MADISON – Wisconsin Business World, a program of WMC Foundation, again partnered with Kwik Trip to announce the winners of the twice-annual Kwik Trip Innovation Competition. This statewide business-focused contest tasked 6th-12th grade students with creating and presenting a marketing plan for a new product to be sold in Kwik Trip stores.
The winners of the Spring 2025 Innovation Competition:
Molly A. and Ava R. – Holmen High School
Nemanja P. – J.I. Case High School
Nathan S. – West Bend West High School
“This contest very tangibly demonstrates the practicality and fun of innovation,” said Senior Director of Wisconsin Business World Michelle Grajkowski. “Students, who are often frequent customers of their local Kwik Trip, get to put their problem-solving and creative minds to the test to create a product or service that would elevate their experience. We are always amazed at the breadth of ideas. Thank you to each of the participants, and congratulations to the winners!”
La Crosse-headquartered Kwik Trip is a leader in vertical-integration, operating its own bakery, dairy, food-safety labs, distribution center, transportation company, and more. This gave students an opportunity to create a wide array of products for the contest. The three winning entries included the Mix’N Match candy dispenser, KwikNaps stations, and a statewide school sponsorship program. Each entry included a presentation on the product and a marketing strategy identifying a target audience and explaining how the product would increase consumer sales.
“A cornerstone of many successful businesses is continual improvement, and you need innovative and creative thinkers to drive that improvement. Our partnership with Wisconsin Business World encourages students to utilize their creativity for the betterment of their communities,” shared Kwik Trip Government Relations Manager Carl Rick. “Congratulations to the winners; these projects are each unique and impressive!”
The contest was open to Wisconsin students in grades 6-12. All projects were submitted between January 2025 – June 2025. The winners each received a $500 cash prize.
Wisconsin Business World – a program of WMC Foundation – educates students on business, entrepreneurism and the free market through its statewide competitions, Summer Camps, one-day programs, online curriculum and classroom presentations. The Business World message is simple: Business is a Force for Good.
More information about Wisconsin Business World and its programs can be found at www.wmcfoundation.org/wisconsin-business-world/.
