Chippewa County contest to judge business ideas

Winning entrepreneur earns cash prize, moves on to next round

CHIPPEWA FALLS — Similar to the hit ABC show “Shark Tank,” entrepreneurs in Chippewa County will make their pitch to judges for creative and fresh business ideas in hopes of winning money.

The Chippewa County Economic Development Corp. is hosting “Hatch” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Chippewa River Distillery, 402 W. River St., where six or seven entrepreneurs will present their case on their business ideas. The winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize and move on to another round, where they could win an additional $5,000.

Charlie Walker, CCEDC executive director, is excited about the first-ever program.

“This is exciting. It’s a great opportunity. And it’s just fun. There won’t be an immediate investment like (’Shark Tank’), but we’re teaching our entrepreneurs to make their pitch and secure investors,” Walker said. “They can put that money into marketing, or their website, or whatever to help grow their idea.”

Walker said four entrepreneurs are locked in for slots at the event. He plans to cap it at six or seven pitches. Each entrepreneur will have five minutes to speak to the judges and audience about their business idea.

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