Phase 1: 250 Word IDEA Abstract
November 10, 2010 - January 31, 2011

The BPC Phase 1 IDEA Abstract submission is due by Sunday, January 31, 2011, at 5 p.m. CST. IDEA Abstracts are 250-word (MAXIMUM) business concepts.

Entries must fall into one of the four following categories: Advanced Manufacturin; Life Sciences; Information Technology or Business Services.

Judging takes place over a two week period following the phase deadline. Contestants will be notified prior to the start of the next phase if they have moved on or not. Contestants will receive e-mail updates, which are also posted to each contestant's account under the "Messaging" tab. Judges' comments, if any, will be posted to your account on this site.


Phase 2: Executive Summary
February 24, 2011 - March 14, 2011

The top 50 IDEA Abstract presenters, plus ties, submit a 1,000-word Executive Summary. The Phase 2 Submission is due by March 14, 2011, at 5 p.m. CST.

The top 20 Executive Summaries plus ties are selected for the final round. All 20 receive a congratulatory plaque from the Governor and the Tech Council.

A business plan boot camp for Phase 2 participants will be held on the afternoon of March 2 in downtown Milwaukee.


Phase 3: Final written portion of the contest
April 8, 2011 - April 25, 2011

The top 20 executive summary finishers, plus ties, prepare final 20-page business plans for judging. The Phase 3 Submission is due by April 25, 2011, at 5 p.m. CST.

Judges will review the plans and pick three place winners from each category who will advance to the final phase of the competition.

Final Phase: "Diligent Dozen"

The "Diligent Dozen" will square-off with 7-minute presentations at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference to be held early in June during the annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference in Milwaukee. Live judging will determine the Grand Prize winner.

*The end of each written phase is followed by approximately two weeks of judging.