The Milwaukee 7: Kicks off small business growth and expansion competition

Contact: Chad Hoffman at 414-287-4156

This contest will award 10 small and medium-sized businesses in any industry the opportunity to grow and expand beyond their current market area. Businesses in operation 2+ years, with fewer than 500 employees seeking assistance to expand their sales territory outside of WI, coast to coast or internationally, qualify for the competition.  Companies with or without defined growth strategies or that are seeking to increase productivity and efficiency are encouraged to apply. 

All qualifying companies will be given the choice of a complimentary consultation with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center or SCORE, a FREE business consulting resource, regardless of the outcome of the competition.  The top 10 businesses able to demonstrate their readiness and ability to broaden their current market area, increase revenue and/or increase productivity will be selected as the winners.  The winners will be assigned a project manager who will provide technical assistance and make referrals to resources as needed.  Complimentary passes to 2 SCORE training sessions of their choice will be provided as well.

Winners will also receive 12 months of complimentary technical assistance starting in January 2017. Topics covered will include:

  • Business Plan Review & Development
  • Feasibility Plan
  • Growth Strategy Development
  • Financial and Market Assessment
  • Business Lending Packages (may include ongoing technical assistance for the duration of loan)
  • Export Growth and Planning Assistance
  • Talent Pipeline Management
  • Supply Chain Management/Logistics
  • Distribution Connections/Brokerage Services
  • Succession Planning/Exit Strategy

 

Entry Forms will be accepted through October 31, 2016 until 5 pm. A panel of business experts will review the applications and the winning companies will be announced on November 30, 2016. Entry forms are available at:  http://mke7.com/competition

The Milwaukee 7 (M7), launched in September 2005, was formed to create a regional, cooperative economic development platform for the seven counties of southeastern Wisconsin: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. Its mission is to expand and attract diverse businesses and talent. To learn more about the Milwaukee 7, visit http://mke7.com/

The Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting and targeted educational programs. For more information, please visit: https://www.wisconsinsbdc.org/   

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. To learn more about SCORE and its Southeastern Wisconsin chapter, visit http://www.scoresewisconsin.org/