The entrepreneurial spirit of the Chippewa Valley was on full display at HATCH 2024: A Business Pitch Event, a flagship initiative of the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). This year’s event, held during Wisconsin Startup Week at the River Bend Winery and Distillery, has continues to be a cornerstone event for fostering creativity and driving business development.

HATCH is more than a competition, it’s a platform where local entrepreneurs share groundbreaking ideas and connect with potential investors. By promoting creativity and problem-solving, this event supports economic growth, job creation, and business expansion.

This year, the pre-event investor reception, hosted by the CEDC, further strengthened the entrepreneurial ecosystem by facilitating mentorships, partnerships, and collaborations. The gathering of 75 attendees provided a vital connecting opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to forge relationships that fuel our thriving business community.

This year’s HATCH event also celebrated the ever-expanding local food truck industry with a Show ‘n Shine competition, highlighting the growing popularity of mobile culinary ventures in the Chippewa Valley. The rise of food truck entrepreneurs is a testament to the unique advantages this business model offers, including lower startup costs, flexibility, and the ability to adapt quickly to market demands. Happy Trails Pizza Company won the CEDC Food Truck of the Year Competition, by showcasing their creative and delicious offerings. The event also recognized audience favorites Charlie’s Long Smoked BBQ and Nichols Nibbles, reinforcing the diverse and innovative culinary food truck entrepreneurs that are emerging in our area.

HATCH continues to serve as a launchpad for businesses across various sectors in the Chippewa Valley. The event provides entrepreneurs with a valuable platform to present their ideas to expert judges and secure potential equity investments if needed. Judge Patrick Donohue, CEO of Hill Capital Corp, captured the essence of HATCH, stating, “The passion and innovation showcased by the entrepreneurs were truly inspiring and demonstrated the potential for impactful growth in small businesses in the community.” Notable winners at this year’s event included:

  • Grand Prize Winner: Christina Funk of MetabolicCareNP, receiving $5,000 and a feature on the BEAR Discussion Podcast.
  • Audience Choice Award: Good Energy LLC, awarded two tickets to the Entrepreneurs’ Rally XIII and $500 in printing services from Badgerland Printing.

As the Chippewa Valley embraces this entrepreneurial wave, one thing is clear: whether through innovative business pitches or delectable food served from a truck window, the community is hungry for growth, creativity, and success. The CEDC’s ongoing support for local businesses continues to be a key ingredient in this recipe for economic prosperity. For more information on how the CEDC supports local businesses, visit the CEDC website.