Local contest winners demonstrate variety of creative business ideas in New North region
NEW NORTH, Nov. 19, 2025 – Ten entrepreneurial pitch winners who advanced from local pitch competitions hosted by collaborative local partners will vie for additional prize money at a regional pitch competition hosted by New North Inc. The NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event will take place on Dec. 3 at TitletownTech in Green Bay.
The 10 participants will have a chance for broader investor attention, along with prize money of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. Regional winners also will be invited to give an update to an even wider investor/business audience during the New North Summit on June 9, 2026, at Lambeau Field.
While there is no charge to attend the NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event, registration is requested and available at https://tinyurl.com/NEWLaunchAlliancePitch2025.
“Congratulations to our 10 local winners,” says Barb LaMue, president and CEO of New North Inc. “A vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem is a vital pillar in the success of a regional economy. We look forward to showcasing these entrepreneurs and their business ideas. The local winners include cutting-edge AI-based concepts and creative food products, among others. Over the past six years, we have been excited to give them this platform.”
Fourteen local partnering organizations hosted five different pitch events during Startup Week in Wisconsin. First-place winners at the local events received $1,000 cash, while second-place finishers were given $500 each.
In all, 37 entrepreneurial pitches were made during the local qualifying events in collaboration with the local partners. These events – Accelerate Sheboygan County, Pitch Greater Geen Bay , Fast Pitch, LevelUp and Lighthouse Launch – were hosted by the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corp., Lakeland University, SBDC at UW-Green Bay, Greater Green Bay Chamber, Door County Economic Development Corp., Kewaunee County Economic Development, UW-Madison Extension Brown and Kewaunee counties, FVTC Venture Center, Oshkosh Chamber, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, UW Oshkosh SBDC, UW-Madison Extension-Outagamie & Winnebago counties, Progress Lakeshore and Envision Greater Fond du Lac.
Both the local and regional entrepreneurial pitch contests are being supported by the NEW Launch Alliance of New North Inc., along with WBD Inc. The NEW Launch Alliance was formed to support business discoveries and idea creators in Northeast Wisconsin, connecting entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, educators, accelerators and other resources. Appreciation is extended to Headway.ai, CLA and TitletownTech for application and venue support.
Details of the 10 companies that advanced are as follows:
Auvia Health, Inc., presented by Nicole Hurd: Digital health company that redefines how families receive emotional support throughout the maternity journey. Designed as a 24/7 lifeline, Auvia provides accessible care using voice-based technology, backed by science and emerging clinical data with an opted-in support network, along with guiding users toward professional care. www.empowherio.com
Backyard Acres and Bite the Farm, presented by Miranda Hottenroth: Agricultural-based business focused on providing fresh, sustainably grown products to the community, while offering a low-allergen, safe menu that is local and gluten-free, using goat dairy or no dairy. www.backyardacres.com
Dream Catcher Energies, LLC,presented by Jared Soto: EV-charging infrastructure company with goal of creating a franchised chain of EV-charging café hubs. www.dreamcatcherenergies.com
EQRx AI,presented by Arul Jayapal: AI-product that diagnoses the issues in production and prescribes the appropriate interventions to reduce expenses and factory floor performance. www.eqrx.xyz/
GRiTedu, presented by Kurt Wismer: A neuroscience-based curriculum for schools to equip students with the essential human skills of resilience, communication, self-management, mental wellness and leadership. www.rewireddynamics.com/gritedu
Re-Specht Adventure,presented by Hal Specht II: Mobile home leveling business providing structural foundational support, getting mobile homes lifted and straightened in mobile home parks and campgrounds. www.facebook.com/p/Re-Specht-Adventure-LLC-100057538925335/
Sloppy Hog BBQ,presented by Cody Krepline: Veteran-owned business that has proprietary sweet and savory BBQ seasonings, along with a gluten-free option. www.facebook.com/p/Sloppy-Hog-BBQ-LLC-100095123749416/
ASK BOLD QUESTIONS by the BOLD Marketing Agency & BOLD EVENTS, presented by Amanda Miceli: Igniting human connection through a one-of-a-kind networking card game for intentional professional gatherings and networking spaces. www.theboldmarketingagency.com/
The Chill Daddy,presented by Shane Henderson: Customizable, wall-mounted refrigerator that features an environmentally friendly R-600 refrigeration compressor and includes both 110V and 12V adaptors, making it fully portable. www.metalartofwisconsin.com/products/refrigerated-chill-daddy
The Nook Lounge and Bookstore,presented by Lily Schuette and Jessica Nicholson: Manitowoc County’s first-ever mocktail lounge, coffee shop and bookstore, which provides a variety of popular community events, including “Nook Club” book clubs, trivia and bingo nights, open-mic events and pottery painting sessions. www.thenookmanitowoc.com/
