MADISON, Wis. – Co-working spaces, marketing and brand-design services, office space and legal services are among prizes to be awarded to the Top 25 finalists in the 2025 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest. This year’s prize pool, which also includes cash, is valued at $175,000 thus far.
The annual contest culminates with live presentations June 4 at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference by the “Diligent Dozen,” with the winners announced on June 5 at the Madison conference.
In addition to cash prizes, Wisconsin companies are offering a variety of service or “in-kind” prizes this year. For many contestants, these services will provide an important jumpstart in getting their businesses rolling. Such contributions include:
- Office and co-working space provided by Forward BIOLABS; Starting Block Madison; Pieper Properties; University Research Park; Ward4
- Legal services provided by Michael Best; Quarles & Brady; Murphy Desmond.
- Accounting, financial, regulatory services, HR consulting and mentoring classes provided by Applied Management; Novii CPA; SCORE Wisconsin; Sustainable HR PEO
- Marketing, branding, social media, public relations, design services and advertising provided by Spencer X Smith; Makin’ Hey!; Wisconsin Technology Council; Cap Times; Phil Ouellette, EOS Implementer; FocalPoint Consulting
Sponsors contributing to the cash prize pool are led by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and include; Madison Gas & Electric; UW-Madison Office of University Relations and Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
Have a possible prize for one of these budding entrepreneurs? Contact Julie Johnson at 608-442-7557 to discuss.
