The Accelerate Sheboygan County Business Challenge is Open for 2023
The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Green Bay aim to provide a wide variety of services, resources, and expertise to help encourage entrepreneurial opportunities in Sheboygan County, including businesses that offer unique services and experiences to the community. The Accelerate Sheboygan County Business Challenge is a program designed to assist entrepreneurs and innovators in furthering their ideas. The 2023 Business Challenge is now open for applications.
The Business Challenge is open to new and existing businesses as well as unique products and business ideas. Applications can be submitted online at www.accelsc.com and are due by October 31, 2022. Each idea submitted is reviewed by professionals and receives guidance free from the SCEDC and SBDC at UW Green Bay.
"2022 AccelSC business idea challenge was a great show of success," said Ray York, SBDC at UWGB Business Counselor. “We had many applicants go on to get access to statewide programming, media attention, grants, and other resources. I continue to look forward to seeing more of our local talents' ideas so we can assist, and they can showcase their efforts."
Five idea applicants will be awarded a $1,000 grant to go towards business services and drive the idea forward. In November 2023, five or more applicants will then go on to pitch their idea to business professionals and investors to gain further support and compete for the grand prize of $10,000. The winner will be announced in December 2023 after the business ideas are presented.
Tyler Rezachek competed in the 2022 Business Challenge and won a $1000 technical assistance grant, taking 2nd at the pitch competition. His startup AntiMussel is now a finalist in the governor's business plan competition. “The challenge provided immense value to my young start-up,” said Tyler, “connections to other entrepreneurs and organizations like NewNorth and the Wisconsin Technology Council have provided me with advice, opportunity, and mentorship. The process will force you to think about your business in ways you haven't. Do it and do it now!”
Accelerate Sheboygan County is a public-private effort to provide outreach and engagement solutions to attract, retain, and encourage business resiliency and a more diverse and inclusive community essential to growth. To learn more about Accelerate Sheboygan County, visit www.accelsc.com. For more information about the SCEDC's entrepreneurial services, call (920) 452-2479 or email Ray York at York@sheboygancountyedc.com.
