Wisconsin’s Governor’s Business Plan Contest opens 2025 applications

The Governor’s Business Plan Contest, a longstanding initiative the Wisconsin Technology Council produced, has opened its 2025 call for entries. Designed to support emerging entrepreneurs across the state, the competition guides participants through a structured, multi-phase process that helps refine business concepts, strengthen market strategies, and increase the likelihood of securing capital.

Open to Wisconsin residents 18 and older—along with teams from Wisconsin-based institutions—the contest also welcomes entrants from outside the state who plan to establish or expand operations within the region. Since its founding in 2004, the competition has collected more than 4,800 entries, awarding about $2.9 million in cash and services. Over time, finalists have attracted more than $320 million in angel, venture, grant, and debt financing. This track record suggests that early support, mentorship, and exposure can play a significant role in propelling promising ventures to the next level.

The 2025 edition unfolds in four key phases, each building upon the previous stage:

Phase 1 (Through Jan. 31, 2025):
Participants submit a 250-word abstract by 11:59 p.m. on January 31. From these entries, judges—drawn from Wisconsin’s finance, marketing, technology, and research sectors—will select the top 50 ideas. This initial screening focuses on concept clarity, market potential, and overall feasibility.

Phase 2 (Feb. 17 – March 10, 2025):
The top 50 entrants are invited to develop executive summaries, delving deeper into their business models and strategies. During this period, contestants may access a mentored “boot camp” designed to help refine their concepts. Judges will evaluate these summaries and choose 20 that will advance to the next round.

Phase 3 (March 31 – April 21, 2025):
The top 20 contenders will create pitch decks, complete with recorded voiceovers of up to 15 minutes. This phase encourages more detailed presentations, allowing entrepreneurs to demonstrate market research, potential revenue streams, and long-term growth plans. Based on these submissions, judges will select three finalists from each of the four contest categories—Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology, and Life Sciences—totaling a “Diligent Dozen” of 12 finalists.

Final Presentations (June 2025):
The top 12 finalists will present live during the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference. Previous finalists have shown that participating at this stage can provide valuable insights, visibility, and networking opportunities, potentially resulting in meaningful partnerships and funding leads.

Major sponsors, including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, underscore the event’s broader economic importance to the state. Last year’s grand prize winner, CranioSure of Madison, exemplifies the impact of the program. CranioSure’s mobile app for detecting craniosynostosis risk in infants not only won recognition but also gained crucial exposure to mentors and investors.

The Governor’s Business Plan Contest plays a pivotal role in strengthening Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing multiple entry points for feedback and ensuring access to technical resources and mentor guidance. Interested participants, potential sponsors, and those wishing to serve as judges can find more information at govsbizplancontest.com.