MADISON – The entry deadline for the 11th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business
Plan Contest is 5 p.m. Jan. 31. Don’t miss an opportunity to share in
more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. Get started at www.govsbizplancontest.com!
Here are 10 reasons
you should enter your business idea:
1.
It’s free. Other than the cost of your time, there is
no cost to enter the contest.
2.
You don’t have to be Tolstoy. The initial entry is only
250 words, spread among four criteria – product or service description,
customer definition, market description and competition. That’s about 62 words
per category.
3.
You don’t even need a
stamp. The contest is online at www.govsbizplancontest.com.
4.
You can win valuable
prizes. The contest will feature cash and in-kind prizes such as office space
in premier technology parks and top-notch commercial offices. Other prizes include a variety of services, such as
legal assistance, accounting, video production, marketing and more. For many
contestants, these services will provide an important jumpstart in getting
their businesses rolling.
5.
You’ll get some free advice. Judges in the contest are
experienced in their respective fields and often provide feedback to
contestants. Volunteer mentors are available to answer questions throughout the
contest. The 50 entries that advance to Phase 2 will be invited to a free “boot
camp” to be held March 6 in Waukesha.
6.
You’ll meet other entrepreneurs like yourself. As much
as it may sometimes seem like you’re alone, you’re not. There are other
entrepreneurs like you – and they often have similar experiences to share. You
will meet them at events, such as the boot camp and more.
7.
There’s a strong alumni club. The Wisconsin Technology
Council recently surveyed the 136 finalists from the first eight years of the
contest and learned 77 percent are still in business and 58 percent have raised
financing for their companies.
8.
You might meet an investor. Angel and venture
capitalists are among the contest judges, and they’re often keeping an eye out
for up-and-coming companies in the contest.
9.
You might get a chance to talk about your idea live at
the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference. The top 12 finalists will present in
the contest’s annual “Diligent Dozen” showcase, held as a part of the
conference in Madison this June.
10. What
better way to move your good idea off the desk and closer to reality? There’s
no better motivation than a deadline, so enter by 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2014!
Questions? Contact us at info@govsbizplancontest.com or 608-442-7557.
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