MADISON
– Wisconsin Youth Entrepreneurs in Science, a statewide youth business plan
contest modeled after the successful Governor’s Business Plan Contest, is open
for online entries from Wisconsin middle- and high-school students through 5
p.m. March 17, 2014.    

Public,
private and home-schooled students across Wisconsin are eligible to turn their
science- and tech-related ideas into business plans and compete for cash and
prizes. The contest begins with a 250-word summary submitted through the
website. Entries that advance to Phase 2 of the competition will expand their
idea into a 1,000-word executive summary. Throughout the process, students get feedback from professionals across Wisconsin
who will serve as judges.

As
a tool for educators, Wisconsin YES! fosters interest in science and tech education
and encourages students to be independent, creative thinkers capable of problem
solving.

“Leveraging
technology, thinking creatively and working as a team are all important
characteristics for today’s entrepreneurs,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “Entrepreneurial
skills are vital to the long-term success of Wisconsin’s youth as well as the
state’s innovation economy.”

The
Tech Council produces the contest, with major sponsorship from WEA
Trust

and IBM. Contest partners thus far
include Department
of Financial Institutions
, Make
a Difference Wisconsin
, Project Lead the Way Wisconsin and STEM Forward.

To get started, students need to create a simple account at
www.WisconsinYES.com. All entries are submitted through the website, which has
been redesigned to streamline the application process. Students use their
account to gain access to the judges’ comments and feedback. Templates and
sample entries for both phases are available on the website, along with other entrepreneurial
resources. 

Students
are able to work in teams or as individuals and will be judged based upon their
grade level, with the oldest team member determining the team category. Students
or teams may enter multiple ideas.        

The
Wisconsin Technology Council is the independent, non-profit and non-partisan
science and technology adviser to the Governor and the Legislature. It serves
as a catalyst for tech-based economic development in Wisconsin through programs
such as the Wisconsin Angel Network, the Governor’s Business Plan Contest and
the Wisconsin Innovation Network. 

To
enter the contest or for more information on sponsorship and partnership
opportunities, visit www.WisconsinYES.com or contact Joy
Sawatzki at the Wisconsin Technology Council, jsawatzki@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com or 608-442-7557.