On October 6, CEDC was proud to be in Milwaukee for Launch Wisconsin, an event hosted by the Wisconsin Technology Council that brought together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, economic development professionals, and supporters of Wisconsin’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Wisconsin Technology Council deserves a lot of credit for putting together an event that creates meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, make connections, and learn from others who are working to build and grow companies across the state. The energy throughout the event was a great reminder of the entrepreneurial talent and momentum happening throughout Wisconsin.
For CEDC, the trip had a particularly important purpose: showing up for one of our own.
From Chippewa to Milwaukee
Earlier this year, Jose Lagunas Jr., founder of Rockwell Home Management, stepped onto the stage at CEDC’s BEAR at the Orchard event. His pitch earned him a spot in Launch Wisconsin’s Diligent Dozen, giving him the opportunity to represent Chippewa on a statewide stage.
Jose took that next step in Milwaukee, delivering his five-minute pitch alongside entrepreneurs from across Wisconsin.
CEDC was there to support him.
Not because entrepreneurs need someone standing over their shoulder, but because building a successful business is rarely a straight line. Sometimes support means helping make a connection. Sometimes it means identifying the next opportunity. And sometimes it simply means being in the room when someone from your community takes a big swing.
That was our role in Milwaukee.
Connecting Beyond the Pitch
One of the most valuable parts of an event like Launch Wisconsin happens between the presentations.
Throughout the day, We had the opportunity to connect with several entrepreneurs, investors, collaborators, and others working to strengthen Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Those conversations are an important part of our work because economic development is built on relationships, connections, and knowing where to turn when an opportunity or challenge arises.
Launch Wisconsin also gave us an opportunity to look beyond our own community, learn from what is happening across the state, and bring those connections and insights back to the Chippewa Valley. The stronger our relationships are throughout Wisconsin, the better positioned we are to connect businesses in our region with the people and resources that can help them move forward.
The Pitch Is Only Part of the Journey
Jose went from pitching his business at a CEDC event in Chippewa County to competing on a statewide stage in Milwaukee. That is a significant step, and we are proud to have played a part in helping create that opportunity.
And the relationship does not end when the competition does.
CEDC will continue to stay connected with Jose and Rockwell Home Management as the business moves forward. Our role is to help make connections, identify opportunities, and be a resource as he continues working toward the next stage of growth.
Because supporting entrepreneurs is about more than one event or one pitch.
It is about showing up, staying connected, and helping businesses keep moving forward.
We are proud of Jose and proud to see a Chippewa Falls entrepreneur represented on a statewide stage. We are also grateful to the Wisconsin Technology Council for creating an event that gives entrepreneurs like Jose a place to showcase what they are building and connect with people who can help them take the next step.
The pitch may be over, but the journey is just getting started.