BEAR ’25: Celebrating Cubs to Kings of Business

The inaugural BEAR: Business Expansion and Retention Pitch Showcase is ready to roar! 🐻 HATCHed at last year’s HATCH competition, BEAR ’25 puts the spotlight on established, second-stage businesses that are scaling up, creating jobs, and shaping the future economy of the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

Who Is BEAR ’25 For?

• Growth-stage businesses that are ready to expand
• Investors, lenders, and business support champions
• Community leaders and local officials
• Chambers of Commerce, EDCs, post-secondary institutions, and economic stakeholders
• Anyone passionate about economic growth and entrepreneurship

At BEAR, we’re celebrating the businesses that make Wisconsin strong. Finalists will pitch for guaranteed investor group pitch opportunities, exposure, connections, and exciting prizes, while the community gathers to recognize the companies driving real impact.

GRAND PRIZE: Guaranteed pitch opportunities with BrightStar Wisconsin Foundation, Tundra Angels, Wisconsin Investment Partners, and at Hill Capital Corporation’s Summit event in November.
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Additional Awards: Provided by Badgerland Printing, Second Stage Growth, and CEDC

✨ Come celebrate momentum, leadership, and the entrepreneurial journey beyond the startup.

THE DETAILS

Thursday, August 14th

Hosted by East Bay Lodge

27325 268th Ave

Holcombe, WI 54745

5:30 PM – 6 PM RECEPTION Hors d’oeuvres compliments of our host, East Bay Lodge

6 PM – MAIN EVENT Six pitches, sponsor highlights, judging, awards & photos

Reserve your tickets on Eventbrite HERE. 

Submit your Sponsorship Form to brittany@chippewa-wi.com or call 715-723-7150 if you have questions.