The annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest will change its application window from winter to spring and refresh the experience to better serve entrepreneurs.
Entries have previously opened in mid-December with a Jan. 31 deadline, but the next cycle will begin in spring 2026.
Organizers promise more features, support for founders and ways to get involved moving forward. Some examples include more prize opportunities, stronger connections with investors, educational programming and more.
“We want to ensure entrepreneurs have the time, resources and energy they need to put their best ideas forward,” Maggie Brickerman, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, said in a statement. “This shift gives us the opportunity to roll out new offerings that will make the contest even more engaging, valuable and accessible.”
Since its inception in 2004, the Governor’s Business Plan Contest has received more than 4,958 entries and has awarded about $3 million in cash and in-kind prizes to emerging companies.
2025’s grand prize winner was Phoenix-Aid, which was recently profiled in In Business Madison.
