Northeast Wisconsin Business Plan Contest

Northeast Wisconsin Business Plan Materials 
Business Plan Contest Evaulation Criteria 

The Northeast Wisconsin Business Plan Contest was started in 2004 with the following goal:
To encourage the preparation of business plans for starting businesses, making significant changes to existing businesses, or launching new products in northeast Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin ranks 47th in new business formations.  There are many ways to improve our performance in that area and one of the major ones involves business plans.  It is rare for a new business to be funded and successfully operate without a good business plan. 

 A well-written plan:

• Provides an objective, unemotional, and critical review of the business opportunity
• Is the preferred method of communication between entrepreneurs and potential investors
• Is a living document that may be used to help manage the business and can help to identify changes in the assumptions in the original plan
• Can introduce logic and discipline into the planning process
• Shows where a company is going, how it will get there, and what it will look like when it arrives
• Helps identify problems, risk, and weaknesses at an early stage so they can be addressed and corrected

Who can enter the contest – Individuals and companies that meet the contest's goal.

What types of plans are eligible – All business plans for new northeast Wisconsin businesses, new products, or significant changes in existing businesses are eligible.

Prizes – A total of $25,000 in prizes will be awarded with a top prize of $10,000.  Second place will receive $6,000, third will receive $4,000, fourth will receive $3,000, and fifth will receive $2,000.  The business must be open by March 9, 2010 in order to receive the prize money. 

Entry Information – Entries must be received by January 12, 2009.  Results will be announced on March 9, 2009.  Please download and use the following forms:

• Contest Forms
• Executive Summary Template

Judging – Contest judges will include individuals who are involved in entrepreneurial and business development activities. 

Business Plan Contest Results:  2007 , 2008 , 2009

General Questions?  Contact Cathy Huybers at (920) 720-5600 x306.