Four-dozen judges have volunteered thus far to judge the 2007 Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Contest– the nation’s first statewide, tech-based business plan competition.

The contest is accepting contestant entries online at
www.govsbizplancontest.com through 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2007. The contest’s Grand Prize is worth at least $50,000 in cash and services; a total of $150,000 in cash and in-kind prizes have been pledged to date.

Leaders from the worlds of angel investing, venture capital, law, accounting, consulting, academia, entrepreneurial support and business are included in the judging panel, which will assess individual business plans during three rounds of competition. About half of the judges have successfully launched tech companies or currently own or manage companies in tech sectors; other judges have collectively raised millions of dollars for start-up firms.

For their initial entry, contestants will submit 250- word idea abstracts online. Contestants who advance to subsequent contest rounds will have the opportunity to expand their plan or idea. More than 40 judges drawn from the finance, sales, marketing, research and specific technology sectors will score the entries and provide feedback. Visit www.govsbizplancontest.com to become a contestant, judge, mentor or sponsor.

Managed by the Wisconsin Technology Council, the contest sprang out of conversations with Gov. Jim Doyle shortly after he was first elected in 2002. The mission of the contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the creation, start-up and early- growth stages of high-tech businesses in Wisconsin.

Click here to meet our sponsors. Click here to meet last year's winners.

Wisconsin has prospered over the years because it has always enjoyed a competitive edge in one or more economic sectors. Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism are historic examples that endure to this day.

There is a new “Wisconsin Edge” that demands protecting and growing. It is human embryonic stem-cell research, which provides a world-class brand for the state’s emerging expertise in biotechnology, health care and the life sciences.

Wisconsin is the birthplace of stem-cell research and is known worldwide for the quality and breadth of its research. Paths to commercialization are only now being explored, but the promise is enormous for drug research, testing and development, as well as diagnostics and therapies.

To advance this new Edge, an informal confederation of business, research, economic development, technology and health- related groups has partnered with the Wisconsin Technology Council to enhance public awareness of Wisconsin’s stem-cell industry.

Called “The Wisconsin Edge,” this effort will reach out to Wisconsin communities through top-notch speakers and timely, easily understood communications materials. It will deliver the message that human embryonic stem cell research will help improve and save lives, that its economic future is bright, and that it is important to Wisconsin’s economic future.

Supporters of the effort to date include Madison Gas & Electric Co., Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Venture Investors LLC, Wisconsin Biotechnology & Medical Device Association, Wisconsin Insurance Alliance, Wisconsin Investment Partners LLC, Wisconsin Manufactures & Commerce, Wisconsin Realtors Association and many others.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Edge or to schedule a group presentation, email Ryann Petit-Frere at ryannp@wisconsinangelnetwork.com or call her at (608) 442-7557.

• In 2006, U. S. News & World Report ranked the Milwaukee School of Engineering among the top colleges (whose highest degree is a bachelor's or masters) for Best Undergraduate Engineering Program (11th); Best Undergraduate Engineering Specialities (Computer, 5th; Industrial/Manufacturing, 4th; Mechanical, 9th; Electrical/Electronic/Communications, 8th).

• Fortune Small Business magazine ranked Wisconsin 27th among states that are friendliest to small businesses. Wisconsin ranked well ahead of some of its neighbors (Iowa, 41st, Minnesota 46th) and just behind another (Illinois 21st).



• Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine ranked LaCrosse, Madison and Oshkosh 16th, 20th and 45th respectively in its "50 Smart Places to Live" in 2006.

• Wisconsin was one of only seven states to make the Corporation for Enterprise Development's Honor Roll, scoring an "A" for economic performance, a "B" for business vitality and a "B" for developmental capacity.

Joining your local Wisconsin Innovation Network (WIN) Chapter offers networking connections with a variety of industries and professionals in high tech, law, banking, government, public relations, manufacturing, and local entrepreneurs. Your next client/customer/partner is only "six degrees of seperation" away.

Click here to join your local WIN Chapter or to learn more about us.