MONROE — Green County Development Corporation (GCDC), the Bank of New Glarus, Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Center (SBDC), and the New Glarus Chamber are partnering up to host a 3-part coaching series and pitch contest beginning May 1, 2025. This series will prepare entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to local lenders and leaders for a chance at cash prizes.

The series kicks off Thursday, May 1 with focused attention on building your business plan. Nora Roughen-Schmidt with Southwest Wisconsin SBDC will help participants get focused on the core elements of their business plan. On Thursday, May 8 participants will work on their pitch plans and have one-to-one opportunities to work with Roughen-Schmidt and GCDC’s Executive Director Olivia Otte to polish their pitches. On Thursday, May 15 participants will get a chance to pitch their business to local judges.  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three best pitches based on a scoring system that will be presented prior to that evening.

Previous pitch contestants have indicated the pitch contest experience was a great opportunity to pull the details of their business together in a comprehensive way for use in any situation, but especially with potential investors and customers. Previous winners have used their cash prize for marketing purposes, equipment purchases, and hiring a consultant to explore ways to grow their business. All have commented on the valuable information and feedback received by simply taking part in the program.

All sessions are held on Thursdays from 6:00-7:30PM at Bailey’s Run Vineyard and Winery in New Glarus. The program is free to attend. Registration is required, and attendance at all sessions is required to participate in the pitch contest. Participation in the pitch contest is optional.

Registration is required and can be completed at bit.ly/4hP5w3v 

Elevate Entrepreneurs is an umbrella for business support offered by GCDC. GCDC is focused on assisting entrepreneurs and business owners through educational programs, loan programs, consultation, and referrals.

Questions can be sent to gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com or by calling 608-328-9452.

GCDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization working for economic growth in Green County, while maintaining the quality of life that makes our community a great place to live and work.