BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, WEDC and NEWaukee announce $2,000 pitch event winner

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – A retro-themed classic garage (former home to Hudson’s Classic Grill) in Marshfield was the site of five business pitches Wednesday night. The winning pitch, Tapped, took home $2,000 to advance their business idea.

HATCH is a community-based startup pitch platform that aims to convert strong “napkin” ideas into business plans that launch new companies. Partnerships across the state made this fourth HATCH event a success, bringing together the Marshfield’s Young Professionals, Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation, NEWaukee, and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Local organizers chose to highlight the 12 N Central Ave Building, for the event. This garage themed building provided the perfect backdrop for an event focused on perfecting those napkin ideas. The garage saw a sold out crowd of 100+ people. Audience members had the opportunity to vote for their favorite pitches. In addition, a panel of local judges deliberated on the winning pitch. Jurors were: Brenda Dillenburg – Marshfield Campus Dean, Mid-State Technical College; Mark Nelson –  President, Microscopy Innovations LLC; Michael Agarwal – CIO, Prevention Genetics; David Meissner – Retired Business Owner; Karen Olson – Business Development Director, Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Central Wisconsin SCORE Administrator; and Todd Sobotka – Managing Director at BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation....