By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Green County Development Emerging Entrepreneur Youth Business Plan Contest Awards
gcdc awards
Green County area high school students had the opportunity this month to work on their own business plan ideas and enter a competition to win startup funds to help turn those plans into reality. The awards night was held on Wednesday, December 3rd, at Monroe High School. Prize awards ranged from $2,500 to $250 per student to help them get their businesses off the ground. A total of $20,200 was awarded this year.

MONROE — Green County area high school students had the opportunity this month to work on their own business plan ideas and enter a competition to win startup funds to help turn those plans into reality. The awards night was held on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Monroe High School.

Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) hosted the contest for students in partnership with local school district business teachers and the Monroe School District LAUNCH program. The business startup funds were made possible through a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Small Business Development Grant awarded to GCDC. The grant was intended to support and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of youth in Green County.

Sixteen student business plans were submitted for the competition, with prize awards ranging from $2,500 to $250 per student to help them get their businesses off the ground. A total of $20,200 was awarded this year.

gcdc awards
Green County area high school students had the opportunity this month to work on their own business plan ideas and enter a competition to win startup funds to help turn those plans into reality. The awards night was held on Wednesday, December 3rd, at Monroe High School. Prize awards ranged from $2,500 to $250 per student to help them get their businesses off the ground. A total of $20,200 was awarded this year.

A series of learning and planning events were held in the weeks leading up to the competition. The first event featured a presentation by the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, offering guidance on understanding customers and writing a business plan. The second event included three local businesspeople serving as mentors, listening to student plans, providing feedback, and helping students fine-tune their final submissions. Those same mentors then acted as judges to determine the final awards.

“We had a great variety of submitted business plans in the contest, such as a mobile mechanic service, drone photography, and cattle genetics. This was a strong indication of the creativity, entrepreneurial mindset, and potential of the youth in Green County,” said Olivia Otte, Executive Director of GCDC.

“At GCDC, we’re passionate about supporting small businesses and encouraging entrepreneurs to chase their goals,” said Otte. “With our Elevate Entrepreneurs program, we’re excited to expand our support for both new and established businesses in more meaningful, long-term ways.”

For questions about any of these programs, contact GCDC at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com or 608-328-9452. Information will also be on the website at greencountydevelopment.com.

GCDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to catalyze economic growth while enhancing the quality of life in Green County.