Welcome, Wisconsin entrepreneur! In the spirit of innovation and competition, I invite you to enter the fifth annual Governor's Business Plan Contest.
In 2002, I called for the creation of a statewide business plan contest to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit of students, workers, companies and other institutions. I envisioned a contest that would not only result in prizes for those citizens who step forward with the best ideas, but a process that could result in mentoring, new business opportunities and the creation of jobs. The success of this contest in its first four years has been remarkable.

Consider:

• 90 percent of the 2004, 2005 and 2006 finalists responding to an October 2006 survey conducted by the Wisconsin Technology Council are still in business;
• 62 percent of the finalists in late 2006 reported receiving financing from angel investors, venture capitalists, bank loans, SBIR/STTR and other sources. A recent update by the Wisconsin Technology Council shows $11 million in private equity raised by finalists.
• 81 percent of the finalists reported that the contest led to an increase in public exposure for the company or idea in the form of media coverage (76 percent) and contact from potential investors (57 percent).

Another exciting result is that 35 percent of the finalists reported that the contest led to new customers and business partners and that the contest lent credibility to their business, idea or team. 

I am proud of the support for entrepreneurs that my administration, working with the Legislature, has provided through our Grow Wisconsin plan and related efforts. Those initiatives are producing tomorrow's Wisconsin jobs today. I look forward to continuing our efforts with the fifth annual Governor's Business Plan Contest -- may the best ideas win!
Sincerely,


Jim Doyle
Governor