The 20th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2023 competition until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2023.

The Wisconsin Technology Council produces the contest to encourage entrepreneurs statewide in the startup stages of tech-based businesses. It links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice and mentoring, management talent and possible sources of capital.

Over time, the contest has led to valuable exposure for each year’s top business plans while spurring company and job growth in Wisconsin. In 2022, finalists shared in about $125,000 in cash and service prizes. The contest’s major sponsors include the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

For their initial entries, contestants will submit a 250-word idea abstract online at govsbizplancontest.com. Contestants will also find business plan templates, startup information, networking contacts and technical resources from a mix of state and national resources on the website.

Companies or individuals that have not received angel or venture capital for their business plan in its current form are eligible to enter. There is no fee to enter. As with past contests, the 2023 competition will take place in stages:

• In Phase 1, which is open until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, the contest will accept idea abstracts on the website. Entries should be roughly 250 words and will be graded by the pool of BPC judges. The top 50 idea abstracts will advance to Phase 2.
• In Phase 2, which runs from Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 through 5 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, the top 50 idea abstracts will submit an executive summary. The top 20 executive summaries will advance to Phase 3. A mentored “boot camp” for contestants will be held during this phase.
• In Phase 3, which runs from Monday, April 3, 2023 through 5 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2023, the top 20 executive summaries will prepare “pitch decks” with voiceover audio up to 15 minutes long. Judges will review the videos and pick three finalists from each of the four categories to advance to the final live presentation round. Mentored practice sessions will be offered to the top 12 in late May.
• The top 12, or “Diligent Dozen,” will square off with live presentations during the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference in June 2022.