Sponsored By:
When: Thursday, November 13th, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm
Where: TBD
What is LEVEL UP?
Level UP: The Manitowoc County Pitch Contest provides aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with the opportunity to present their business idea to a panel of experts with the hope of winning a cash prize.
The contest is structured to provide entrepreneurs and their business ideas with visibility to experts, including professional service firms, lenders non-profits, business leaders and investors who might assist entrepreneurs in their quest to build a successful business.
The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize ($500 for 2nd place). The winner will move on to the regional New North-New Launch Alliance Pitch Event in Green Bay on Wednesday, December 4th, and compete for 1st ($2,000) 2nd ($1,000), and 3rd ($500) prizes.
This year’s winners will also be invited to give an update at the New North Summit at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Are you interested in applying for the Level Up Pitch Contest but unsure where to start? We’re here to help! Reach out to Progress Lakeshore at 920-482-0540 or email Ann at ann@progresslakeshore.org for expert guidance on crafting the Perfect Pitch!
LEVEL UP Pitch Contest Rules
- Each pitch must be under 4 minutes. Judges will have 2 minutes for questions.
- Open to residents in the 18-County New North Region. Participants outside the New North must be willing to relocate their business to the New North.
- Applicants may only participate in one local pitch competition. Registrations for multiple locations will not be accepted.
- Contestants who won in the last 2 years are NOT eligible.
- Contestants who competed in the last 2 years but did not win ARE eligible.
- Contestant’s businesses must have less than $300,000 in capital raised and/or revenue received at the time of competition.
- Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
- The winner must be available to compete in the regional New North-New Launch Alliance pitch event on December 4th, 5:00 p.m. at TitletownTech.
- The winner and runner-up must be willing to provide a W-8 or W-9 to receive their cash prize.