About the Governor's Business Plan Contest (BPC)

The mission of the contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the creation, start-up and early-growth stages of high-tech businesses in Wisconsin. Participants have the chance to win seed capital and valuable services that will help them launch their businesses. Wisconsin residents 18 years old and older are eligible, as are teams from Wisconsin-based businesses and organizations.

Produced by the Wisconsin Technology Council and an impressive list of partners, the Governor's Business Plan Contest engages contestants in a six-month process that includes mentoring and comments from judges on selected plans. It will also lead to valuable exposure for the best business plans submitted by contestants and spur economic growth for Wisconsin if some of those plans turn into businesses.

The statewide contest is an opportunity to compete for cash and in-kind prizes, but it's also a chance to get constructive feedback on your business plan and to help move it from a virtual business to a reality. BPC contestants will once again have the opportunity to win upwards of $200,000 in cash and services!

Governor's Business Plan Contest (BPC) Eligibility Requirements

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
If you have an idea for a high-growth business that employs technology:

• Mentors and BPC resources will help you gain the basic skills necessary to create a business plan. You'll also get plenty of networking opportunities with potential mentors, angel investors, government resources and advisors.
• BPC is targeted at entrepreneurs with limited independent business experience. Judges look for important factors such as innovation, relevant expertise, competitive advantage and market opportunity.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE?
Individuals, Teams or Companies who:

• Are Wisconsin residents 18 years old or older and who have a business plan that employs or leverages technology. Examples of technology include an e-Commerce platform, a life sciences application or an advanced manufacturing process or system.
• Are Wisconsin-based and/or plan to locate their businesses in Wisconsin.
• Have not already received private equity (angel or venture funding) for their idea in its current form.

2007 Competition Timeline

Phase 1: 250 Word IDEA Abstract

December 3, 2007 - January 31, 2008
The BPC Phase 1 IDEA Abstract submission is due by January 31, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. CST. IDEA Abstracts are 250-word (MAXIMUM) business concepts.

Phase 2: Executive Summary

February 25, 2008 - March 13, 2008
The top 50 IDEA Abstract presenters, plus ties, submit a 1,000-word Executive Summary. The Phase 2 Submission is due by March 13, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. CST.

Phase 3: Final Business Plans

March 16, 2008 - April 30, 2008
The top 20 Summary Business Plan presenters, plus ties, prepare Final Business Plans for judging. The Phase 3 Submission is due by April 30, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. CST.

Recognizing the Best Milwaukee-area Real-Estate Deals.

The Business Journal is seeking nominations for its April 2009 Real Estate Awards section to be published in April 2009. This special section will focus on the best real estate projects and deals that were completed in 2008.

Deadline for nominations is January 30.

For more information go to the Biz Journals website at http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/nominations/891 or call Todd Bragstad at (414) 278-7788.