For the City Times

STEVENS POINT – Applications are open for an entrepreneurial pitch program that is returning to central Wisconsin this fall. Through HATCH, selected businesses will pitch their ideas to a live audience at an event held at John and Patty Noel’s Car Barn on Nov. 13, 6-8:30 p.m.

HATCH events in three regions are being spearheaded by BrightStar Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), though an entrepreneurship support grant. The Portage County Business Council is leading this effort in central Wisconsin.

“Brightstar and WEDC were impressed with the success that HATCH had the past two years in supporting entrepreneurs in central Wisconsin and we look forward to seeing the same results with this innovative program again in 2019,” said Thomas M. Shannon, president & CEO, Brightstar Wisconsin Foundation. “We are pleased to partner with WEDC to be able to provide more resources to entrepreneurs through programs like HATCH.”

HATCH is a rotating, high-energy idea pitch program designed to facilitate connections between prospective entrepreneurs and those within a community who support them such as industry experts, professional service firms, banks, non-profits, business leaders and investors.

“We are excited to bring HATCH back to Central Wisconsin.” said Todd Kuckkahn, Executive Director at Portage County Business Council. “Our communities are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and the support the last two years made it an easy decision for HATCH to come back. The chambers and entrepreneurial organizations in the Centergy and Grow North regions are really stepping up. We have a unique and fun location and are excited for our jurors to select the $5,000 grand prize winner, along with the $2,500 winner for second place, $1,000 for third and $500 for the People’s Choice.”

Brightstar is accepting applications from entrepreneurs who are interested in presenting their business ideas for the HATCH finale. To submit an idea, go to: www.tinyurl.com/hatch2019. All submissions must be received by Oct. 21.

For questions about HATCH, contact Kayla Rombalski at talent@portagecountybiz.com.