About Our Pitch Competitions
Since 2012, CEDC has been dedicated to supporting both emerging startups and growing second-stage companies through mentorship, coaching, networking, and a range of resources designed to help founders thrive. At the heart of CEDC’s entrepreneurial programs are two signature pitch events: the annual HATCH Idea Pitch Competition (HATCH) and the BEAR Pitch, each serving companies at different stages of their journey.
HATCH has become a key event for fostering and celebrating the local startup ecosystem. This exciting competition gives early-stage entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their unique business ideas to a panel of expert judges and an engaged audience. Held annually in November during both Wisconsin Startup Week and Chippewa Valley Startup Week, HATCH has quickly become a highlight of the region’s innovation scene.
For companies that have moved beyond the startup phase and are ready to scale, BEAR Pitch offers a complementary platform tailored specifically for second-stage founders. This event focuses on strategic growth, allowing participants to refine their pitch, showcase expansion plans, and connect with experienced business leaders, advisors, and potential investors. Together, HATCH and BEAR Pitch create a comprehensive, supportive pipeline for entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.
HATCH: An Idea Pitch Competition
HATCH for Entrepreneurs
HATCH is the ultimate launchpad for entrepreneurs, providing a platform to perfect business pitches, refine plans, and connect with potential investors. The competition offers cash prizes to the top pitches, giving entrepreneurs exposure to experienced judges, access to funding opportunities, and valuable connections with angel investors. Applications are open to both clients and the public, with a call for entries typically released in October.
BEAR for Second Stage
BEAR Pitch is the premier platform for growth-minded, second-stage companies to sharpen their vision, strengthen their pitch, and accelerate their path forward. This event is designed for founders who have moved beyond the startup phase and are ready to scale, providing an opportunity to present strategic business plans, validate new ideas, and engage with seasoned business leaders.
Participants gain access to a panel of experienced judges, expanded visibility within the regional business community, and meaningful connections with potential investors, advisors, and partners. Cash awards recognize standout presentations, while the event’s collaborative format fosters relationships that support long-term growth.
HATCH & BEAR Pitches for Chippewa Valley’s Business Organizations
CEDC partners with key community business organizations across the Chippewa Valley to identify and support top entrepreneurial talent. These organizations have the opportunity to nominate and submit their standout pitch contestants, ensuring a spot in the highly competitive HATCH or BEAR event. This collaboration strengthens the local startup ecosystem and allows entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to a broader audience, gaining the exposure and connections they need to succeed.
Past participating organizations include:
- UW-Eau Claire
- Red Letter Grant
- Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation
- Small Business Development Corporation of Eau Claire
- Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Chippewa Falls Schools
- Dunn County EDC
- St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center
- UW-Stout
- Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce
- Gener8tor
- The Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce
- Startup48
- Wisconsin Technology Council
All the local business and academic organizations that participate underscore the collaborative spirit that makes Chippewa Valley an ideal place for startups to flourish.
BEAR Pitch for Angel & Venture Capitalists
Investors gain exclusive access to BEAR’s vibrant Chippewa Valley entrepreneurial ecosystem, where they are among the first to experience innovative business ideas and uncover exciting investment opportunities. In an intimate, high-energy setting, investors can connect with other investors, local businesses, and community leaders, building relationships that extend well beyond the event. BEAR offers a unique platform for discovering promising ventures and forging lasting partnerships to drive future growth. This dynamic showcase is where hidden gems emerge—ready to be the next game-changing investment in your community.
HATCH for Sponsors
HATCH offers valuable sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations that are passionate about supporting the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in the Chippewa Valley. Sponsorships play a key role in determining the size of our Grand Prize, making your contribution vital to the success of the event. Sponsors enjoy extensive recognition through pre-event, event-day, and post-event promotions, including publicity, signage, media coverage, and more, along with a prominent physical presence at the event.
In addition to the exposure from this high-profile event, sponsorship provides companies with increased visibility among top venture capitalists, investment bankers, corporate and private investors, and senior executives from emerging companies—creating long-lasting brand awareness in the startup and investment communities.
For more details, email staff@chippewa-wi.com for the current HATCH Sponsorship one-pager.
HATCH FAQ
Q: How can I apply to pitch my business idea?
A: Email us at staff@chippewa-wi.com for an application.
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: The application deadline is typically the Tuesday the week before the event. For those selected to pitch, slide decks need to be submitted by that Friday.
Q: How can I become a sponsor of this event?
A: Email us at staff@chippewa-wi.com for sponsorship details.
Q: What is the typical timeline of the event?
A: HATCH traditionally takes place on a weeknight at a local business venue. Generally, it starts with a reception and kicks off with an introduction of CEDC, our sponsors, participating community business organizations, and our judges, followed by a short keynote talk by an established local business owner. Then, the pitches take place. After each five-minute pitch, our judges can ask questions about the entrepreneur and their idea. After the last pitch, the judges go to a separate room to deliberate while the audience can vote for their favorite. When judges return, the Grand Prize winner and Audience Choice winners are announced, and photos are taken.