GCDC Small Business Series Pitch winners (left to right):
Brianna Wethal -The Bank of New Glarus, Laura Eyler – 1st Place Thyme Savor Cuisine, Lauren Siegenthaler – 2nd Place Erda & Arch, Keri Mertens – 3rd Place Pi Bakery, Olivia Otte – Green County Development Corporation
Green County Small Business Series Ends with Business Pitch Contest
Since April 19th, 21 aspiring Green County entrepreneurs participated in a free Small Business Series hosted by Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) and The Bank of New Glarus, with special help from the Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other guest speakers.
The Small Business Series was created to help entrepreneurs kick-start the dream of owning their own business. Participants committed to once weekly training sessions over a five-week period and gained insights into licensing their business, understanding legal considerations and financial documents, defining the customer base, marketing, and creating business plans and pitches for lenders and investors. All topics were enhanced with 1:1 meet-ups with SBDC consultants.
“We were excited to have so many enthusiastic entrepreneurs in our area commit to this program.” stated GCDC Executive Director, Olivia Otte, “The model for this program meets so many needs and directly connects each participant with specialists that can step them through details that will keep them on target for opening their business.”
Nora Roughen-Schmidt, Business Consultant with SW Wisconsin SBDC said, “The GCDC Small Business Series provided an accessible format for small businesses to learn from entrepreneurial start-up experts to go from idea stage and business plan to a new business. I was thrilled to participate and assist in developing new businesses in Green County. The series is an economic development driver that empowers participants with education, resources, consulting, and relationships. Thank you to the GCDC team for developing the program and to the Bank of New Glarus for their sponsorship. Congratulations to all the new businesses that formed as a result of the series!”
The program culminated on May 17th with a Pitch Contest, giving participants the opportunity to present their business plan to lenders and peers. Judges heard pitches for food related businesses, comfort care, home contracting services, and traveling entertainment. A cash prize was awarded by The Bank of New Glarus to the top three participants that demonstrated unique solutions to problems in Green County and presented a sound business plan that reflected enthusiastic commitment for long-term success.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Green County Development Corporation in offering the recent Small Business Series,” said Ron Schaaf, President and CEO of The Bank of New Glarus. “The entrepreneurs who attended have many great business ideas. We wish them all the best as they complete their planning and move forward with opening businesses across Green County.”
In all, ten Green County entrepreneurs pitched their business, and included:
1st Place Thyme Savor Cuisine (presented by Laura Eyler): a personal chef service, offering custom tailored meals for special events or any time meal support for busy schedules.
2nd Place Erda & Arch (presented by Lauren Siegenthaler): A polymer clay and paper makery/goods, including handcrafted jewelry available online and in specialty boutiques.
3rd Place Pi Bakery (presented by Keri Mertens): A Brodhead based completely homemade pies, cookies and baked goods.
Arlonia Jackson (presented by Arlonia Jackson): home crafted comfort care babies with fitted clothing, and cost saving patterns.
S&T Sealcoating LLC (Tayveon Cameron & Seth Lindsay): an asphalt maintenance company, providing cleaning and sealcoating of asphalt driveways and parking areas throughout Green County and surrounding areas.
JM’s Event Planning & Organization (presented by Jenna Curran): an event planning and organizational solutions company.
Bassett Painting LLC (presented by Brian Bassett): providing interior and exterior painting.
Daisy’s Axe Box (presented by Todd & Brenda Coy): a mobile entertainment company providing on-site axe throwing for private parties and community events.
Thanks to all who participated!! We can’t wait for the next series to begin!