A nonprofit regional economic development corporation serving 18 northeast Wisconsin counties is looking for startups and entrepreneurs to participate in a series of pitch contests leading up to a regional event at TitletownTech in Green Bay.
New North Inc. will hold the local and regional entrepreneurial pitch contests in the Fox Valley and in Manitowoc and Door counties. A total of $12,500 will be on the line to support the aspirations of the entrepreneurs and startup founders.
Entrepreneurs within the New North region who are interested in participating in the qualifying, local pitch events are asked to upload their pitch ideas to the pitch website. The deadline is Oct. 30.
Those registering will be asked to select the local pitch event that is closest to them or where their business is or will be located.
The local and regional entrepreneurial pitch contests are supported by the NEW Launch Alliance of New North Inc., along with WBD Inc. The NEW Launch Alliance was formed to create a more robust and productive entrepreneurial ecosystem across the 18 counties of the New North region.
"New North believes that a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is vital to the success of our regional economy," says Barb LaMue, president and CEO of New North Inc. "We appreciate the efforts of our partners who join us to provide an opportunity for creative business ideas to be shared through the local pitch competitions and their ongoing support for entrepreneurs."
The local contests are open to all residents located in northeast Wisconsin or those who will be launching their businesses in the region. Contestants must be at least 18 years of age, and the business must have generated no more than $300,000 in annual revenue or capital raised.
Winners from the last two years are not eligible to receive award money.
The top winners from each of the local contests will receive $1,000 cash for first place, and $500 for second place. Winners advance to the NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at TitletownTech in Green Bay. Prize money at the regional event is $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place.
Regional winners also will be invited to give an update at the New North Summit on June 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
The six local pitch events are:
Audible, sponsored by the Greater Green Bay Chamber
- Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m.
- Location: Urban Hub, 340 N. Broadway, #200, Green Bay
Accelerate Sheboygan County, sponsored by Sheboygan County Economic Development Corp., Lakeland University SBDC at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m.
- Location: Jake’s Café, 529 Ontario Ave., Sheboygan
Lighthouse Launch, sponsored by Door County Economic Development, Kewaunee County Economic Development, UW Extension Kewaunee County
- Date/Time: Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m.
- Location: Door County Maritime Museum, 120 N. Madison Ave., Sturgeon Bay
Fast Pitch, sponsored by FVTC Venture Center, Oshkosh Chamber, UW-Madison Extension
- Date/Time: Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m.
- Location: Fox Cities Stadium Fox Den, 2400 N. Casaloma Drive, Appleton
Level Up, sponsored by Progress Lakeshore
- Date/Time: Thursday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m.
- Location: Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, 7001 Gass Lake Road, Manitowoc
Envision This, sponsored by Envision Greater Fond du Lac
- Date/Time: Monday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m.
- Location: Fond du Lac County Highway Department, 1820 S. Hickory St., Fond du Lac
