Progress Lakeshore

Excellence in economic development awards breakfast is a celebration to recognize businesses and individuals who create a positive business climate in manitowoc county. There are 5 award categories: (1) entrepreneurial achievement award, (2) neighborhood development award, (3) corporate investment award, (4) economic accelerator of the year award, and (5) community enhancement award. This event drew approximately 150 people, and 11 awards were given out (each category had a winner and a honorable mention). Guest who attended received a program booklet summarizing all 34 nominees' story.

Our entrepreneur training program is an immersive course offered in conjunction with the Wisconsin small business development center. The eight-week sessions equip aspiring entrepreneurs to start and grow successful businesses. Participants are provided with information, tips, exercises, and tools to help evaluate their business ideas and develop their business plans. There were eight participants for this program with four of them going on to participate in our local pitch contest.

Perfect your pitch is a series of videos designed to help budding entrepreneurs nail down their elevator pitch, perfect speaking in public, and learn the basics of pitching a business idea, in preparation for participating in our annual level up pitch contest. The level up pitch contest is presented by Progress Lakeshore and regional partners. The event includes a pitch by each entrepreneur and a question-and-answer period with local judges. Winner(s) receive prize money and services. This event offers in person and live-stream viewing options.the level up pitch contest had 6 participants. Winners (first and second) went on to compete at the regional pitch event.