Launch Wisconsin, formerly the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest, is accepting entries online for its 2026 competition until the stroke of midnight on June 15.
The Wisconsin Technology Council hosts the contest tohelp entrepreneurs statewide in the startup stages of tech-based businesses. These entrepreneurs are connected to community resources, mentorship and more.
In 2025, finalists shared about $180,000 in cash and service prizes.
This initial entry period asks contestants to submit an executive summary at launchwisconsin.biz. The website also provides business plan templates and more information for startups.
Contestants who advance will expand their plan in stages.
“WEDC has been the primary supporter of the contest since its inception and continues to underwrite the contest because of its success in nurturing Wisconsin’s earliest stage companies,” Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Shayna Hetzel said in a statement. “This year’s updated categories reflect exciting areas of opportunity for Wisconsin, and we look forward to meeting the innovators building our state’s next great companies.”
Since the program began in 2004, almost 5,000 entries have been received, and about $3 million in cash and services (such as legal, accounting, office space and marketing) have been awarded.
Wisconsin residents 18 years old and older are eligible, as are teams from Wisconsin-based businesses, schools and organizations.
The 2025 grand prize winner was Phoenix Aid, an Oshkosh based company that has developed a patented nano-composite dressing for chronic wounds.
