Imagine a room buzzing with energy — a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, small business owners, investors, and mentors breaking down barriers over drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Conversations flowed freely, laughter echoed over shared stories of failure, and new ideas sparked with every exchange.
This was the Failing Forward cocktail hour at East Bay Lodge on Veterans Day — a prelude to CEDC’s HATCH 2025, our high-energy, shark tank–style pitch event designed to transform bold ideas into thriving ventures.
Hosting HATCH on Veterans Day was no coincidence. CEDC proudly took the opportunity to honor the courage, leadership, and resilience of those who have served our country. Veterans embody the same qualities that define great entrepreneurs — grit, adaptability, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. That spirit wove through the evening as we celebrated not just innovation in business, but the remarkable contributions of veteran entrepreneurs shaping their communities beyond service.
From cutting-edge technologies to community-driven service models, each presenter showcased the creativity and determination that continue to drive Wisconsin’s economic future.
After much deliberation, the judges awarded the $5,000 grand prize and a feature episode on the BEAR Discussions Podcast to Gesund Health Data, a venture transforming how health data is collected and understood. The Audience Choice Award went to BeThere Social, an innovative platform helping users connect through local events and shared experiences. BeThere Social also earned a spot in MKE Tech’s FOR-M Incubator Program, a Chippewa Valley Local Goods Basket donated by Alliance Plastics Corporation, and a six-month membership to The Kelektiv.
With so many inspiring pitches, the judges’ only wish was that everyone could have won. Thanks to the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, no one left empty-handed — every contestant received a complimentary membership to the organization, opening doors to new resources, connections, and opportunities for growth. Of course a huge appreciation shout out to our amazing media consultant Jim Zons from EZ New Media for helping us tell the story.
Beyond the prizes, the true heart of HATCH lies in the connections made — between entrepreneurs and investors, mentors and peers, dreamers and doers. The night served as a reminder that collaboration fuels progress and that communities grow stronger when we rally behind those with the courage to build something new.
So, why do we continue to organize and develop HATCH? At CEDC, one of our missions is to foster entrepreneurship by connecting innovators and founders with the resources such as mentorship, access to specialized funding resources, marketing and discussion via BEAR Discussions podcast and robust connecting opportunities. Through our programs it helps create fertile ground for startups to launch, grow, and scale effectively in our community. Events like HATCH are made possible through the support of our sponsors and collaborators, whose belief in our mission reinforces that the Chippewa Valley is truly open for business.
As the evening drew to a close and the applause began to fade, one thing was clear: HATCH 2025 was more than a competition — it was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of those who lead with purpose.
To every entrepreneur, veteran, and community member who joined us — thank you for making this Veterans Day a celebration of service, entrepreneurship, and community support.