with voiceover audio up to 15 minutes long. The top 12, or “Diligent Dozen,” will square off with live presentations during the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in June 2024.
To enter, become a judge, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, click here.
