Applications open for LEVEL UP start-up contest for budding entrepreneurs

MANITOWOC – Got a new business idea you think would be great for the Lakeshore area?

Now’s your chance to pitch it to Progress Lakeshore — and maybe earn a little cash to help you get started.

The nonprofit will host its annual LEVEL UP Pitch Contest at 5 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, 7001 Gass Lake Road, Newton.

The contest is open to early stage or soon-to-be-started businesses in Manitowoc County.

The LEVEL UP Pitch Contest is part of a regional series of pitch events in November in partnership with New North, NEW Launch Alliance and WBD (a nonprofit organization that provides financial and educational resources to small businesses throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota).

Anyone interested in participating in the Manitowoc County contest should apply by Nov. 7.

Top winners in the LEVEL UP Pitch Contest will receive $1,000 for first place and $500 for second place. Winners also secure a spot at the NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event Dec. 4 in Green Bay, where they will compete for additional prize money — $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third.

Additionally, regional winners will present an update about their business at the New North Summit June 5 at Lambeau Field.

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Progress Lakeshore offers the “Perfect your Pitch” video series, featuring expert advice from local business coaches, to help contestants prepare. These free videos are available on the Progress Lakeshore Facebook page and website . Call 920-482-0540 or send an email to ann@progresslakeshore.org for more information.

The LEVEL UP contest is held in conjunction with Start-Up Week Wisconsin, a statewide movement to encourage entrepreneurship. It allows folks to not only showcase their ideas but also connects them to professionals including investors, lenders, business leaders and service providers.

Visit the Progress Lakeshore website to find details, rules and an application form.

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Got a tip, question or comment for Streetwise Manitowoc? Contact reporter Patti Zarling at pzarling@gannett.com or call 920-606-2575. Follow her on X @PGPattiZarling and on Instagram @PGPatti.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Applications open for LEVEL UP start-up contest for budding entrepreneurs