We’re All Innovating Contest celebrates Wisconsin small business creativity amid COVID-19 pandemic
Winner will receive up to $68,000 for best idea
MADISON, SEPT. 29, 2020 –The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is sponsoring the We’re All Innovating Contest to recognize and promote the creative ways startups and small businesses are adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The We’re All Innovating Contest will provide a total of $3 million to approximately 195 winners selected through a competitive process to support new business models and technological innovations, from specific health-related solutions to technology that addresses how we’re changing the way we live, learn and work. Top winners in the categories will receive a maximum of $68,000 to take their ideas forward.
In its Wisconsin Tomorrow report to lawmakers and Governor Evers this summer, WEDC identified support for innovation as one of its top priorities to help advance the state’s economic recovery from the pandemic. Funding for the contest will come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The We’re All Innovating Contest aims to provide funding for both new and existing companies that have introduced innovations responding to direct health and economic impacts of COVID-19; launching new innovations, including business models and best practices for operating during COVID-19; and providing access to capital statewide, including rurally located and ethnically diverse entrepreneurs.
The contest is designed to reward as many of these ideas as possible. It will help offset costs incurred since March 1 and those anticipated through Dec. 30, 2020. Additional criteria will consider progress to date and the potential for the innovation to move forward.
The competition is open to new and established businesses with 50 employees or less. Businesses may enter in one of the following categories of innovation:
- Technology innovation to address COVID-19 impacts on health
- Technology innovation to address COVID-19 impacts on businesses
- Service and business operation innovations to respond to COVID-19 disruption
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. For additional details and to apply, visit wisconsininnovates.com. WEDC is working with the Wisconsin Technology Council and judges across the state to process and evaluate applications for the contest.
The We’re All Innovating Contest is the latest effort by WEDC to assist small businesses in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. WEDC distributed more than $65 million in CARES Act funding to nearly 26,000 businesses under the We’re All In Phase 1 grants this summer. Additionally, WEDC provided more than $2.5 million in state funds to diverse businesses under the Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant program and $5 million to microbusinesses through the Small Business 20/20 program.
More about the Coronavirus Pandemic
- City Aims To Vaccinate Every Educator In Two Weeks - Graham Kilmer - Mar 3rd, 2021
- NEW: Senator Johnson Plans to Delay COVID Relief Through Senate Stunt - Opportunity Wisconsin - Mar 3rd, 2021
- Evers Says Schools May Need Summer Classes - Shawn Johnson - Mar 3rd, 2021
- City Hires Private Firm To Track COVID-19 Violations - Graham Kilmer - Mar 3rd, 2021
- Racine Prison Quarantines Entire Housing Unit - Isiah Holmes - Mar 3rd, 2021
- WI Daily: 324 New COVID-19 Cases - Urban Milwaukee - Mar 2nd, 2021
- 34 Vaccine Doses Spoil at Wisconsin Center - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 2nd, 2021
- 8.7% of State Now Fully Vaccinated - Graham Kilmer - Mar 2nd, 2021
- Statement from the Milwaukee Health Department - City of Milwaukee Health Department - Mar 2nd, 2021
- Select Kroger Stores Take Part in Federal Retail Pharmacy Program - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Mar 2nd, 2021
Read more about Coronavirus Pandemic here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Stella & Chewy’s expands operations in Oak Creek
Mar 3rd, 2021 by Wisconsin Economic Development CorporationNew facility will create 245 jobs, draw $67.7 million in capital investment
Plastics firm expands operations in Sussex
Feb 24th, 2021 by Wisconsin Economic Development CorporationSussex IM expansion will create 84 jobs, draw $9.9 million capital investment
City of Mayville receives $137,500 state grant to support redevelopment of nonprofit coffeehouse
Feb 22nd, 2021 by Wisconsin Economic Development CorporationWEDC investment to help fund renovations for The Open Door Coffeehouse