Accelerate Sheboygan County Selects 2021 First and Second Place Winners
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI – Accelerate Sheboygan County is an annual program that assists entrepreneurs and innovators in taking their ideas, products, or existing businesses to the next level. On Wednesday, November 17th, five finalists pitched their ideas to a panel of professional judges.
Accelerate Sheboygan County has selected Benjamin Leibham from Sheboygan, WI as the 2021 business challenge first place winner. Leibham received the $10,000 grand prize as well as a $1,000 technical assistance grant for finishing in the top five to put towards his business, Alto Gear. Sarah Harmeling of Waldo, WI, came in second place and received a $1,000 technical support grant for placing in the top five, as well as an additional $500 for her business, Homeschool Art Box.
Leibham and Harmeling will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas at the New North Regional Pitch Competition on Thursday, December 2nd as well. This competition will take place at Urban Hub in downtown Green Bay with networking starting at 5 p.m. and the first pitch starting at 5:30 p.m.
The additional Accelerate Sheboygan County finalists from all throughout Sheboygan County, each with a unique business idea include:
- Beah Travis - Belladonna the Film - Plymouth, WI
- Cody Ellens - CK Innovations - Cedar Grove, WI
- Andy Bartell - A&M Professional Services - Sheboygan, WI
SCEDC Chairman Don Hammond said, “The Accelerate Sheboygan County Business Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for the SCEDC to highlight some local entrepreneurs while also advancing their efforts. We're excited to see some of our finalists’ ideas take shape. Congratulations to all our finalists and good luck!”
Accelerate Sheboygan County partners Associated Bank and The New North were instrumental in making the challenge possible. Associated Bank sponsored the five $1,000 rewards, and The New North in coordination with WBD and BrightStar Wisconsin sponsored $1,500 of the grand prize.
Accelerate Sheboygan County would like to thank all of those applicants and the sponsors that make the challenge possible and contribute to Sheboygan County’s expanded economic potential and growth. The 2022 Accelerate Sheboygan County Business Challenge is now open. Please visit AccelSC.com to apply today!
Accelerate Sheboygan County is a public-private partnership that provides outreach and engagement solutions to attract, retain, and encourage business resiliency as well as a more diverse and inclusive community, both of which are critical to success.
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