MONROE — Entrepreneurs in Green County had a chance to pitch their business idea to local lenders as part of Green County Development Corporation’s (GCDC) Elevate Entrepreneurs Pitch Series.  Hosted by GCDC and The Bank of New Glarus, this program is in its third year. 

The program, which began on May 1, was held at Bailey’s Run Winery in New Glarus. Twelve participants with great ideas and entrepreneurial spirit registered for the series which started with information and resources for small business owners, specifics on the pitch process, and financing tools for business success. The May 8 session included coaching for individual business plans and pitch preparation. Brenda Siegenthaler, owner of Brenda’s Blumenladen in New Glarus, served as a special guest mentor.

On May 18 the event culminated with participants ‘pitching’ their business idea to a group of judges for a chance to win one of three cash prizes. The Elevate Entrepreneurs Pitch Series and cash prizes are sponsored by The Bank of New Glarus. 

“At The Bank of New Glarus, we understand small businesses are the heart of our community. We’re excited to again support GCDC’s Elevate Entrepreneur Pitch Series which empowers the amazing entrepreneurs we have in Green County. Together we can help turn their business ideas into reality,”  said Ron Schaaf, President, The Bank of New Glarus.

Cash prizes were awarded to the top three pitches by local judges who ranked presentations on problem identification and solution, target market, competition and unique selling position, business viability, and pitch quality.  

Seven Green County entrepreneurs pitched their business, and included:

●  1st Place  Mercedes Gonzalez — Vickys little house community daycare 

●  2nd Place Abby Breseman — Alpenhaus Market | Vintage store in New Glarus 

●  3rd Place Patricia & Virgilio Ocampo — Cleaning and home care service 

“Fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses is high on the list of priorities for GCDC. With this being the third year of the program, we stretched the location to New Glarus and decreased sessions to fast track the pitch process,” said GCDC Executive Director Olivia Otte. “Small businesses contribute to the long-term success of all our communities, and we are proud to be the conduit to accelerate success for these enthusiastic entrepreneurs.”

Visit GCDC’s website at www.greencountydevelopment.com for more information about all of its programs and for contact information.

The mission of Green County Development Corporation is to catalyze economic growth while enhancing the quality of life in Green County.